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London Catholic Herald says "I have just been reading a fascinating book: Imago Dei Psychotherapy: A Catholic Conceptualization by GC Dilsaver, an American Catholic psychologist. It is about healing those who are mentally ill because of depression, borderline personality disorders and so on, by helping to restore the “image of God” within them that, through sin, human weakness or the sorrows of life, has become fractured."This is the briefest of summaries and the book well merits reading in full – not least because of the author’s insights on suffering: do we embrace it with Christ as a means of purification or do we flee from it or let ourselves be buried under it? Reading the book made me think that the Christian view of suffering is the only one that makes sense. The author also shows that in mental disorders the struggle is the same as with healthy people, albeit more extravagant and intensified: do I choose to focus on myself or on others? Choice may be limited but it is not wholly absent; otherwise the possibility of change is diminished. The phrase “to die to self” takes on a specific meaning within Dilsaver’s thesis: the “self” here is the false or pseudo-self that is in direct and unremitting conflict with the true self, in which the “imago Dei” is imprinted." 
" Homiletic and Pastoral Review
says "In [the Imago Dei Way] we find a current presentation which is fully in accord with traditional scholastic philosophy and theology. The whole Catholic worldview of man made in the image of God, a composite being of spirit and matter, is the philosophical basis of Imago Dei. [It] is an invaluable tool for Catholic counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists whose goal it is to bring their therapants to a state of mental health which is in accord with both the natural law and divine revelation." -Fr. Kenneth Baker, SJ ~~~ Three Marks of Manhood
The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet
and King of Your Family– January 1, 2010
by Dr. G. C. Dilsaver (Author) The noted Catholic psychologist Dr. G.C. Dilsaver writes that the time has come for Catholic families to re-discover true patriarchy--time for Catholic men to accept and fulfill their role as leader and head of their families. The role of Christian manhood, as ordained by God and confirmed by Catholic teaching, is symbolized by three staffs: the Scepter of authority and self-discipline, the Crosier of spiritual headship, and the Cross of redemptive suffering. Dr. Dilsaver promotes a new and untainted patriarchy in which the husband's ultimate authority is rooted in Christ's example of humility and self-sacrificing love. Three Marks of Manhood can help Christian families realize their identity to the fullest--empowering them to resist the encroachment of secular culture. Read it and learn how to build a strong and lasting marriage, raise children to become faithful men and women of God, and foster an authentic Catholic culture in your home. Dr. Dilsaver, with his development of the first fully integrated Christian psychology, Imago Dei Psychotherapy, is truly the father of Christian Psychology; with the publication of Three Marks of Manhood he may also be the father of a new Christian patriarchy—A TAN Publications Bestseller. Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars I really liked this powerful book, February 24, 2012 By Matt Woodbury - See all my reviews This review is from: The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet and King of Your Family (Paperback) This is a book I will use as operating system for the rest of my marriage. It is not that new of an idea, traditional marriage, in the grand scheme of history for the last 2000 years. However, it presents a way of family life where the man is in charge only because he is serving his family and specifically his wife as Jesus would do. I can see how many would take this book way way out of context but if this old ideal of patriarchal based marriage is truly understood then everyone wins BIG. Men become better leaders at home and at work; women become more fulfilled because they can focus on their family. The surprising thing for me is that this Christ centered patriarchal based marriage in it's pure form has not really ever been followed in large numbers. There are plenty examples of the man being in charge in authority over decisions (king) but that is where it stops. This book covers three aspects, priest, prophet, & king. Most secular men are only king... if that. Leading his family in religion is also key, and leading his family in protecting and providing for the future in a stable secure way for those who depend on him is also key. King is last because his authority comes from Christ through the first two aspects. The discussion in this book on the current matriarchal based family is not new in other words. High society for thousands of years ago were run by matriarchy. The reason being that the men were too concerned about having their bedtime privileges revoked so to speak. If a man is priest, prophet and king all three build a trusting structure of authority which generates boat-loads of love in the family and the children and wife all look up to that father and husband and will follow him out of respect not out of fear. To drop one of these aspects is similar to removing a leg of the tripod and so we see in today's world of broken families where the commitment to death do us part is not there and therefore the authority structure is crippled. We see where the required exclusivity between spouses is not there and therefore that family is destined to being crippled or broken. All these broken families all because of the strength of the king in the family being non-existent. It needs to be lead by the father, the prayers need to be insisted upon by the father, the morality needs to be maintained by the father. Only because of a reciprocal love within the family unit would this be possible. I find this book to be a field guide for men and women in dedicated Catholic families. I will be spending the rest of my life strengthening the quality of my roles. Priest, prophet, and king. 5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book for Men, December 18, 2010 By Stanley Foust - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet and King of Your Family (Paperback) This is the best book for men that I have ever read and I've read a few. This book lays the cards on the table so to speak. I'd recommend it and I'd buy it again if I lost mine. 5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative, May 24, 2012 By Friend of Mary - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet and King of Your Family (Paperback) I found this book to be very informative. In our current times it is very difficult for men and young men to know what is required of them in their role as leader in the family. This book puts into clear terms what is expected of men and how to get there. Inside this book you will be informed of things you thought you knew but never knew. It was a good read and I would and will recommend it to many people I know. 5.0 out of 5 stars Straight Talk on the Christian Family, November 9, 2010 By thou art a scholar - See all my reviews This review is from: The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet and King of Your Family (Paperback) What a breath of fresh air! This may be the best book of its kind that I have read, with perhaps the exception of Archbishop Fulton Sheen's "Three to get Married." Dilsaver writes with an authority and economy of style that is reflective of a long distillation of the Catholic teaching on Marriage and Family, and yet he has a keen eye for incorporating the best insights of psychology as well. This book is blissfully free of convoluted, unconvincing (not to say dishonest) attempts to "reconcile" the Christian family with modern egalitarianism. Rather, it simply lays out, in a way that neither coddles nor provokes, the traditional teaching that the Christian family is indeed a patriarchy, and that this is one of the greatest blessings from God. But the book is about much more than Fatherhood, though that is its center: it provides a glimpse into the ordered, resonant, and flourishing daily life of the Christian household. It is also a clear-eyed and savvy defense of the Christian family against its political, historical, and theological enemies. Accessible, compact, and manfully written, it has the ring of truth. Highly recommended. 5.0 out of 5 stars Teachings are a necessity., July 30, 2013 By Suzan McGrath - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet and King of Your Family (Paperback) I chose this book for my son who is getting married. Marriage should be forever and we need all the help we can get to make our marriage work. Men need to be men these days and I hope this book gives him additional guidelines to be the best, Holy, man he can be. 5.0 out of 5 stars Genius! Magnificent! Eye-opening!, August 29, 2014 By Cindy - See all my reviews This review is from: The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet and King of Your Family (Paperback) It is absolutely necessary for every man to read this book and put it's content to practice. As an American woman, this book helped me find what I had long looked for but not found in many of today's supposed "liberators/helpers" of women. It is sooooo good to finally find a book written with so much clarity, honesty, authority and knowledge about the subject matter. In a world where being "free" means I have to try to be like a man, it is so relaxing to finally understand why our society has taken that mistaken route. I'm so tired of hearing society's pressure for me to be "like a man" because I enjoy being a woman and everything that comes with my femininity. Not only does this book really challenge men to live up to the ideals Christ himself lived out, but also removes the excessive burden placed on us women by men's abdication of their duty. Thank you G.C. Dilsaver for going against the tide and being courageous in writing a book so necessary and life saving for our times! I will have my sons read this. My husband has already read it, (I purchased it for him). Finally, a man who appreciates a woman just for being a woman.! 5.0 out of 5 stars Purchased as a gift., January 24, 2014 By Dorothy E. Swingle (Janesville, CA, US) - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet and King of Your Family (Paperback) Excellent book, for both men and women, regarding the true exercise of spiritual leadership in the family and home. Doesn't cut corners or hold punches but also approaches the topic from a loving and intellectual standpoint. 5.0 out of 5 stars Mind Blowing!!, January 3, 2014 By Gregory Grumbine - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet and King of Your Family (Paperback) If I could give this book 10 stars I would. Dr. Dilsaver really did his research when he wrote this book. Not only does he bring his experience as a psychologist into the book but he has obviously studied theology a great deal. I recommend this book for men and women who really want to have a concrete understanding of the Catholic Church and Biblical views on the roles of man and woman in marriage. Whether you are a man or a woman you will be challenged as a person and as a Catholic so unless that is what you want don't read this book. There will be some things that are hard to hear at first but bear with it because Dr. Dilsaver does explain himself thoroughly later in the book. Expect almost everything he says to challenge the social "norms" of the marital roles. Last be sure to have a dictionary handy when you are reading this book because he writes like a psychologist and a theologian. 5.0 out of 5 stars You will have many epiphanies during the reading of this book!, October 5, 2013 By KELLY JACKSON - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet and King of Your Family (Paperback) This book is a must read for any man! It is a wonderful guide and tool to use. G. C. Dilsaver was truly led by the Holy Spirit when he wrote this book. His insight is amazing and the book is easy to read and follow. You will have many epiphanies during the reading of this book. This book should be a part of your library! I plan on reading it at least once a year. I have 5 boys and plan on having them read this book in early adolescence and again when before they get married. 5.0 out of 5 stars Very good!, March 3, 2014 By Paul Bachmeyer - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet and King of Your Family (Paperback) I bought this book for my husband to read, since then he has bought about a dozen of these to hand to other men... I'd recommend this to anyone to read! 5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars, December 22, 2014 By Brian Weiss - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet and King of Your Family (Paperback) I've given many as gifts. |