When Poets Were Warriors - by Casey B Hough (Paperback)

About the Book

This book serves to rebalance our vision of masculinity by pointing to Jesus's incarnate example as one who can weep as He goes to war with evil, who can welcome humble children while warning proud hypocrites. We need a vision of masculinity that will not stumble over the real Jesus, but instead will be shaped by him.

Book Synopsis

Almost every Christian man wants others to think of them as a "man's man," a "real man." Yet, most of the time, these same men would be hard-pressed to provide a clear, compelling, and biblically rooted definition for what it means to be a man. Between the toxic masculinity and gender confusion of our day, the Christian church needs to retrieve a balanced vision of what it means to be a man.

Instead of allowing cultural stereotypes to form our vision of masculinity, we need to return to the emotionally complex and paradoxically challenging example of Jesus' own life and teaching. As the last Adam, the true Son of Abraham, Son of David, Jesus demonstrates how to live in conformity to God's will as a man as He calls us to follow Him.

When Poets Were Warriors studies the person and work of Jesus as an example of what it means to be a Christian man. Casey knows that Jesus is more than an example of masculinity, though he is not less. He wants readers to walk away from his book not only with a greater understanding of what it means to be a man, but also with a greater love for Jesus Christ. After all, Jesus provides the greatest example of what it means to be a man while doing what only he could do: redeeming others from sin through His life, death, and resurrection.

Review Quotes

"Few issues have suffered as much in our present culture of confusion as masculinity. Both inside and outside of the church, men are struggling to grasp a vision of what it means to be a man. Casey Hough has faithfully stepped into the gap and provided just such a vision. When Poets Were Warriors offers an accessible but robust treatment of masculinity rooted in Scripture and focused on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hough's work is now my go-to resource on the topic."
Dustin Bruce, Ph.D., Dean of Boyce: The College at Southern, Associate Professor of Christian Theology and Church History.

"When Poets Were Warriors is a refreshing and deeply biblical exploration of masculinity, challenging modern stereotypes while calling men to embody both strength and tenderness. Casey Hough masterfully weaves Scripture, personal reflection, and theological insight to present a compelling vision of manhood modeled after Christ--the ultimate warrior-poet. This book is both convicting and encouraging, urging men to live with courage, compassion, and Christlike integrity. Whether you're seeking to understand biblical masculinity or grow as a godly man, When Poets Were Warriors is a must-read that will inspire and equip you for a life of faithful leadership."
Andrew T. Walker, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

"Sin corrupts all things, including masculinity. The gravitational pull of sin may draw men towards passivity and weakness or cause them to stumble into toxic expressions of stoicism and machismo. How can Christian men avoid the dangers on both sides of the path? Casey Hough encourages us to avoid the pitfalls of cultural stereotypes by looking to Christ, the perfect man, as our example. When Poets Were Warriors offers men a biblical, Christ-centered alternative to the poor examples of manhood perpetuated by both mainstream media and social media meatheads."
Cory Barnes, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Dean of Graduate Studies, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

"Today young men are looking for models of masculinity in a world that has offered mixed messages. This book is a helpful, biblical, wise roadmap for fully living out what it means to be a man. Casey Hough presents a more compelling vision of biblical masculinity than the cheap and degrading substitutes elsewhere. You'll want to get this book for the men in your life."
Daniel Darling, Director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Seminary and author of several books, including, Agents of Grace and The Dignity Revolution.

About the Author

Casey B. Hough (PhD, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) currently serves as Director of Partnerships and Curriculum at World Hope Ministries International and Assistant Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Luther Rice College & Seminary. Before moving to World Hope, Casey served in pastoral ministry for 16 years. He and his wife, Hannah, have five children and live in Houston, TX.