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God's Gift to Women: Discovering the Lost Greatness of Masculinity
In a culture that exalts the caveman-like qualities of masculinity, most women have stopped expecting anything more. Young men are taught to view women as slaves to their self-centered desires. More than ever, men need to know that they can rise above this sad mediocrity. They desperately need someone to recognize their potential for blending courage and kindness, strength and spiritual sensitivity. With its riveting vision of Christ-centered manhood, God's Gift to Women shows young men how to become the heroic, selfless knight that every woman dreams about.
Buried Inside Every Young Man Is the Potential to Change the World
Deep within the rugged soul of every young man, there is a warrior in search of his sword and a poet in search of his pen. But heroic, prince-like masculinity is something most women only dream of in today’s perverse and self-serving world.
With contagious passion and boldness, Eric Ludy challenges you to forsake modern male mediocrity for Christ-built, warrior-poet manhood—manhood that will capture the heart of a woman and change the course of history.
Buried Inside Every Young Man Is the Potential to Change the World
Deep within the rugged soul of every young man, there is a warrior in search of his sword and a poet in search of his pen. But heroic, prince-like masculinity is something most women only dream of in today’s perverse and self-serving world.
With contagious passion and boldness, Eric Ludy challenges you to forsake modern male mediocrity for Christ-built, warrior-poet manhood—manhood that will capture the heart of a woman and change the course of history.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2003
11 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Eric Ludy
31 books235 followersEric is a bestselling author, internationally-recognized speaker and president of Ellerslie Mission Society. He is also the senior pastor at the Church at Ellerslie and the lead instructor at Ellerslie Leadership Training in Windsor, Colorado. Ludy is the author of more than a dozen books, many of which were co-authored by his wife, Leslie Ludy. The Ludy's books have sold well over a million copies in the United States and have been translated into over a dozen different languages and circulated widely throughout the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 18, 2025
Wow, what a needed book for our generation!! Lucy portrayed Godly masculinity specifically in relation to marriage in a thoughtful, and convicting way.
December 6, 2012
I would recommend this book to every male out there! It is especially good for teens and college-age guys, but I've reread it and I know that I will continue to reread it as I grow older. What an amazing tale of how to be the man that God desires for you to be and the man of God that your girlfriend/wife/future wife needs you to be. Read it, period, the end.
November 4, 2022
The author said some very good and thought provoking things. He probably could have stated them in about half the amount of pages, but it was still good.
Some quotes:
"He had chosen his king, and nothing could cause him to preserve himself again."
"Our methods of fighting for God's interests will be unique to each individual battle."
"Get to know our King, so we recognise his battles."
"Most men don't know how to protect a woman's heart because they don't realise it is so radically different than their own."
"A woman pressured is a woman empty hearted."
"A Christ-built warrior knows that the real fight isn't for 'more sex.' The greater fight and challenge through all the years of marriage is for more intimacy. Cultivated intimacy is what makes a marriage amazing."
"Our standards when it comes to purity of the mind and soul are horrifically low."
"Men spend months, often years, dedicated to the passionate pursuit of their desires. Hunting, athletics, computers, cars, music - men will spend both their time and money to follow their passion to its fullest. Some go to college and study it. Some shoot baskets every night to become it. Some jack up machines in their garages so they can explore it. God designed men to have desire and to passionately pursue their interests. But God intended that man's great pursuit would begin with a passionate longing to know and understand Him."
"Stillness is the art of calibrating our pace to match God's pace instead of the world's pace."
"Remember, a thoughtful husband is a happy husband because he produces a smiling wife."
Some quotes:
"He had chosen his king, and nothing could cause him to preserve himself again."
"Our methods of fighting for God's interests will be unique to each individual battle."
"Get to know our King, so we recognise his battles."
"Most men don't know how to protect a woman's heart because they don't realise it is so radically different than their own."
"A woman pressured is a woman empty hearted."
"A Christ-built warrior knows that the real fight isn't for 'more sex.' The greater fight and challenge through all the years of marriage is for more intimacy. Cultivated intimacy is what makes a marriage amazing."
"Our standards when it comes to purity of the mind and soul are horrifically low."
"Men spend months, often years, dedicated to the passionate pursuit of their desires. Hunting, athletics, computers, cars, music - men will spend both their time and money to follow their passion to its fullest. Some go to college and study it. Some shoot baskets every night to become it. Some jack up machines in their garages so they can explore it. God designed men to have desire and to passionately pursue their interests. But God intended that man's great pursuit would begin with a passionate longing to know and understand Him."
"Stillness is the art of calibrating our pace to match God's pace instead of the world's pace."
"Remember, a thoughtful husband is a happy husband because he produces a smiling wife."
June 12, 2020
I'm still very firmly a 'nonbeliever,' who doesn't believe you need Christ in order to become less selfish. I also don't think this is well-written, for the most part. However, unlike the other books I've read that encourage 'traditional' male and female roles, this actually has some fairly kind and useful points. It addresses toxic masculinity, and encourages actually listening to your partner, and cultivating an emotional connection rather than servitude. It also encourages helping others and prioritising their needs above one's own. So I had to give it two stars.
Edit: in the first version of this review, I somehow forgot that Ludy thinks that, if you think a ‘bad thought,’ you should just ‘run fast in the opposite direction’ - because if you give yourself to Jesus you don’t have to worry about your mental health, right? Right?!
Edit: in the first version of this review, I somehow forgot that Ludy thinks that, if you think a ‘bad thought,’ you should just ‘run fast in the opposite direction’ - because if you give yourself to Jesus you don’t have to worry about your mental health, right? Right?!
March 21, 2016
This book was so good I read it in two days. I would have read it in one day had not other activities been planned. I really like the way Eric Ludy writes his books and communicates in general. He combines a stirring, inspirational message, with solid Biblical understanding, and ties it all together with humorous examples from his own life.
What I liked about this book specifically, was it got to the very heart of the matter. This wasn't a book of cheap tricks to manipulate women into liking you. Like classic Eric Ludy, he esteemed the hard and narrow path, and left the sugar coating off! However, as he is also so good at, Ludy paints a beautiful picture of the reward in store for those who do the hard things to obtain it.
Consistent with the Doug Wilson book I recently read on courtship (Her Hand In Marriage), the key to being "God's gift to women" is a Covenant Life with Christ. Or as Wilson says, the qualities one needs for a godly marriage are the same qualities one needs for Christian life. If we really want to live the richest life possible and be a blessing to others, we must make love of God center in our lives, and everything that entails. Some may think this sounds oppressive, but it's really not. The Self-centered life is what is actually oppressive, and Ludy very clearly points out this fact. Very inspiring!
What I also liked so much about the book was how much I could relate. There really is a "Brotherhood" as Ludy describes it, a "code" young men are subconsciously taught and expected to uphold in how we act, and relate to women. I certainly have experienced the lies this "Brotherhood" encourages, and I definitely see and have seen how men are deceived by it's twisted teaching. It really is from Satan as Ludy says. Sadly, very few men have broken free of this bondage, and our culture promotes it.
I think this is a great book, and every man should read it, regardless of whether or not he intends to marry.
What I liked about this book specifically, was it got to the very heart of the matter. This wasn't a book of cheap tricks to manipulate women into liking you. Like classic Eric Ludy, he esteemed the hard and narrow path, and left the sugar coating off! However, as he is also so good at, Ludy paints a beautiful picture of the reward in store for those who do the hard things to obtain it.
Consistent with the Doug Wilson book I recently read on courtship (Her Hand In Marriage), the key to being "God's gift to women" is a Covenant Life with Christ. Or as Wilson says, the qualities one needs for a godly marriage are the same qualities one needs for Christian life. If we really want to live the richest life possible and be a blessing to others, we must make love of God center in our lives, and everything that entails. Some may think this sounds oppressive, but it's really not. The Self-centered life is what is actually oppressive, and Ludy very clearly points out this fact. Very inspiring!
What I also liked so much about the book was how much I could relate. There really is a "Brotherhood" as Ludy describes it, a "code" young men are subconsciously taught and expected to uphold in how we act, and relate to women. I certainly have experienced the lies this "Brotherhood" encourages, and I definitely see and have seen how men are deceived by it's twisted teaching. It really is from Satan as Ludy says. Sadly, very few men have broken free of this bondage, and our culture promotes it.
I think this is a great book, and every man should read it, regardless of whether or not he intends to marry.
July 5, 2021
There’s a decent amount to learn from this book if given a chance. Somewhat repetitive at times but maintains a genuinely good message throughout.
December 2, 2024
Despite not being a man, I read this at the recommendation of a mentor of mine. Honestly, this book pleasantly surprised me. I've read enough books on "godly femininity" to know that Christian authors often miss the point entirely by relying on cultural stereotypes as references for the Christian life, and a lot of guys I know have found the same is true for books on "godly masculinity". Ludy, however, grounds his image of the Christian life firmly within the character and life of Jesus. It's honestly a shame that that's so unique.
I only really have two big qualms with this book. The first is that despite its subtitle, the book is less strictly about following God as a Christian man, and more about dating as a Christian—something Ludy readily admits at one point. To Ludy's credit, he makes it clear that being a godly man isn't all about marriage, and points out ways that a single man can live like Christ at various points, but the fact that this book was more about dating and marriage was still a hurdle for me, since it wasn't entirely what the subtitle proclaimed.
The second qualm is that Ludy doesn't define his terms. As an example states that biblical womanhood is necessary to understanding biblical manhood, but never explains what it means for a woman to practice "biblical womanhood". This bothers me because I've seen so many books peddle counterfeit versions of Christian womanhood. I'm sure Ludy's wife, Leslie Ludy, explains all this in her own book, which is directed at women, but there's no guarantee that Ludy's reader will read both books.
That said, though the book is cheesily-worded at points, Ludy's wisdom is generally biblically sound—ask for forgiveness, stand up for the vulnerable, respect your beloved's boundaries, and recognize that gentleness is true strength. Despite being a little over twenty years old, it's still deeply relevant wisdom. Whatever my qualms, I'd still recommend this book.
I only really have two big qualms with this book. The first is that despite its subtitle, the book is less strictly about following God as a Christian man, and more about dating as a Christian—something Ludy readily admits at one point. To Ludy's credit, he makes it clear that being a godly man isn't all about marriage, and points out ways that a single man can live like Christ at various points, but the fact that this book was more about dating and marriage was still a hurdle for me, since it wasn't entirely what the subtitle proclaimed.
The second qualm is that Ludy doesn't define his terms. As an example states that biblical womanhood is necessary to understanding biblical manhood, but never explains what it means for a woman to practice "biblical womanhood". This bothers me because I've seen so many books peddle counterfeit versions of Christian womanhood. I'm sure Ludy's wife, Leslie Ludy, explains all this in her own book, which is directed at women, but there's no guarantee that Ludy's reader will read both books.
That said, though the book is cheesily-worded at points, Ludy's wisdom is generally biblically sound—ask for forgiveness, stand up for the vulnerable, respect your beloved's boundaries, and recognize that gentleness is true strength. Despite being a little over twenty years old, it's still deeply relevant wisdom. Whatever my qualms, I'd still recommend this book.
November 28, 2018
The only reason for not giving this great book a 5-star review is the extremely pretentious title. Other than that, this book is great!
Eric encourages us young, single men to refuse to accept the false version of manhood - butt-scratching, alphabet-burping, porn-indulgent - that we have been given our whole lives in exchange for a true, Covenant life with our King. When we do this, Ludy says, we will become a great godly man, inspiring and changing the world, while becoming a man truly able to pursue and love a woman.
Not only does he lay out what godly manhood has looked like in his life, but he walks us through many ways to be encouraged on our paths to manhood. His fun, story-based writing style makes this informative and inspiring book a true page-turner, and I highly suggest it to anyone seeking to grow as a godly man (or any woman seeking to understand what it is to be a godly man).
Eric encourages us young, single men to refuse to accept the false version of manhood - butt-scratching, alphabet-burping, porn-indulgent - that we have been given our whole lives in exchange for a true, Covenant life with our King. When we do this, Ludy says, we will become a great godly man, inspiring and changing the world, while becoming a man truly able to pursue and love a woman.
Not only does he lay out what godly manhood has looked like in his life, but he walks us through many ways to be encouraged on our paths to manhood. His fun, story-based writing style makes this informative and inspiring book a true page-turner, and I highly suggest it to anyone seeking to grow as a godly man (or any woman seeking to understand what it is to be a godly man).
May 20, 2025
I didn’t expect what I heard but I am grateful to God that I followed the nudge to pick this up.
This is an audiobook that I can’t wait to listen to again in the future.
Not all aspects I could understand because I didn’t deal with the same thing but I was able to see how it impacts others and know how to embrace them.
So much openness in this book, truly a blessing to find a young person openly talking about what most men know of but do not discuss openly.
I pray God blesses the Ludy household as they have impacted me, I pray God continues to use them to touch others as they have touched me through this beautiful book.
This is an audiobook that I can’t wait to listen to again in the future.
Not all aspects I could understand because I didn’t deal with the same thing but I was able to see how it impacts others and know how to embrace them.
So much openness in this book, truly a blessing to find a young person openly talking about what most men know of but do not discuss openly.
I pray God blesses the Ludy household as they have impacted me, I pray God continues to use them to touch others as they have touched me through this beautiful book.
March 23, 2022
Don’t remember why I came across this book but the whole thing is worth one section on not being ashamed to follow Christ. Helped put in perspective how lax we as privileged Americans can be in our commitment to God. A lot of people aren’t truly willing to suffer for faith. They aren’t willing to feel embarrassed in public for it. Very convicting. Beyond that one section though, I don’t remember much.
February 24, 2025
In my opinion, much better than Love & Respect’s advice to men. I am a woman, reading this from a married perspective, so definitely not the target audience/demographic, but still enjoyed it nonetheless. 11/10 recommend for any young gentleman during any step of their walk in their faith, and I loved all the William Wallace references.
January 10, 2026
This book is a map leading to the treasure of a powerful and personal relationship with the creator and a strong and intimate connection with the woman He's entrusted you with. It guides you through a journey of dethroning the rule of self, protecting your covenant relationship with the King of kings, serving his interests in the world, and valiantly loving the woman of your life.
April 25, 2023
Listened to it via Audible+.
A decent read with good Biblical principles, though the long-winded stories of the author's personal experience could have been more concise, and at times were unnecessarily vulgar.
A decent read with good Biblical principles, though the long-winded stories of the author's personal experience could have been more concise, and at times were unnecessarily vulgar.
December 14, 2023
I read this fresh after my ex-fiancé left me as a guide to trying to figure out what kind of man to look for in a potential husband since apparently I was so bad at picking men. I definitely feel like this helped raise my standards lol.
April 6, 2025
The book is nice. I will need to say this. Eric Ludy falls into the all familiar category of a Christian Man that gets a wife and think he knows everything about relationships. There are some helpful chapters here. Also, some questionable aspects. Some men will enjoy this. Some will not.
May 30, 2010
I read this book in a day. I was so hungry to find some profound solution to today's masculinity issues. I found in this book that there are none. The answer provided was "dazzlingly simple." What a great shot in the arm for the men of the world! It'd definitely worth reading, if you can get past the style issues.
I felt like the book wasn't totally organized. I prefer books like this with much clearer chapter delineations. After i finish a book, i liek to be able to summarize the main points in a clear, organized way, and i struggled with that, but i do with all the Ludy books.
This is the 5th book i've read from them, and though i love what they have to say, i feel this about their writing:
1. It never feels strongly demarcated into segments.
Because of this, it's very
2. repetitive.
3. The tone is always conversational, but sometimes i feel like they are trying to present to middle school boys (when it's Eric writing). It's overly dramatic.
To be fair, in the beginning of the book, Eric promises that "unless you are a young man, this book might not feel like a good fit." I'm really glad he gave that caveat, because it's definitely true. Leslie has also made the same comment in her books, saying "this book is written like we're in a coffee shop..."
I have a feeling that, because of my learning style, iw ould appreciate and apply the books so much more if they were written differently, but the material is really fantastic, that i do find it hard to fault that. I end up having to rework an outline of my own after the fact...
I felt like the book wasn't totally organized. I prefer books like this with much clearer chapter delineations. After i finish a book, i liek to be able to summarize the main points in a clear, organized way, and i struggled with that, but i do with all the Ludy books.
This is the 5th book i've read from them, and though i love what they have to say, i feel this about their writing:
1. It never feels strongly demarcated into segments.
Because of this, it's very
2. repetitive.
3. The tone is always conversational, but sometimes i feel like they are trying to present to middle school boys (when it's Eric writing). It's overly dramatic.
To be fair, in the beginning of the book, Eric promises that "unless you are a young man, this book might not feel like a good fit." I'm really glad he gave that caveat, because it's definitely true. Leslie has also made the same comment in her books, saying "this book is written like we're in a coffee shop..."
I have a feeling that, because of my learning style, iw ould appreciate and apply the books so much more if they were written differently, but the material is really fantastic, that i do find it hard to fault that. I end up having to rework an outline of my own after the fact...
June 24, 2009
Like it says in the subtitle this book covers the lost greatness of masculinity. It is written for men, but as a young woman I gained a lot from reading it. So much of what our culture today holds up as true manhood I find unattractive, and frankly it saddens me. This book covers what truly great manhood is all about, and I'm glad there are men out there pursuing this, pursuing God. That's the kind of man I want to marry someday--a real hero, a man among men, a warrior poet!
October 10, 2012
While it's not a groundbreaking piece of literature, Eric List deserves credit for taking an honest look at today's image of what it means to be a man, and what true masculinity is (or could be). As a youth ministry veteran, this is a book I've held on to because I am sure that the wisdom in these pages will continue to serve me well for years to come.
January 23, 2015
I love the title of this book. Mr. Ludy highlights the inadequacies of "the brotherhood" and calls men to a higher standard. Nothing exceptional or earth shattering, but a good reminder of the responsibilities of men.
Major takeaway: The good that God can accomplish through us if we take a step of faith into unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory.
Major takeaway: The good that God can accomplish through us if we take a step of faith into unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory.
February 16, 2011
Wow, wow, wow. It is a must read! Especially men. My brothers out there, please read it. For women, read and see where you stand. You will be amazed at the truths in that book. Will tell you more when I am done.
October 17, 2008
Good book. Sort of a cross between Wild at Heart and Every Man's Battle.
August 28, 2015
I think all I'll really say about this is that as usual, the books aimed at men are marginally better (less sappy, more substance), but while I am all for supporting Godly masculinity, there is still something that just gets under my skin about the presentation.
Read
August 6, 2011The title might mislead you as to why I read it--it's written for young men! I read it as Caleb's mom to see what Eric Ludy said about young men living out their faith in their dating relationships. I see why Kara is such of fan of the Ludy's books. Highly recommended!
July 15, 2015
Wow
What an amazing challenge to the young men of this generation, if only we were willing to forsake the natural selfish desires and strive to truly know God and serve him in protecting femininity... But it is only possible in a life that is centered on Christ our king...
What an amazing challenge to the young men of this generation, if only we were willing to forsake the natural selfish desires and strive to truly know God and serve him in protecting femininity... But it is only possible in a life that is centered on Christ our king...
June 4, 2010
Yes, a funny title. However, inside the book are bits of wisdom that are very applicable. If you are looking for that significant other, check out this book.
January 11, 2011
Yes, I'll admit, I read a book that was intended for guys. All the same, I enjoyed this one and think it has a great message.
May 7, 2011
Good book for the young Christian guy. Exemplifies how it isn't important to be part of the "Brotherhood", needing to fit in all the time. Also teaches great philosophies on how to treat a woman
July 30, 2011
good for young christian guys to read
April 12, 2013
Great book, Im using it for a guys Bible Study. Eric does a great job of not showcasing the book's dealings with sex, but the emphasis is on our higher calling to manhood. Loved.this book.
May 26, 2023
Absolutely loved this. Reading from Eric gives a girl/woman an insite to a man’s pint of view. I also gleaned quite a few things for myself. I recommend Eric & Leslie to all my Christian friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews