Fighting Shadows

Overcoming 7 Lies That Keep Men from Becoming Fully Alive

By: Jefferson Bethke, Jon Tyson

Narrated by: Jefferson Bethke, Jon Tyson

Read by the authors.

Discover the satisfaction of becoming the man God created you to be. In a world that’s grown increasingly confused about--and hostile toward--the very notion of masculinity, authors Jefferson Bethke and Jon Tyson send a powerful call to men everywhere: it's time to step into the light of Jesus' vision for you as a man.

There's a shadow that's settled over the hearts of men today. Masculinity is in crisis. Critiques about the dangers of toxic masculinity and the abuses of patriarchal systems have grown louder than ever. The very notions of masculinity and manhood are under attack. In response to cultural shifts, some have doubled down on old stereotypes in ways that just add to the conflict and confusion.

The result? Many men simply feel paralyzed--worried about saying the wrong thing, unsure what to do with their ambitions or strengths, simultaneously tempted and shamed by a hypersexualized and pornified culture. Our models and mentors have failed us. Based on their years of working in men's ministry, Bethke and Tyson have good news for men looking for clarity and courage in this age of quiet desperation.

In Fighting Shadows, they help men:

• overcome the temptations of escapism, passivity, or overcompensation;
• combat the most harmful shadows that men battle today, including loneliness, apathy, distraction, lust, and shame; and
• embrace masculinity as a God-given gift, not a curse to be avoided, suppressed, or battled.

An entire generation of men is being told they should abdicate the responsibility and joy of living into God's calling on their lives—don't be one of them. If you're a man who's wondering what to do with your strength, your longings, and your gifts, it's time to step out of the shadows. Jesus has a vision for you.

©2023 Jefferson Bethke and Jon Tyson (P)2023 Thomas Nelson

Love everything about it, but especially the part about how to create opportunities to create friendships

What I put in the title… the part about friendships like bringing 10 friends over to talk about a topic over a fire

World changing!!!

This book!!! This book is revolutionary. I could feel my soul coming alive as I listened. Some things were articulated in these pages that I never knew were there but resonated to my very core. Every man… literally every man needs to hear what is written here.

Powerful truths

I’m very much a fan of Tyson. I liked his chapters best. Overall the book was good.

So helpful

Most helpful book on biblical manhood that I have read in a while. Pick it up!

Glad the authors read the book

It was so good to hear the actual authors read the book. It is so much more powerful when the author reads their own book with conviction.

Wisdom and Encouragement for Men

Excellent, quick read book. Offers Tangible advice and actionable things to implement in your life.

A new version of Wild@Heart

The book is very akin to the Wild @ Heart book by John Eldridge that was written in the late 90's and has been revamped a few times since. It's definitely a Christian centered book for men who have been wrestling with the same problems in the last century with modern distractions and culture of rushing to try to keep up with the Jones. I enjoyed the author's voices, especially the Australian accent of one of them. It's worth listening to probably more than once.

personal and practical

Personal, practical, and relevant. I enjoyed the back-and-forth between both authors on their own journeys. I have already recommended to my men's group.

A woman’s perspective on a book for written for men

I read this book essentially for my husband. I am hoping to recommend it to him even though he does not read books on spirituality or what might be considered self-help. I have long said I am ready to require more from the men in my life! They are wonderful men, but I know they are not reaching their full potential! But knowing me trying to force them to be more than they are now will just result in bitterness feels hopeless. This book gives me hope. Jon and Jeff hit the nail on the head in each chapter. They spoke with passion, clarity and precision on the current problems preventing men from substantial growth and living a life of meaning with vision and purpose. Although I read it in order to be able to recommend it, I still was able to apply a good amount of the wisdom found in this book to my own life as well. Thank you Jon and Jeff! Keep pushing and encouraging men not to settle for a life of mediocrity. 🎉

A ray of light

Listening to this book was like being shaken awake from a dull, pernicious dream. It was full of encouragement and wisdom.