Fathered by God

What's "Fathered by God" about?

• Masculine Journey: "Fathered by God" by John Eldredge explores the stages of a man's life, from boyhood to sage, and how each stage contributes to becoming a mature man.
• Spiritual Initiation: The book emphasizes the spiritual aspect of masculine initiation, suggesting that God is actively involved in guiding men through these stages.
• Fatherhood and Mentorship: Eldredge discusses the importance of having a father or mentor to guide men through their journey, highlighting the lack of father figures in modern society.
• Restoration and Healing: The book also addresses the wounds men carry from their past and how they can find healing and restoration through their relationship with God.

Why should I read "Fathered by God"?

• Understanding Masculinity: It provides a framework for understanding the stages of masculine development and the challenges and lessons each stage presents.
• Spiritual Growth: The book offers insights into how God fathers men through life's journey, encouraging spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God.
• Healing Past Wounds: Eldredge addresses the wounds men often carry from their past, offering guidance on how to find healing and restoration.
• Practical Guidance: It includes practical advice and stories that illustrate how men can navigate their journey and become the men they were meant to be.

What are the key takeaways of "Fathered by God"?

• Stages of Masculinity: The book outlines six stages of a man's life: Boyhood, Cowboy, Warrior, Lover, King, and Sage, each with its own lessons and challenges.
• Role of God as Father: Eldredge emphasizes that God is actively involved in fathering men, guiding them through each stage of their journey.
• Healing and Restoration: The book highlights the importance of addressing past wounds and finding healing through a relationship with God.
• Intentional Living: Men are encouraged to be intentional about their journey, seeking out experiences and mentors that will help them grow and mature.

What are the six stages of a man's life according to "Fathered by God"?

• Boyhood: A time of being the beloved son, where a boy learns he is prized and safe.
• Cowboy: A stage of adventure and hard work, where a young man learns to test his strength and abilities.
• Warrior: A time for fighting for what is right, developing discipline, and learning to overcome passivity.
• Lover: The awakening of the heart to beauty and love, both in God and in relationships with others.
• King: A stage of ruling and leading with integrity, using power for the benefit of others.
• Sage: The final stage, where a man offers wisdom and guidance to others, drawing from a lifetime of experience.

How does John Eldredge describe God's role in a man's journey in "Fathered by God"?

• Active Fathering: Eldredge describes God as an active Father who is deeply involved in guiding men through each stage of their journey.
• Initiation and Guidance: God initiates men into true masculinity, providing experiences and challenges that help them grow and mature.
• Healing and Restoration: God offers healing for past wounds, helping men to overcome their fears and insecurities.
• Intimacy and Relationship: The book emphasizes the importance of developing a close, intimate relationship with God as a central part of the masculine journey.

What is the significance of the "Warrior" stage in "Fathered by God"?

• Fighting for Good: The Warrior stage is about learning to fight for what is right and just, developing a sense of purpose and mission.
• Overcoming Passivity: Eldredge emphasizes the need for men to overcome passivity and engage actively in the battles of life.
• Discipline and Strength: This stage involves developing discipline and inner strength, learning to persevere through challenges.
• Spiritual Warfare: The Warrior stage also includes learning to engage in spiritual warfare, resisting the enemy and standing firm in faith.

How does "Fathered by God" address the wounds men carry from their past?

• Acknowledging Wounds: Eldredge encourages men to acknowledge the wounds they carry from their past, often stemming from fatherlessness or unmet needs.
• Healing through God: The book offers guidance on finding healing and restoration through a relationship with God, who acts as a true Father.
• Overcoming Lies: Men are encouraged to overcome the lies they have believed about themselves and their worth, replacing them with God's truth.
• Restoration of Identity: The healing process involves restoring a man's true identity as a beloved son of God, freeing him to live fully.

What role does adventure play in the "Cowboy" stage of "Fathered by God"?

• Testing Strength: Adventure is crucial in the Cowboy stage as it allows young men to test their strength and abilities in real-world situations.
• Building Confidence: Through adventure, young men build confidence and learn that they have what it takes to face challenges.
• Learning through Experience: Eldredge emphasizes that men learn best through experience, and adventure provides the perfect context for growth.
• Spiritual Lessons: Adventure also offers spiritual lessons, teaching men to rely on God and trust in His guidance.

How does "Fathered by God" suggest men can become better lovers?

• Awakening the Heart: The Lover stage involves awakening a man's heart to beauty and love, both in God and in relationships with others.
• Beyond Reason: Eldredge encourages men to move beyond mere reason and analysis, embracing the poetic and emotional aspects of life.
• Romance with God: Developing a romance with God is central to becoming a better lover, as it deepens a man's capacity for love and intimacy.
• Loving Others Well: The book emphasizes the importance of loving others well, offering strength and protection rather than seeking validation.

What is the "King" stage about in "Fathered by God"?

• Ruling with Integrity: The King stage is about ruling and leading with integrity, using power and influence for the benefit of others.
• Servant Leadership: Eldredge emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, putting the needs of others before one's own.
• Order and Protection: A good king brings order and protection to his realm, ensuring the well-being of those under his care.
• Yielded to God: The heart of a true king is yielded to God, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all decisions.

How does "Fathered by God" define the role of a "Sage"?

• Wisdom and Experience: The Sage stage is characterized by wisdom and experience, offering guidance and counsel to others.
• Mentorship: Sages act as mentors, sharing their knowledge and insights with younger men who are still on their journey.
• Presence and Compassion: A true sage offers a gift of presence, marked by humility and compassion, drawing others closer to God.
• Continued Growth: Eldredge emphasizes that the journey doesn't end with the Sage stage; there is always more to learn and offer.

What are the best quotes from "Fathered by God" and what do they mean?

• "Masculinity is bestowed." This quote emphasizes that a boy learns who he is and what he's made of from a man, highlighting the importance of fatherhood and mentorship.
• "The LORD is a warrior." Eldredge uses this biblical reference to illustrate that God is a warrior, and men are made in His image, called to fight for what is right.
• "Romance is the deepest thing in life." This quote underscores the importance of the Lover stage, where men learn to embrace beauty and love, both in God and in relationships.
• "The whole creation groans for the revealing of the sons of God." Eldredge uses this scripture to convey that men are meant to rule and bring order to the world, fulfilling their destiny as kings.