When Men Think Private Thoughts

by Gordon MacDonald

What is true success, and how do I find it? How can I strengthen my marriage? How do I cultivate strong friendships? How can I be a better father? How do I discover true intimacy? What will my legacy be? What kind of man is pleasing to God? A powerful, penetrating book about the issues men face - identity, masculinity, relationships, and spirituality.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Christian Living

Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Gordon MacDonald has been a pastor and author for over forty years. For many years he pastored Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massacusetts and continues to serve as Pastor Emertius. He has also provided leadership to influential ministries such as Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, which he served as President for three years, and World Relief, which he currently serves as Chairman. Gordon’s best-selling books include Ordering Your Private World, Mid-Course Correction and, most recently, A Resilient Life. He also writes and serves as Editor-at-Large for Christianity Today’s Leadership Journal. When not writing, leading or speaking at conferences, Gordon and his wife Gail can be found hiking the trails of New England.

Reviews

[Don Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

No, this book is not about sex. It is about the inner world workings of the male journey that affects how he does Christ-following, the markers he chooses for success and the traps he sets for himself. MacDonald is not a Bible expositor but a pastor oriented toward insight, a student of the spiritual journey. Oswald Chambers like, he hovers over the spiritual landscape and probes our defensive behaviors, cover ups and refusals to see the truth when it is staring us in the face. I have shared this book with wives who are looking for clues to their husbands' iceberg reclusiveness and elusiveness, as well as with men who aren't getting a handle on dynamics that are carrying them down the stream they don't want to go down.

[Eric · Rating 1 out of 5]

A few interesting parts, but mostly because I'm interested in the intersection of psychology and theology. It seems MacDonald is pretty influenced by the idea that much of what we experience is primarily shaped by childhood. He doesn't mention the effects of the Fall much, but seems to assume that thoughts, if inspired by childhood, can be accepted as not necessarily wrong. His whole view of womb love versus phallic love seems to be pitting men against women. I think our supreme example of love, Christ, applies equally to men and women. I ended up not finishing the book after skipping around a few chapters.

[Tim Chavel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gordon MacDonald is a very good Bible teacher. This book explains thoughts men often have that are not expressed. He talks about how some of the things men do can be traced back to the childhood. I enjoyed reading this book and learned several valuable lessons. Both man and married women will profit from reading this book.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Powerful Insights

[Jason Arbuckle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 45 - Gordon MacDonald - When Men Think Private Thoughts

Many many moons ago, Nov 1996 I attended my first Christian conference. More than that...it was a men’s conference. It was a very special year as just a few months earlier I had got married. I had never really been challenged about my faith until that day. With Floyd McClung and Gordon MacDonald it was the most inspiring event I had ever witnessed. Uplifting...you have not lived unless you have heard over a thousand men singing and praising God.

Gordon MacDonald has stuck in my head all these years...his honesty about his failings...how hard it is to walk the walk...being tripped my his own humanity and how God brought him back...willing and patiently.

I bought this book that day...I even went as far as getting Gordon to sign it...

It touched me in a way...an honest way that I don’t think any other book like this ever has...before or since.

The depth to which this book has challenged me can’t be put into words. On picking it up for the first time in nearly 25 years reminds me of those private thoughts...where are we going ? How are we getting there ? Who was and continues to signpost us ? How do men open up to each other ?

The book taught me to be thankful...for family...for friends...

More importantly it has reminded me of times I spent with my own father as well as times I spend with my Heavenly Father. Praise God for our sons...fathers...uncles...friends.

[Ekene Kingsley]

It is thought provoking,incisive,an alytical and exceptional.