Brian and Joshua, thank you for your comments here. I've met John Eldredge, and I'm quite familiar with his work (The Sacred Romance was significant in my life years ago). A number of readers have had pause due to his name as foreword-writer for Sam's book. I can't speak to all of the reasons, but my goal, as Sam's agent, is to support his book (and Sam) any way I can. This was simply my attempt.
I don’t understand why folks are put off by John Eldredge’s forward to Sam’s book. What is the broader message from Eldredge that is offensive? I’ve found the message Eldredge puts out regarding masculine initiation to be refreshing and full of hope. In fact I find much agreement between the messages of Wild at Heart and The Sex Talk You Never Got.
I wonder if issues with Eldredge stem from not having read Wild at Heart (or his other books) and taking the word of someone else?
I agree. Do people listen to his podcast or have they read Sacred Romance, a book out prior to Wild at Heart. Have they read his new release of Wild at heart where he has addressed some of societies concerns. I have always thought John Eldredge’s message is great. It’s what people have done with the message that has hurt him and that’s not his fault. He has no control if people misread his book and go live one of those macho ultra masculine lives (which he is against). John Eldredge was in theater, politics, into drugs and found Jesus during the Jesus Revolution and those ultra macho masculine guys probably have no clue about that. I also don’t think people who have dismissed him know those things either. I had someone tell me I was raising my boys to be a rapists because I read Wild at Heart. I asked them if they have read any of his books or listen to his podcast or listened to any conferences especially the one he did with Dan Allender. They said no they know all they need to know. 🤦♂️
I agree with you, Joshua. I think the bad rap John Eldredge gets is based on hearsay snd assumptions. Sam and John both studied under Dan Allender and there is probably no one better in the sexual trauma arena than Dan. In fact John just did a couple of teaching sessions with Dan this spring.
I does move the needle, John. I have a house full of sons and the Eldridge name on the cover would have put my husband and I off had I not seen this or Sheila’s endorsement. Thanks for sharing. My husband and I talk often about the lack of good modeling and commentary on masculinity for our three boys. There certainly is plenty of garbage modeling and commentary from inside and outside of the church. I try not to be reactionary or fearful but parenting boys in an age of toxicity and the over bloated manosphere is constantly on my mind. I’m hopeful this will be a good resource for us, thank you and Sam.
This is fabulous. Sometimes it is so hard to entangle the effect someone has had on us and read something with their name attached. I would have hesitated (not completely ruled out) in this case, and since I have four sons, it sounds like I need this book.
Brian and Joshua, thank you for your comments here. I've met John Eldredge, and I'm quite familiar with his work (The Sacred Romance was significant in my life years ago). A number of readers have had pause due to his name as foreword-writer for Sam's book. I can't speak to all of the reasons, but my goal, as Sam's agent, is to support his book (and Sam) any way I can. This was simply my attempt.
I don’t understand why folks are put off by John Eldredge’s forward to Sam’s book. What is the broader message from Eldredge that is offensive? I’ve found the message Eldredge puts out regarding masculine initiation to be refreshing and full of hope. In fact I find much agreement between the messages of Wild at Heart and The Sex Talk You Never Got.
I wonder if issues with Eldredge stem from not having read Wild at Heart (or his other books) and taking the word of someone else?
I agree. Do people listen to his podcast or have they read Sacred Romance, a book out prior to Wild at Heart. Have they read his new release of Wild at heart where he has addressed some of societies concerns. I have always thought John Eldredge’s message is great. It’s what people have done with the message that has hurt him and that’s not his fault. He has no control if people misread his book and go live one of those macho ultra masculine lives (which he is against). John Eldredge was in theater, politics, into drugs and found Jesus during the Jesus Revolution and those ultra macho masculine guys probably have no clue about that. I also don’t think people who have dismissed him know those things either. I had someone tell me I was raising my boys to be a rapists because I read Wild at Heart. I asked them if they have read any of his books or listen to his podcast or listened to any conferences especially the one he did with Dan Allender. They said no they know all they need to know. 🤦♂️
I agree with you, Joshua. I think the bad rap John Eldredge gets is based on hearsay snd assumptions. Sam and John both studied under Dan Allender and there is probably no one better in the sexual trauma arena than Dan. In fact John just did a couple of teaching sessions with Dan this spring.
I does move the needle, John. I have a house full of sons and the Eldridge name on the cover would have put my husband and I off had I not seen this or Sheila’s endorsement. Thanks for sharing. My husband and I talk often about the lack of good modeling and commentary on masculinity for our three boys. There certainly is plenty of garbage modeling and commentary from inside and outside of the church. I try not to be reactionary or fearful but parenting boys in an age of toxicity and the over bloated manosphere is constantly on my mind. I’m hopeful this will be a good resource for us, thank you and Sam.
Thank you for this John. I appreciate your words and have added this to my stack and intend to gift a copy to both of my sons….
This is fabulous. Sometimes it is so hard to entangle the effect someone has had on us and read something with their name attached. I would have hesitated (not completely ruled out) in this case, and since I have four sons, it sounds like I need this book.
my copy of this book just came in the mail! can’t wait to dive in