The Standard: Discovering Jesus as the Standard for Masculinity
About halfway through this book, it became obvious that it wasn’t a traditional book. I think this is a book clearly designed for a Bible study group.
(I don’t remember where I got the book, honestly. I might have picked it up at church somewhere.)
Either that, or it’s a promotional tool. It’s published by an organization called Standard 59 (no idea what that means), which appears to be a Christian men’s ministry. I assume this is the book that lays out the basic tenets and theme of the organization.
It’s not a bad book, but, again, I think it’s meant to be read in a group, and studied together. The chapters are very short with lots of headings, and there’s a “coaching” section at the end with some life application stuff.
It’s divided up into six major sections, representing the quality of manhood that Jesus demonstrated.
- Self-Mastery
- Leadership
- Communication
- Empathy
- Confrontation
- Love
Each chapter then breaks down into individual lessons to prove that particular point. For example, some of the sections under Leadership:
- Jesus is a servant leader
- Jesus is a teacher
- Jesus is a coach
- Jesus responds to questions with questions
Each of of those is well-supported with parables and verses.
I admit to skimming some of this. Given how short and study-oriented the book seems to be, it was hard to get into any narrative. It feels like more of a daily devotion thing.
Book Info
- I have read this book. According to my records, I completed it on .
- A hardcover copy of this book is currently in my home library.