Like the revving of an engine, on a racetrack, I started the first chapter of Paul Coughlin's "No More Christian Nice Guy", and flew through four chapters. Man, that was a rush. Not everyone may agree about what this guy says, but I loved every single word. It has the same thinking of "Wild at Heart", but on a completely different level. I saw an advertisement in an old magazine called "Discipleship Journal" that some friends gave to us. I decided to see if the local library had a copy, and they did. Bingo.
What can I say about this book? It's good. There are so many good quotes, and insights about Jesus as a human being and also a man. The classic cultural image of Jesus as the "Supreme Nice Guy", was completely torn to shreds. In my minds eye, Paul illustrates a battle between the authentic Jesus who was masculine and assertive, and an effeminate weak Jesus who is always nice and never real. This is not to say that Paul suggests that Jesus wasn't gentle but "being tender goes right along with being tough". As I read this book, other thoughts started to form in my mind, for instance, Jesus had balls...literally. Jesus with facial hair, muscles, and a deeper voice starts to emerge. It's awesome.
There's one chapter in particular where Paul shares his childhood days, and I don't think I've ever read something so transparent. I cried when I read some of what he's walked through, and I think most men can connect with him at some point, whether their stories are exactly the same or not. He does a nice job of balancing things out and explaining the difference between being passive, aggressive, and assertive. Also, he is recommending that men be themselves, "not macho idiots."
I could go on and on about it, but I was greatly encouraged after I read this book. I heartily recommend it to men especially, but also to women, who can understand how their role is crucial in this world too. Grab a copy, and hold on tight.
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