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Understanding the Purpose and Power of Men: God's Design for Male Identity, Covers May Vary

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The male is in crisis. Traditional roles once gave men stability and continuity from generation to generation. Today, the world is sending out conflicting signals about what it means to be a man. Many men are questioning who they are and what roles they fulfill in lifeAnd#8212;as a male, a husband, and a fatherAnd#8212;leaving them frustrated and causing them to live far below their potential. Best-selling author Dr. Myles Munroe examines cultural attitudes toward men and addresses critical issues such as: How can men gain their footing in the ever-shifting environment of cultural expectations?What does it mean to be male?What definition of masculinity should men adopt?What roles should men fulfill-in the workplace and in the home?What do gender roles have to do with the male's purpose?What are the differences between males and females?How are men and women meant to relate to one another?How can a man build a better life for himself, his family, and the world?When men understand the purpose God has given them and the true design of their relationship with women, they will be free to fulfill their destiny and potential. Expanded edition with study guide material included

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2001

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1896 people want to read

About the author

Myles Munroe

311 books682 followers

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155 (21%)
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55 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Vincent Paul.
Author 16 books72 followers
January 26, 2021
To the religious, Understanding the Purpose and Power of Men is a nice book, an uplifting book. However, for the non-religious like me this book didn't impress me in the least -- I felt like I was being pontificated to, something I hate with passion. Though it sounds like a good read from all the reviews I have seen, it presents nothing new from what we already know from kindergarten.

In this study guide companion to Understanding the Purpose and Power of Woman, you'll explore deeper insights into God's truth about the woman and thought-provoking questions for personal application to your life. Designed for either individual or group study--and practical and beneficial for both women and men--this guide helps you to dig deeper into God's proven principles and liberating purpose for the woman as she was meant to be.
2 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2009
clearly defined purpose',contains direction for both genders.
8 reviews5 followers
April 20, 2009
This is the deifintive book on manhood all bibical very practical I've read it five times and consitently use it as a resource and quote it.
Profile Image for Sneha Bhaskar.
2 reviews
August 27, 2024
I found myself grappling with some of the book’s traditional views on gender roles. In today’s world, where gender roles are constantly evolving, some of Munroe’s perspectives felt a bit restrictive or outdated to me. His interpretation of biblical teachings on men’s and women’s roles doesn’t fully align with more egalitarian views that I’m more comfortable with, and I imagine others might feel the same way.
99 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2018
Myles Munroe describes the male problem today as one of lost identity and purpose. He goes on to show us how we, as men, can rediscover our God-given identity and purpose. This identity can only be found in God. He identifies the male's God-given purpose as, first of all, being the foundation of the human family (since he was created first), secondly, as being in the presence of God, in constant communion with Him, (since he was first placed in the Garden of Eden, in God's presence, when he was created) from where he is meant to fulfill purpose, and as fulfilling six responsibilities (which Myles draws from the assignments God gave man in the Garden of Eden): visionary, leader, teacher, cultivator, provider, and protector, for his family and for those under his care, on top of fulfilling his unique God-given purpose. Myles goes on to expound on these different God-given responsibilities that the male is created and designed to fulfill in the family and in society. He also touches on the subject of fatherhood, what it really means, how a father is meant to represent the fatherhood of God to his children, and how to practically be a good father. Myles also touches on the subject of a man and his sex life and the various pitfalls a man may encounter in this area of life and how to overcome them. He also speaks on the subject of the male and female differences and how understanding and appreciating these differences can help males and females to complement each other as God intended, and not disregard or trample one another. This is definitely not only a book for men but for women as well who want to understand men, or men as they were created to be. It is definitely a canon book for any man who wants to discover his God-given identity and fulfill his God-given purpose.
Profile Image for Emmanuel Ayeni.
358 reviews17 followers
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August 13, 2016
Understanding The Power and Purpose of Men by Myles Munroe made great reading
Profile Image for David Lyelu.
53 reviews
September 1, 2022
Aims to define manhood from a biblical perspective.

In this book, Dr Myles tries to define the question that has been plaguing the man of this generation; what defines a man in a society where roles are shared by both men and women and there isn't a defining line between roles meant only for men and women. He tackled this question by looking at it from a point of purpose.

why do I think the author was driven to write the book?
This is because we live in an unprecedented time in history where women can also play the provider role of the house, 'wear the pants in the house' and men have an identity crisis about what makes them a man and what earns them their position or role as the head of the house.

what did I learn about the author?
I learned that he is quite passionate about the purpose of a man in the light of the word of God. How that the man is the foundation on which the family is built upon and society can only change significantly when a man takes up his position God gave him as the head of the home

Why did I continue reading the book?
well the book was answering questions I have had for quite some time now and it was all coming from the word of God and not hear say

what lessons stand out for me?
His teaching that what defines a man is what God say's he is. that you cannot know the purpose of something unless you consult the manufacture. and where purpose is not understood, abuse is inevitable.

what do I have to unlearn
well a lot! that is why the word in Romans 12 admonishes to be transformed by the renewing of the mind.

Who should read this book?
every Christian male should read this at least once...
Profile Image for Daniel Emenahor.
7 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2021
A great book that a lot of young men need to read. The book contains references from the Bible but irrespective of your religious background has some profound truths for your life.

A lot of problems in the world can be solved or avoided if men know their purpose and be a male-man from the understanding of the original intent of God's design for a man. Dr Myles in this book establishes the fact that men are not to be defined by their roles but by their purpose. Roles and trends change with time but God's purpose won't change.

A man's assignment is tied in him being a teacher, cultivator, protector, provider, visionary and leader in his life and household.

The author also spoke about how men must understand that they are made for dominion and not domination. We are not meant to lord over women as they are also there to support us in the fulfilment of our dreams and goals. Understanding the difference and complementary purposes make a world of difference.
Profile Image for James Tetley.
301 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2025
Dr. Myles Munroe's 'The Power and Purpose of Men' offers a compelling exploration of men's roles and responsibilities from a biblical perspective. Munroe challenges traditional notions of masculinity, emphasizing the importance of purpose, protection, provision, and encouragement. He uses Christ as a model, encouraging men to reflect the character of God the Father. One of the most impactful aspects of the book is its exploration of the distinctions between men and women within the context of creation.

Munroe highlights the complementary nature of these differences, emphasizing the unique strengths and roles each gender brings. This understanding is crucial for men to fully embrace their purpose as protectors, providers, and encouragers, mirroring the love and care of our Heavenly Father.

This book offers valuable insights for men seeking to understand their identity and live with intention.
Profile Image for Jeannie Delahunt.
Author 3 books
June 30, 2020
I bought this book, Understanding the Purpose and Power of Men, by Dr. Charles Munroe, as a future gift for my son's birthday.

Single parents tow a boat with raw hands and rope, rather than row with the designed oars. Both parents pass onto their children the key components for understanding what male and femaleness means to a Christian. Children deprived of either role-model have to figure it out on their own and this sets them up to make mistakes that could've been avoided. In a sense, having to pave their own trails, without the assistance of a guide or practical trainer, even as a member of a close church fellowship.

I found this book engaging and the worksheets an asset. For my son, I'm glad I purchased it. I hope he finds it helpful as he searches what it means to be a Christian man in this day rife with turmoil and confusion.
Profile Image for Collins Hinga.
74 reviews4 followers
May 18, 2019
Never before has a book empowering men been more called for. The world has been obsessed with women empowerment and men have somewhat been neglected. This book will empower you as a man (as well as women who like empowered men) as Dr. Munroe shares his wealth of knowledge about God's purpose for men. The book's a life-changer and you'll not regret reading it, trust me. If anything, this book should be made a complusory read for men (and women) or something. It's high time that men be empowered and fulfill their God-given mandate on earth.
#amustread
Profile Image for Andrew Mitchell.
67 reviews
March 8, 2022
Huge disappointment, and a deeply lacking book. I credit my parents stealing my true id-entity and attempting to install theirs - a faux-purpose religio binding me to their cultist, pious misgivings. It works for the purpose-less, and the hope-less, and this diatribe is aimed well at the low-bar, the mud-fish... with child-like analogies and extremely poor and simplistic self-help summaries.

Read The God-Delusion. There is more power and thought in that book alone, than a hundred of these. Truly awful.
Profile Image for Atiba.
49 reviews
February 13, 2024
In a saturated market where many social media "gurus" try to dictate to us what a "real" man is, this book gives wise and Godly councel straight from the Bible on what God's Original intent for man is. As the author often says, "If you want to know how something works, ask the manufacturer, not another product." In other words, only God can tell you what a real man is. Not another man and certainly not a woman.
Profile Image for Diah Dwi Pratiwi.
3 reviews
June 2, 2020
It's worth to read this book. The explanation is clear and easy to understand. The author gives many examples and illustrations to see the real world of both men and women, and also a marriage. As a woman, this book really enlightens me to know more the purpose of being a man (as a male and female), and the basic roles according to the Bible.
5 reviews
December 16, 2021
Inspirational read!

Very wonderful read! It is very inspirational and all fathers, husbands and men in general need to read this book. The author connects his messages and examples with verses from the bible and encourages you to read the bible even more. I look very forward to reading his other books.
Profile Image for Todd Brown.
53 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2019
Myles Munroe takes you through in his great teaching manner God’s intention for mankind, and the unique purpose God has put in men. I recommend this book to all men who are serious about their relationship with God, and are desirous to know and fulfill the purpose of manhood.
Profile Image for Tumaini  K.
36 reviews6 followers
January 31, 2021
Dr Myles Munroe gives a Kingdom Perspective on why Men were created, and what is the Purpose of A Man on Earth. He gives quite interesting insights. I love how he argues and give strong evidences - not only from the Bible, but also from the culture view of point
Profile Image for Sarah White.
10 reviews
May 19, 2021
Life changing!

Another classic from the one and only Myles Munroe. I never knew what a man was until I read this, and now thanks to the unbelievable revelation in this book, I do. MUST READ!
13 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2023
Elegant source of inspiration

The concepts in the book are easy to understand because they are presented in a very practical yet profound way. I recommend this book to every male aspiring to be a real man and a good father.
Profile Image for Georgia Bryce.
24 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2017
Gives great insight on the male man, his position and role in the earth
Profile Image for Emmanuel Mandela.
52 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2018
The book emphasised the role of men as the leader and husband. The book is ok, but the tautology is evident
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mbanguli.
3 reviews
April 19, 2019
This book changed my life i recommend every man should pass through this book.
2 reviews
April 2, 2020
Powerful

This book is art and should be read by men and women alike. Its gives very simple and practical advice and information.
Profile Image for Alvin Nicholas sitanggang.
2 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2020
As a man i related to this book as it changed the way i think and see myself as a man and how i see my surroundings. Really a life changing book that based on the bible. 1000% recommended !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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