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7 Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness

(7 Biographies)

Eric Metaxas (Goodreads Author)

4.22 · Rating details · 4,266 ratings · 521 reviews

In Seven Men, New York Times best-selling author Eric Metaxas presents seven exquisitely crafted short portraits of widely known—but not well understood—Christian men, each of whom uniquely showcases a commitment to live by certain virtues in the truth of the gospel.

Written in a beautiful and engaging style, Seven Men addresses what it means (or should mean) to be a man ...more

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Hardcover, 240 pages

Published April 29th 2013 by Thomas Nelson

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Feb 28, 2013 Eric rated it really liked it

Seven Men by Eric Metaxas

A great book that makes multiple points about a few heroic Christian men that lived unselfish lives or had moments of unselfishness, risking much for the great benefit of many. The seven short biographies are written with great depth and make this book a fascinating read. I read parts on my own and my wife read parts to me while I was driving and we both greatly enjoyed it.

George Washington - gave up being a king or at least greatly idolized leader for the sake of the ...more

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May 08, 2013 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: inspiring-people, 2016-reads, library-book, walk-of-faith, history, non-fiction

Age Appropriate For: All Ages
Best for Ages: 15 and up

Alicia Willis recommended this book to me a while back, and I have wanted to read it ever since. She and I share a passion for our faith and history, and she knew this book was something I would love.

Metaxas picked some well-known and some not well known people in this book, but each of them were chosen for their faith. While I have read books on George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, others - Jackie ...more

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Mar 07, 2013 Alicia Willis rated it it was amazing

Eric Metaxas has done it again! This book is wonderfully written, inspiring, and educational. I loved the stories of each of the seven men depicted, particularly as they all came from very different backgrounds and heritages. The lives of Washington, Wilberforce, Liddell, Bonhoeffer, Robinson, Pope John Paul II, and Colson are presented, offering a inspirational, yet brief look into their histories.

For those of you who read Amazing Grace and Bonhoeffer, Metaxas does cover Wilberforce and ...more

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May 17, 2017 Matthew Huff rated it it was amazing

Excellent. Metaxas is such a great writer, and this collection of biographies was engaging and exciting. I certainly recommend for a quick, yet robust read.

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Sep 03, 2013 Jimmy rated it it was amazing

Metaxas calls the reader to explore the definition of manhood. The subject of manhood is explored from the Bible's perspective and contrasted with our society's definition of manhood.

The book calls to attention two definitions of manhood (both of which are incorrect). The "macho" man is the first one discussed and it is soon realized that a man who is all talk, and strong enough to push you around is not really a man but a bully.

The next definition is the emasculated man. This man has had his Metaxas calls the reader to explore the definition of manhood. The subject of manhood is explored from the Bible's perspective and contrasted with our society's definition of manhood.

The book calls to attention two definitions of manhood (both of which are incorrect). The "macho" man is the first one discussed and it is soon realized that a man who is all talk, and strong enough to push you around is not really a man but a bully.

The next definition is the emasculated man. This man has had his manhood stripped away. He is not tough. He is not a provider or a protector. He has had his courage and bravery ripped from him.

A great man is one who is tough when he needs to be tough and gentle when he needs to be gentle. He is stern, compassionate, and kind. He has drive, boldness, passion and confidence. He is a leader.

Metaxas introduces the idea that in today's society there are not many men who have a lifestyle worth emulating. Too many men today are corrupt, selfish, they worship themselves, they seek their own fame and glory. They have no idea what it means to sacrifice. By their definition, they have twisted what it means to be great.

The book tells us that Jesus gives us the definition of what it means to be great. Jesus said that if anyone would be great; he would need to serve others.

Seven gives us seven men who were by no means perfect but they had qualities worth imitating. These men had values, stood by their word, made a difference in the lives of others, they had courage when it was hard, they did not give up when times were most difficult. These seven men share qualities that we could share with our own sons and show them what it looks like to be a man.

The reader is drawn into relationship with George Washington, William Wilberforce and Jackie Robinson just to name a few. We see areas of weakness and strength. We see men of integrity and honor. We see men who did not tapout when things looked grim.

Seven is a great book. Metaxas does a wonderful job at carefully crafting the words so that they draw you in and you feel like you are part of these men's lives.

This is book is for men, women and children. This book is a calling for us to grab the real meaning of manhood and teach it to our children and show them how to teach it to their children. ...more

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May 08, 2018 Matt rated it it was ok · review of another edition

A seven CD audiobook that biographically details the lives of 7 men and their faith in God. Including: George Washington, Jackie Robinson, Chuck Colson, Pope John Paul 2 and 3 others. If this were a book I would not have been able to finish it. Not a favorite.

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Nov 06, 2017 Sharon Barrow Wilfong rated it it was amazing

The only problem I have with this book is that each biography is brief enough to have me looking through Metaxas' bibliography to read more about his subjects.

Not that Metaxas does an incomplete job writing about these great men but because he whets your appetite.

These men are probably not going to be considered the greatest men by many and maybe some of them shouldn't but I appreciated the author's reasons for including them.

While Mr. Metaxas honestly shows the foibles of each man he shows that ...more

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Aug 23, 2016 Amy rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: and-a-half, what-might-have-been, faith, audio, bio

1.5 stars

I don't get it. I should have loved this book. I thoroughly enjoyed Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness. Maybe it was the audio book format?

I picked up Seven Men for my younger brother and I to listen to in the car. I assumed it would present him with some more role models and maybe re-introduce some familiar faces to me at the same time. From the start, though, we were both thoroughly annoyed. Metaxas spends way too much time ...more

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Apr 17, 2013 David Steele rated it liked it

Shelves: biography

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Spy by Eric Metaxas stands head and shoulders above most biographies. Indeed, it is one of the best biographies I have ever read. The new work by Metaxas, Seven Men and the Secret of Their Greatness is filled with the rich historical detail that readers have grown accustomed to from the author.

Metaxas sets out to survey the lives of seven men; men who have influenced his life - men he considers to be great. The seven men that the author presents include the following: Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Spy by Eric Metaxas stands head and shoulders above most biographies. Indeed, it is one of the best biographies I have ever read. The new work by Metaxas, Seven Men and the Secret of Their Greatness is filled with the rich historical detail that readers have grown accustomed to from the author.

Metaxas sets out to survey the lives of seven men; men who have influenced his life - men he considers to be great. The seven men that the author presents include the following: George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson, Pope John Paul II, and Charles Colson.

The biographical sketches are fascinating in their own right. However, the most helpful part of the book is actually found in the introduction. Here the author explores real manhood, most notably - God's intended benchmarks for manhood. Metaxas argues that there are two distorted ideas about manhood. The first false notion of manhood is the macho mentality, where men intimidate others using strength, fear tactics, and intimidation.

The second false notion of manhood is "to be emasculated - to essentially turn away from your masculinity and to pretend that there is no real difference between men and women. Your strength as a man has no purpose, so being strong isn't even a good thing." Clearly, the author has hit the bullseye in his assessment here.

Metaxas proceeds to describe God's ideal for manhood: "God made us in his image, male and female, and it celebrates masculinity and femininity. And it celebrates the differences between them ... All blessings and every gift - and strength is a gift ... to be used for his purposes, which means to bless others. So men are meant to use their strength to protect and bless those who are weaker."

Additionally, men are called to be servant leaders. Metaxas continues, "The true leader gives himself to the people he leads ... So God's idea of masculine strength gives us the idea of a chivalrous gentleman toward women, not a bully or someone who sees no difference between himself and them."

Finally, the author discusses the need for men to be strong men; men of courage: "The courage to do the right thing when all else tells you not to do it. The courage to rise above your surroundings and circumstances. The courage to be God's idea of a real man and to give of yourself for others when it costs you to do so and when everything tells you to look out for your self first."

7 Men and the Secret of Their Greatness should not be confused with a full fledged biography. Readers can go elsewhere and should be encouraged to check out Metaxas' excellent work on Bonhoeffer as well as William Willberforce. The book under consideration should be considered biographical cliff notes that coax readers to move into deeper waters. ...more

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Dec 28, 2013 Patrick O'Hannigan rated it really liked it

Shelves: biographies

The title of this book is a bit misleading, because Eric Metaxas makes no secret of what motivated these seven illustrious men to greatness: The unifying thread among them is a functioning moral compass anchored in a strong Christian faith -- and that much is clear from the introduction, before a reader even delves into the mini biographies.

It's nice to see George Washington, Jackie Robinson, and Pope John Paul II -- already and deservedly role models in many eyes -- sharing the book with ...more

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Apr 23, 2019 Joseph R. rated it it was amazing

What makes a man great? This question challenges most people, especially today when the idea of a masculine role model is generally frowned upon, if not completely ignored because masculinity is supposed to be toxic. Such an assumption is based on false examples of manhood--the bully, the egoist, the muscle man, etc. Eric Metaxas argues that positive role models of manhood do exist and are important to culture (not just ours, but any culture). Examples of how to behave are sorely needed in an What makes a man great? This question challenges most people, especially today when the idea of a masculine role model is generally frowned upon, if not completely ignored because masculinity is supposed to be toxic. Such an assumption is based on false examples of manhood--the bully, the egoist, the muscle man, etc. Eric Metaxas argues that positive role models of manhood do exist and are important to culture (not just ours, but any culture). Examples of how to behave are sorely needed in an age that idolizes pop stars and self-centered politicians. Metaxas gives short biographies of seven men who truly embody the strength of character and selfless serving that role models should have.

Many of these men are not perfect men but achieved a level of greatness by their choices and their actions. George Washington's military career started rather disastrously--he basically started the French and Indian War. But as he grew in leadership, he came to the point where he would refuse to be king of the newly-free states of America. He voluntarily rejected great power for the sake of the people of the new nation. Charles Colson started out working and scheming for Richard Nixon. He came to Christian faith and turned his life around, creating a ministry that helps to reform prisoners. He had direct experience of prison life due to Watergate and he realized the desperate needs of the imprisoned. He chose a different life and became a role model.

Other men in this book went through great trials. Pope John Paul II was a young and vibrant man who, in the last years of his life, suffered greatly (and publicly) from Parkinson's disease. He became a great witness to the value of all human life, even the weak and the sick. Jackie Robinson had to run a gauntlet of hate and unbelievable mistreatment as the first man of color to play major league baseball. He chose to be strong enough not to fight back. His example opened up opportunities for others. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran minister who fought against the Nazi government that oppressed so many people in Germany and throughout Europe. Bonhoeffer eventually wound up in a concentration camp where he died. Great trials make great men when they choose to act selflessly.

The book is very inspiring and makes me want to read more about these great men. Metaxas has written longer biographies of William Wilberforce (who fought against the slave trade in early 1800s England) and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I will probably read those soon.

Highly recommended. ...more

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Jun 19, 2018 John Boyne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: biography

I loved this book! Eric does an excellent job of providing brief biographies on 7 key figures in history who represented Christ to their fullest and changed the world forever as a result of their faith and convictions. The 7 men (he does 7 women in another book) were George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonheffer, Jackie Robinson, Pope John Paul II, and Chuck Colson. Each man sacrificed his life to serve Christ and left a lasting legacy for generations to come. It has ...more

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Oct 23, 2017 Rob rated it really liked it

I love everything Metaxas writes and this book is no exception. If you want to be inspired by some truly great men and learn how each of them was driven, inspired, and strengthened by their faith in God, then this book will suit you well.

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Jun 13, 2019 Chip rated it it was ok

If you’re looking for the brilliance of Bonhoeffer, keep looking.

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Nov 29, 2014 Lena Morrison rated it liked it

Shelves: christian-biography, biography

I do my reviews in the form of a letter, which is why they are written like this.

Dear Eric Metaxas,

Thank you for writing this book. It technically got a 3.42, since I averaged the score that all the biographies got individually. I did the like the intro, and I must admit that in many ways what you say is true. We have lost sight of who heroes are. I will rate each biography individually.

George Washington
His life was nice, but I was mostly bored. It seems like we are wrong in our usual ...more

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Jan 10, 2016 Julie Davis rated it it was amazing

When Rickey asked Jackie if he was up to the job, he wasn't talking only about playing great baseball. He knew Jackie could do that. What he meant, he explained, was that if Jackie were to become major-league baseball's first black player, he would be in for a tremendous amount of abuse, both verbal and physical.

Jackie said he was sure he could face up to whatever came his way. He wasn't afraid of anyone and had been in any number of fistfights over the years when anyone had challenged him.

But

When Rickey asked Jackie if he was up to the job, he wasn't talking only about playing great baseball. He knew Jackie could do that. What he meant, he explained, was that if Jackie were to become major-league baseball's first black player, he would be in for a tremendous amount of abuse, both verbal and physical.

Jackie said he was sure he could face up to whatever came his way. He wasn't afraid of anyone and had been in any number of fistfights over the years when anyone had challenged him.

But Rickey had something else in mind. "I know you're a good ballplayer," Rickey said. "What I don't know is whether you have the guts." Rickey knew he meant something dramatically different from what Robinson was thinking, so he continued. "I'm looking," Rickey said, "for a ballplayer with guts enough not to fight back."

This was an unexpected wrinkle, to put it mildly.

[...]

Jackie knew that resisting the urge to fight back really would require a superhuman effort, but he was deeply moved by Rickey's vision. He thought of his mother. He thought of all the black people who deserved someone to break this ground for them, even if it was difficult. He believed God had chosen him for this noble purpose. He believed he had to do it--for black kids, for his mother, for his wife, for himself.

Eric Metaxas wrote this book to ask two questions: (1) What is a man? (2)What makes a man great? He answers them by looking at the lives of seven men who are worthy of emulation.

Metaxas initially caught my interest by pointing out that today manhood is often denigrated in popular culture because of a lack of positive role models. These days the news is more likely to have stories about men using their gifts in negative ways than in heroic behavior. For example, a man misuses his strength by being bullying or domineering which is the opposite of what it should be used for, to protect those who are weaker.

He then tells the stories of seven men who lived their lives in ways we can admire. These biographies are short but pack in a lot of information. They cover a diverse group including Jackie Robinson, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Chuck Colson. Even when I thought I knew everything pertinent about someone like George Washington or Eric Liddell, Metaxas was able to show a whole new side to them.

Each story turns on the fact that they surrendered themselves to God and sacrificed themselves in some way for the greater good. Metaxas isn't heavy handed but he doesn't shy away from occasionally raising points that encourage the reader to look deeper within his (or her) own heart.

I came away inspired and with several new heroes. It's early in the year but I already have a book to put on my "2016 Best" list. ...more

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Dec 26, 2015 Ken rated it did not like it · review of another edition

It takes a lot for me to not even make it past the introduction of a book, but, Metaxas found a way with some of the most deplorably regressive prose I've seen in a while. By the time he was oozing condescension and insulting the intelligence of his own readers, I was only reading to see if I needed to burn the book or to just put it down.

This dude totally votes for Trump, probably runs a super PAC

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Mar 20, 2016 Tony Kauffmann rated it it was ok

this book is okay, nothing spectacular. 1 chapter per person is not nearly enough to describe their life and struggles and victories.

I'd recommend if you're interested in any of the men mentioned in this book, just buy a biography of only them. It will be much more substantial than the life-snippets you get here.

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Nov 10, 2014 Eric Siewert rated it did not like it

Awful writing. Some of the worst I've bothered sticking with. Interesting choice of men and good stories, told poorly. I regret that it's sold as well as it has. Don't read.

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Jun 27, 2017 W. Derek Atkins rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Seven Men of Courage

This book, written by Eric Metaxas, is a wonderful celebration of the lives of seven men who each left an indelible mark on the world, from George Washington and William Wilberforce to Jackie Robinson and Pope John Paul II.

By Metaxas' own admission, the seven men whom he chose to include in this book was done in a subjective manner, and was based on his own opinions of those men whose lives he considers to be instructive for learning how to live out our own lives - including ...more

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Aug 02, 2019 Matt rated it really liked it

I don’t especially like books containing multiple short biographical summaries because I feel you can miss the full picture of someone’s life. However, Metaxas is a great storyteller. He paints concise pictures of individuals that feel both satisfyingly full and compelling while at the same time making you want to go read more about these incredible men. The struggles, faith, character, and beliefs of these men make their stories not only interesting but helpful.

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Jan 03, 2020 Kirsten McLean rated it really liked it

Shelves: biography

I enjoyed learning about the incredible stories of each of these men. Whoever I didn't love the writing style. There was too much intro to each character and I wish their accomplishments were further explained and explored. Overall inspiring!

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Mar 21, 2019 Jessie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow! This book was absolutely amazing!! So very inspiring! The stories of all these great Christian men throughout the ages is so cool! Loved this book so much and HIGHLY recommend to everyone! It is written very well!

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Mar 21, 2018 Dave Engstrom rated it it was amazing

Enjoyed reading about each person. A page-turner book. Love Metaxas writing. He makes it very easy to follow and gets the reader engaged in the material very quickly.

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Aug 17, 2017 Melinda rated it really liked it

Shelves: british-lit, 2017, worth-owning, biography, american-history, church-history, non-fiction, education, worldview, history

Very worthwhile. I'm especially appreciative for the chapter on George Washington, who is one of the greatest men in our history.

Very recommended!

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Mar 15, 2018 Melissa rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction

Very fast and rich reading. A stellar cast of masculinity celebrated in all the best ways: integrity, strength, and selflessness.

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Jan 14, 2017 Nathan Schneider rated it really liked it

Shelves: biography-and-memoir

Metaxas is a great writer, especially in the area of biography. His Seven Men provides an adequate survey of popular figures in history and Christianity. Anyone who enjoys this read would do well to pick up Metaxas' longer biographies, Bonhoeffer (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) and Amazing Grace (William Wilberforce).

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May 15, 2019 Tom rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Worthwhile and inspirational, though I wish I’d read the book instead of listening to the Audible version. The narrator read as though he were reading to children. I especially liked the segments on George Washington, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Chuck Colson.

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May 28, 2013 Reagan Ramsey rated it it was amazing

Shelves: biographies

Loved this book..basically a series of mini biographies. His premise is that there are a handful of men (7, in his opinion) whose lives reflected not only a great achievement but a strength of character, resolve, and faith that made them truly great : George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson, Pope John Paul II and Chuck Colson. Some would disagree with his particular list but few would argue that these men demonstrated real heroism and greatness ...more

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Jul 03, 2013 Chris rated it really liked it

I just put 7 Men down and immediately picked up my keyboard to write this review.

I don't know if 7 Men is just a timely book for me, or if in fact it is a timely book for the western world in general. I can only speak for myself -- 7 Men was a book that I needed to read!

Several months ago I decided that I needed a few more heroes in my life. We live in a self absorbed world where we easily become our own hero. I had fallen into this deadly trap and I was desperately looking to get out of it. So, ...more

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About Eric Metaxas

Eric Metaxas

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In a decidedly eclectic career, Eric Metaxas has written for VeggieTales, Chuck Colson, Rabbit Ears Productions and the New York Times, four things not ordinarily in the same sentence. He is a best-selling author whose biographies, children’s books, and works of popular apologetics have been translated into more than 25 languages.