As the father of three boys that are full of testosterone, I was very excited to receive the James Dobson book, Bringing Up Boys. The excitement did not waver throughout the reading of this fine book. It was written to assist parents in raising up young men to have a strong, unwavering love for Jesus Christ, a solid commitment to their wives and children and to be equipped to have a powerful impact on the world around them. Dobson desires to help parents (fathers, mothers and single parents) and grandparents alike love their children deeply and work with them toward maturity. At that point, they are no longer dependent solely upon parents or grandparents for their material or emotional needs, being ultimately dependent on Christ alone as both their Lord and Savior. The chapter entitled, “So What IS the Difference” is worth the price of the book. It is so helpful in demonstrating how the Lord God Almighty made males and females differently physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. This chapter encourages us to celebrate that fact and not to have a crisis over the contrast.

Dobson shows the confidence and strength that comes to a young man when the dad has a strong, positive impact upon his son, as well as when affirmations come from an encouraging mother. Dobson shoots very straight on issues such as homosexuality, media influence, disciplining boys, aggressive confrontations put in motion against males and over-commitment of parents and children in our society today. Dobson also addresses schooling, the eternal importance of a trusting relationship with Jesus Christ and questions concerning the development of sexual awareness among boys. This is a truly outstanding book and every parent or grandparent who has a son or grandson should read it. Every youth worker in America should read it as well. It will be helpful for years to come as you live with or minister to boys, adolescent males and young men.

While I cannot agree with everything that Dobson writes about, this book is extremely helpful and gives both godly encouragement and applications for life in the tough but thoroughly fulfilling call of “bringing up boys.”

Dean Conkel,  Youth and Family Ministries