Study some biblical characters who have demonstrated courage (for example, Joshua). I think that the “fierce” aspect that is raised by Eldredge is often another way of saying that we need to exercise courage.
Study some biblical characters who have demonstrated courage (for example, Joshua). I think that the “fierce” aspect that is raised by Eldredge is often another way of saying that we need to exercise courage.
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Discussion Notes for Wild at Heart
Page 2 – Wilderness was and is a natural love of mine. My Dad did not camp. World War 2 apparently took all the fun out of it that was left from living through the Great Depression. I headed for wilderness pretty fast when I could drive. My brother did too.
Eldredge has made some observations about men and our inclinations and problems with the modern world that can be useful for us. However, he makes some pretty silly mistakes too and seems unable to figure out where his information fits in the greater picture of the Body of Christ.
Eldredge’s work has to stand the test of scripture so that is what we want to apply. God has the ultimate say on our lives and how we live them.
Page 7 – If we are bored at church do we blame God, blame other men, or blame women. I think a man reads the Bible, figures out that he is supposed to be loving the Lord his God with all his heart, mind, and spirit. We need to be clear that it isn’t our slothfulness that is causing our boredom. Now, modern life has problems and I know I need wilderness. But if you think less of a man for being good then your definition of good is bad.
Page 9 – Life is not lord, Jesus is Lord. God gets to specify the battle I fight in, the adventure I live, and the beauty I spend my life on. Jesus promised abundant life. I’ve seen lots of guys living for the battle, the adventure, and for women but I sure don’t envy them their lives.
Page 10 – Strike “aggression” and replace it with “strength”, read scripture and see what scripture has to say about being a man.
Page 11 – Strike “fierce” and replace it with “courage” Saul was fierce. He was a fierce idiot. David could be so patient that his men wondered if there was something wrong with him. They began to question his lifestyle. God was first in his life. We have a natural desire to exercise courage. It is the courage shown in a movie like “Saving Private Ryan” that inspires not just “fierce”. A life lived in submission to God can appear “fierce” to those around us.
Page 13 – Mr. Eldredge would do well to study the Bible a bit more. I have the feeling that he would be bored as a disciple of Jesus. He, and you, will be put to the test and the bible is your training manual. How useful would a team member be if they didn’t like to study the playbook? Count is all joy brothers when you fall into various trials. Can you imagine wanting to play football at Georgia with all you heart but refusing to study the playbook. Try to explain that to the coach.
Page 16 – When we fulfill our role as spiritual leaders and servants our wives will respond. Not always in the way we expect. Working this out in the real world is not neat or simple. However, I think one of the most useful things in this chapter is that our wives are not to be the adventure (although …) but they are to be part of the adventure our lives are to be in Christ.
Page 18 – Our sin nature colors our perceptions and we have a desperate need to submit to God in evaluating our needs as men.
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