Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality

Deacon Harold is a force to be reckoned with when he speaks, and now he adds this book! This grand tour of male spirituality is deeper and wider than anything I am aware of. He integrates a vast array of Scriptures, Church documents, and the human experience. He includes all men, single or married, which is refreshing!The heartbeat of the book includes four things: 1) the covenant relationship with the Trinity, especially illumined by the spousal analogy, 2) the Cross as our model for suffering and living, 3) the work of men which is “to till” (Hebrew: *abad*), i.e., to serve; and “to keep” (Hebrew: *shamar*), i.e., to guard, protect, and defend, and 4) the Eucharist as the source and summit of male spirituality.Here is one sample regarding the Cross: “The Cross is the hermeneutic of male spirituality. It is only when we begin to understand the gift of vulnerability lived from the Cross that we will know what it means to be a man of God” (loc 299).This book is part Catechism, part kick-in-the-pants old and new evangelization, and part apologetics, but all of it will challenge you to know yourself (or your spouse) better and to grow in your knowing, loving, and serving God more! If you accept the challenge, the ripple effects will be felt by your friends, families, Church, and even in the culture.Certainly required reading for every Catholic man—especially those who lead, including seminarians, priests, and bishops!

Deacon Harold is a solid, tell-it-like-it is--- Catholic writer and deacon, who touches minds and hearts with the power of his words---- because he speaks the truth of the Gospels! Women: buy this book for the man in your life this Christmas! Strong Catholic men build strong Catholic families!

Deacon Harold doesn't hold back, he tells it like it is and that's the way it should be. I feel women could benefit from reading this also. With the way our world is going, we need to take his advice on everything he talks about. Stop being afraid and be the man you should be. Read this book, then read it again. We need this in our world.

I purchased this book in March of this year, but didn't read it until Monday (Labor Day). Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. This book is a great reference for men of Faith, not just Catholics. Deacon Harold is a no-nonsense writer with extensive references to back up what he writes. The book is a spiritual manual for men who are single, husbands and fathers. It pulls no punches and provides the guidance needed in a logical, common sense way. I recommend it for all men (and women) who desire to strengthen their relationship with GOD, their wives and children.

In this day and age where men are looking, searching and wanting something better, Deacon Harold guides men to Christ in this must read masculine spirituality book. I will definitely be using this book in our men's group. I found this book to be powerful, thought provoking, motivating and uplifting. This is a great book for all men. Whether they are involved in their Church, coming back to the faith or considering becoming Catholic, Deacon Harold gives us an example of how to and what a Catholic man should be.

Deacon Harold brings home the fact that we as man, particularly Catholic men, have bought into today's cultural belief that our place is to be laid back and let "George", or better yet, let Mary lead. He effectively points out that using the guidance God has given us in Scripture and the teachings of the Church just the opposite is true. We men need to grow up, learn and practice what we are meant to be. Not dictators, but leaders.

This a great book for any Catholic man to strengthen and reaffirm his faith and to become reenergized to live as Christ wants us to live. It emboldened me to be a better example for my kids and an example to those around me whether at work, church, or in the world. Thank you Deacon Harold and God bless you and your ministry.

Incredibly effective antidote to the Culture of Death in our country. Very, very well done.