This week I’m giving away three copies of Eric Metaxas‘ book, Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness. Eric is the author of New York Times #1 bestseller Bonhoeffer. He is currently the voice of BreakPoint, heard across 1,400 radio outlets by an audience of 8 million. He lives in New York with his wife and daughter.
I recently had the opportunity to ask Eric a few questions about his new book:
Margaret: For readers who aren’t familiar with your book, what is main idea?
Eric: We’re having a crisis of manhood in the culture. I get into that in the book’s introduction and explain that in the last forty years or so we’ve denigrated the idea of heroes, focusing mainly on the negative attributes of notable men from history. George Washington is the classic example. And we have simultaneously avoided talking about the idea of what a man is, because I think we’ve gotten seriously confused about that. As a result, we’ve sent confusing messages to young men in particular and I think this has had some deeply negative consequences.
We all need heroes and role models to inspire us, but I think young men need that especially and we’ve offered them almost nothing positive. Our culture is filled with narcissistic celebrities and showboating, chest-thumping macho athletes. These are all immature boys in the bodies of men, and they’re hardly God’s idea of heroic manhood. You only have to think of Donald Trump, Charlie Sheen, Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, and Dennis Rodman to get really depressed. So the seven brief biographical sketches are my shot at the beginning of a solution. I would say that the seven men of the book represent what I would consider God’s idea of what a great man’s life looks like. There are so many others, obviously, but this is my own subjective list.
Margaret: What were the biggest challenges or struggles during the writing process?
Eric: Writing is almost always a real challenge for me. In this case the sheer volume of books out there on each of these seven men made it hard to stop researching and hard to know what material to put in and what to leave out. It could be endless. I wanted to tell the stories of each of these men’s whole lives in twenty-five pages each. So that was just time-consuming and a lot harder than I thought it would be. For the first time in my life I reached out to friends for help on the research with some of them. That was itself humbling for me, because I did every tiny bit of research for my Wilberforce and Bonhoeffer books myself and have never had any kind of help. But this book forced me to reach out and ask for help and I’m so glad that I did. I’d probably still be researching and writing if I hadn’t.
Margaret: Which of the seven men explored in your book was the most interesting to research?
Eric: It sounds like a cop-out and a cliche, but each of them fascinated me in different ways. I think it’s important to say that I didn’t want to suggest that all men need to be the same. There are many kinds of people in the world and God has made all of us different, and that’s quite intentional on his part. So I’ve got a whole range of types among the seven, from athletes to politicians, from family men to celibate singles. George Washington was physically powerful and huge, while William Wilberforce was physically quite small. Eric Liddell and Jackie Robinson and John Paul II and Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Chuck Colson are all great in different ways.
But all seven of these men possess tremendous character and virtue. There is a nobility and a heroic quality to all of them that is profoundly important. As the father of a daughter whom I love beyond words, I am extremely interested in what kind of men we are raising in the culture and I’d like the men who are out there in the world to know the stories of these seven great men, because I think if you encounter them you cannot help but be inspired by them and want to be like them. And of course, if the book sells well, my book proposal is all set for Seven Women. Get ready.
Check out the book trailer for Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness:
(RSS Subscribers, click here to view.)
To win one of the THREE COPIES of Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness, enter a comment on the original blog post at MargaretFeinberg.com. Winners will be selected and announced on Friday.
Congratulations to the winners: Paul Knight, Amanda Hoggard, Bob
Who is one person in history, whom you would like to meet? What questions would you ask them?
I couldn’t agree more with Eric’s opening statement. Yes, we certainly “have a crisis of manhood in the culture.” I am looking forward to reading this book and passing it on to the “20 something” males that I mentor. Let’s give them something to shoot for – character, virtue, nobility, heroic qualities. Another short note: There have been conferences for men (i.e. Promise Keepers) in the past. I am wondering if there are any geared towards teenage and young adult men.
Love the work of Eric Metaxas. He is quickly becoming a very important voice in our nation. Also gave a phenomenal speech at the national prayer breakfast. Looking forward to this book.
I love to read the history of great men and women and the story behind it all. If I could meet one person from history that is great it would be, Rosa Parks. I want to ask her how it felt to take a stand!!
I am super excited about this giveaway! My husband and I just returned from the North American Christian Convention, where Eric spoke at a workshop my husband attended. As a leader of many men in our community, he is always searching for those men who lead well because they follow well. There are many who give their opinions and seem to present as having all the right answers, but Eric’s approach is such a rare combination of intelligence and humility. Getting this book would be a great surprise for my husband (and since our 23rd anniversary is at the end of the month and I haven’t figured out what to get him….). Thanks for sharing, Margaret (and Eric)!
This book sounds fantastic. I have a young teen son, so am daily concerned about healthy role models for him. I would want to meet
I hope to an old man someday respected by the folks around me.
I truly respect the work of Eric Metaxes and am excited to read this work!
The men at my church over the last year have made a determined effort to seek God and become the men He created them to be. As they are beginning to walk out their faith, this book would be an encouragement to them to press on and continue to run the race as others have done and as those who are watching them, they will be inspired to do so as well.
I am excited to read this book. I’m beginning to put together a mentoring program in our community in association with our church. I have a passion and calling to work with fatherless boys in our area. I’ve been going through some other books and feel this book could teach me how some of the great men in history have modeled what it means to be a man.
I would like to meet Narcissa Whitman, who was one of the first white women to cross the Continental Divide along with Eliza Spalding. I would just want to sit next to her and hear her story about her desire to be a missionary, the hazards and delights of the trip, losing her daughter, providing hospitality to the travelers on the Oregon Trail, adopting the Sager children…..
Presently we are beset with a genre of men, called The Abuser or The Big Bad Wolf, which can discourage and threatens to usurp those of us men who aspire simply to be GOOD men. I’ll be interested to read what Eric Metaxas is offering as an antidote.
Thanks for your interview with Mr. Metaxas. If I could meet anyone in history, I would like to meet Rev. Billy Graham. After reading a couple of his books and his autobiography, it would be fascinating to sit down and listen to his experiences with his crusades, what it was like to minister to nine presidents and what advise he would give parents. He has lead a fascinating life and one focused solely on God and teaching the Word.
I would love to go through this book with my son! I read Bonhoeffer, and really enjoyed Eric’s writing.
I have read Bonhoeffer listened to Mr Metaxas’ national prayer breakfast speech and even used it as one of my speeches in speech class. I would like to read this book I follow and read a lot of his writings he post on BreakPoint web site.
As a chaplain to a Marine infantry battalion, I minister to men. I’d like to read the book for application points for becoming men who make a positive difference in their families, in the Corps and in society in general.
Also, as a writer, I am interested in reading good writing and Eric Metaxas is one of the best. I liked reading his comments about his writing process. Knowing that as good a writer as Metaxas is, yet he was humble enough to ask for help in the process of this book is encouraging.
I would love to give this book to my son-in-law. Would be a great tool for raising 3 sons and 2 daughters.
I always am amazed how God provides! Will read this hopefully and begin to pass it on to others. It is of little pact unless it is shared
I would really like to meet Hudson Taylor, the first missionary to China. I read Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret and was amazed at his response to God’s call on his life.
Raising two sons in today’s world is challenge. There are not too many men in the world that young men can look to for inspiration but I love the idea of looking through history to see the common thread that makes people great. My teenage son and I have recently starting reading books like this together and recently finished Fearless by Eric Blehm. Would love to have another to read through with him!
I would love to win this book. I’ve been waiting for it to come to our library so my son and I can go thru it together. He’s 14 and since he was about 2 we’ve read books at bedtime together (it’s pretty much hit and miss lately due to a limited selection of books that we have access to) and I’ve heard so much about this book that it sounds like a great one to read with him. Thanks for making this opportunity available for us 🙂
I, too, am very excited to read this book. But, I’m even more excited for my husband to read it. He is a huge fan of Metaxas and his work. Thank you for this great give-away!!
O how refreshing and encouraged to hear about this book, I will definitely read. TV shows, news articles, and some movements show such disrespect for the man. I know this does not please God. Thank you Eric for stepping out and writing this and Margaret for promoting this.
I read Bonhoeffer by Metaxas and was thoroughly engrossed in the careful and complete history. I am looking forward to reading this one soon.
In this day and time we all need heros to inspire us and that can cause us to have an impact in our families and communities!
I have four nephews and two grandnephews. I agree that there is a sad shortage of true heroes. Two names came to mind, though they reflect more current history (is that an oxymoron?): Dallas Willard and Nelson Mandela. Both were quiet men of courage. Both overcame, and both retained a quiet dignity of faith, hope and love.
Thanks for the book; we all need it.
Absolutely loved Eric’s book on Bonhoeffer and eventually plan to read 7 men as well. If I could meet anyone in history it would be the apostle Paul. As a seminary student I recognize how much of Christian Theology takes wide swings based on how we interpret Paul’s letters to the churches. I would want to ask him so many questions to better understand his writings and also just to hear his story.
I have read Eric’s biographiea of Wilberforce and Bonhoeffer and both were terrific. Looking forward to reading 7 Men. It looks like it will be terrific.
Thank you for sharing this interview. I’ve seen this book advertised and was wondering about it.
Definitely on my to read list! 😀
Have a lovely week-end.
Those.with “daddy wounds” suffer greatly & tend to “pass it on”. I applaud your willingness to get into the trenches with them. May God be glorified as He works in & through you.
Thank you for offering your prophetic & literary gifts to God & His kingdom. Praying for your & your family to continue walking in the strength & joy of our precious Savior, Jesus Christ.
We need the encouragement of seeing the faithfulness of God in the lives of others.
I would love to meet Martin Luther King. I would ask him how he kept his cool.under so.much pressure and opposition.
This is such a needful and timely book. Character, nobility, virtue and yes, heroic! Being critical and cynical seems to come too easy to us all.
Even Jesus is all but washed out faded jeans today.
May this book turn many inside out and headed the right way afresh! Looking forward to the women one!
I would love to have dinner with Jesus, that’s the easy one! Outside of him, I would love to meet with Martin Luther. The ability to discuss with him the beginning of the reformation and the incredible amount of passion it took to stand up to the established form of religion, WOW! We could talk about this for days!
Yes!! I am on #teamweneedyouman!! God bless, Eric!!
Hi,
I have’nt read any of Eric’s books…..probably would have overlooked this one too but the title and excerpts of the interview caught my attention. .
I believe that my husband would enjoy this book as he is struggling to be a good role model to our 3 kids especially our youngest son :-). ……
It was only yesterday that I caught him getting dressed to go out and get a toy bus for Nathan as he was pestering him for one…… his response – I don’t want my son growing up hating me because I havent got him what he wants:-)….
Just realised the depths of insecurity he experiences as a father then.
..
Sounds like a great book that I’d love to read. Thanks for offering it. 🙂
Sounds like a great book and a great author.
I saw Eric at one of his Bonhoeffer conferences and it was wonderful. Besides Jesus, I would like to meet Abraham Lincoln. His life has always fascinated me.
I read his Bonhoeffer bio and loved it. Would love to win a copy of this book and give it to my son.
It’s apparent boys do not have role models to help in becoming men. The men in this book need to be studied by everyone. I can’t wait to get started reading this book.
I loved reading Bonhoeffer. Looking forward to reading this book. Personally, I’d love to meet George Mueller. I love how his faith played out in daily dependence on the Lord to meet all his needs.
I have a great man in my life: my husband, John. He meets with people tirelessly to counsel them through their struggles. He helped my daughter and son-in-law gut and rebuild their home. He spends time with our other two girls helping them develop their unique “bent” and preparing them to lead strong independent lives. But most of all, he has been Jesus with skin on to me – forgiving me, having grace for me, loving and encouraging me to be all I can be. I couldn’t ask for a better man in my life!
I so enjoy Eric’s work and listen to Breakpoint as often as I can. Would love to win the book.
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the interview!
Love Eric’s books! Glad I got to meet him at CPAC. I would love to meet King Solomon and ask him if there was anything he wished he did not know. He seemed a little sad at times with all that knowledge in the Bible.
I’ve long been concerned over the apparent disdain of men that has been growing in this country over the past few decades. I don’t know if we need “heros” per se, but we do need men who care more about the state of the world, the upbringing of their children, and what part they can play in shaping society rather than what scent they’ll use during their metrosexual spa day. Sometimes I wonder if men know how to be men anymore.
I would love to read Eric’s book – and will – but if I should win, please donate my copy to Greg Woodard (the Marine Chaplain who commented above). Thanks! Semper Fi!
PS: I’d like to meet CS Lewis. I might not even say anything after “hello” but just let him expound … bliss!
Such a great sounding read! There is definitely a crisis going on in our society and I see the struggles my own husband faces and the road ahead as he seeks to serve as a Godly example to our son. This book seems to stand out from the crowd and go against the flow. In regards to history, I’d love to meet and sit down with C.S. Lewis. The beautiful words represented in his works speak to a God that becomes real to us in everything we do. Narnia is one of my favorite books series of all time and I’d love to just engage more on the true depth of it all.
Eric Metaxas is doing great, great work in a culture devoid of greatness, increasingly devoid of manliness — we hardly recognize the concepts anymore.
This looks like an amazing book!! I love how the Lord revealed Himself to Eric. On another note, I think that CS Lewis would be a wonderful brother in Christ to meet. I’d love to talk with him about the Chronicles of Narnia as well as understanding standing firm in the faith in the midst of suffering.
Would LOVE to win a copy!
Could really learn alot from this book! Would love to win a copy!!
Would love to win a copy. Wouldn’t it be awesome to meet Corrie ten Boom?
I have never read his books before and in fact, didn’t know anything about him, but after reading the article about how he accepted Jesus and how he held the Golden Fish in a dream…. I am very intrigued. His story is a fascinating one!
My husband is a pastor and a high school history teacher. He’s finishing “Bonhoeffer” currently and cannot wait to get his hands on this book. We are working together to help lead young people toward Godly lives of femininity and masculinity in a very confusing world. Ooo! Pick us, pick us!
Thank you for your generosity. May God bless your ministry.
I heard Eric interviewed 2 or 3 times so ordered a book for my son and son-in-law right away but I didn’t get to read it.
I most admired Isabel Kuhn. I’d ask her what she missed most about “home” while she served in China.
oh wow! just read your article and saw the trailer for the book! i became convicted as i have 4 boys. This past 4th of July i was thinking about my father, a marine & Vietnam veteran and how manhood and fathering has become dimmer. i was thinking about how i don’t know many men who are strong is the sense of being or becoming a man. Motives are different. Priorities are misplaced. I am not sure why. what is different? what has changed?
My Son just celebrated one month in his walk with His LORD on the 13th. Sure would like to share this most interesting book with him. Pray for his walk on his road to Emmaus; thank you.
Coram Deo.
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