Seven Men: And The Secret Of Their Greatness (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
Sometimes the backgrounds of figures of the faith slip our minds, and we consider them flat characters who, suffering terrible things achieved greater. Metaxas did an excellent job of pulling down the division between our lives and theirs. In each short biography, Metaxas asks his readers to consider how in the simplicity of a prayer, in committing their lives to God whatever the situation, even greater stories could be told. Without quoting or paraphrasing, Metaxas also referenced some other authors' works that found their way into his research, he didn't wait till the bibliography to suggest further study, and that impressed me. The two stories I was most caught up in were those of how God prepared and used Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Chuck Colson. I had read Colson's "The Faith" in highschool, and I knew of his work beginning Prison Fellowship - and in that same vein Angel Tree - but I had somehow missed the extensive conflict that led him to that area of ministry, namely his involvement with the Watergate scandal, and his own experience in prison. Good read! 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. 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 legends about him, though. I do like George Washington. He's just wasn't why I read this book. 3 starsWilbur Wiberforce I liked him! At first, it was sad that he left his faith, but I am so happy he returned. He seemed like a man who truly loved God with his whole spirit. He made quite an impact. I can't believe society was that bad! I can see how he felt about being alone, though. I really liked this short biography. 4 starsEric Liddell This guy is the reason I read this book, and I have no words. The guy was an amazing believer. He obeyed God in every aspect of his life. God gave Eric the extraordinary talent to run fast, and he did. He put his God, my God, before anything else (even his own much-desired ambition). He served in China with such humility and such heart. I am beyond impressed. I am moved. It's so heartbreaking that he died in such a way. I was almost moved to tears, and I definitely got goosebumps, when I read about how he wrote his little booklet as he was suffering in the camp in China. If that isn't faith, true life-giving faith, I don't know what is. Eric missed his family, and he had to deal with the worst side of people. He risked his life several times to help people in China. He followed the one true God, he showed the world who Jesus was, and he showed it with love and passion. I don't know if I will ever be so amazed at any one man. Eric was loved by his country, adored by his family, and treasured and remembered by all the people he served. The running part was a small part of the picture of God's plan for Eric. Jesus shown in everything he did. He lived and breathed God. Eric Liddell taught me that we must do what God has made us for in every situation. We must never hold back from what God wants us to do, because he will give us the strength to do it. I loved his story. I hope that I can serve God with such a wholehearted abandon that Eric Liddell did. The amazing movie "Chariots of Fire" only captured a snippet of the life Eric lived for God. There was so much more. Wow. 5 stars!!!!!Dietrich Bonhoeffer He had a good story. He loved God, he sought to follow him, and he made a difference. Yes, his story was cool. However, it didn't fascinate me as much. I know you found it amazing, but it wasn't all that great for me. Also, I'm not sure how admirable it is to plan to murder someone, even someone as evil as Hitler. So, that's about it. 3 starsJackie Robinson His story was good. I had never heard it before. It was terrible how the people treated him! I felt sad about how angry he got, and how people were jerks to him. But, it was amazing how he stood his ground despite being mistreated in a vicious way. His talent was impressive, and his resolve was, too. 3 starsPope John Paul II His story was fun. He certainly made a difference. He seemed to really love other people and love God. He loves by God's word, he was kind, and he loved. It was a nice story, and I had never heard it before. But, it wasn't amazing for me. 3 stars Chuck Colson I liked his story. I liked how he turned his life over to God. It was probably the least touching for me, though. 3 stars Thank you for taking the time to write this book.Sincerely,Lena Marie
What do You think about Seven Men: And The Secret Of Their Greatness (2013)?
Sometimes the backgrounds of figures of the faith slip our minds, and we consider them flat characters who, suffering terrible things achieved greater. Metaxas did an excellent job of pulling down the division between our lives and theirs. In each short biography, Metaxas asks his readers to consider how in the simplicity of a prayer, in committing their lives to God whatever the situation, even greater stories could be told. Without quoting or paraphrasing, Metaxas also referenced some other authors' works that found their way into his research, he didn't wait till the bibliography to suggest further study, and that impressed me. The two stories I was most caught up in were those of how God prepared and used Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Chuck Colson. I had read Colson's "The Faith" in highschool, and I knew of his work beginning Prison Fellowship - and in that same vein Angel Tree - but I had somehow missed the extensive conflict that led him to that area of ministry, namely his involvement with the Watergate scandal, and his own experience in prison. Good read!
—CHatmaker
This was a pretty good book of short biographies of some significant Christians. I recognize that the book's format only allowed for a short amount about each person, but the book seems to make these men out to be nearly perfect. There is no doubt that these men were great men in many ways, but they were also people who make mistakes and sin. I would recommend that you read this book though, it's a good reminder of what it means to live a great life.
—stevos121
This book was wonderful and so full of interesting stories and info! I highly recommend.
—fantasyboy2012
