Book Review: 7 Men

7 Men and the Secret of Their Greatness (2013) by Eric Metaxas continues his tradition of great biographical works. Perhaps best known for his biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, he also wrote an extended biography of abolitionist William Wilberforce, both of whom were included in this book. Additionally, the stories of George Washington, Eric Liddell, Jackie Robinson, Pope John Paul II, and Charles Colson were included. These men differed by centuries, continents, denominations, and race. What united them was a common faith in the Lord Jesus and "surrendering themselves to a higher purpose, of giving something away that they might have kept" (from the intro).

In varying ways, I have benefited from the ministries of each of these men. Many of us have. On page 64, Metaxas quoted Eric Liddell: "At this time I finally decided to put it all on Christ--after all if he called me to do it, then He would have to supply the necessary power. In going forward the power was given to me." Each would agree that the power was given to each of these men.

At just over 200 pages, these are not extended biographies. They are just snapshots, really. If one is expecting the depth of his previous biographies, you will be disappointed. Having said that, the few dozen pages devoted to each of these men will be encouraging and provocative. These sketches give a glimpse about what it means to be a man of conviction under the power of the Spirit.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me free of charge by Thomas Nelson and the Book Look Bloggers program in exchange for this review. I was not required to submit a positive review. The viewpoints above are my own.