Men of Virtue: How the Fruit of the Spirit Forms Male Character in the Modern World

For Christian men searching for purpose, the crisis of masculinity is real. But the solution isn’t toxic bravado, gender erasure, or culture-war confusion. It’s virtue.

In Men of Virtue, Zachary Wagner offers a distinctly Christian vision of masculinity inspired by the fruit of the Spirit that Paul commends to all believers. Moving through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, Wagner shows how these virtues uniquely shape men’s strength, relationships, sexuality, ambition, and emotions. This fresh biblical vision calls men to a new kind of character and purpose–one grounded in Christlike discipleship rather than false cultural binaries.

“Wagner says what few venture to say: There is no healthy ‘masculinity’ that isn’t rooted in the fruit of the Spirit. A thoughtful, full-bodied view of what it means to be a man.”
—Brant Hansen, author of The Men We Need and Unoffendable

“An essential resource for any man ready to trade performance for genuine virtue and join the hard work of making all things new.”
—Anthony B. Bradley, distinguished research fellow, The Acton Institute; research professor, Kuyper College

“Finally, a truly biblical account of biblical manhood! Wagner navigates this touchy topic with thoughtfulness and grace.”
—Preston Sprinkle, author of From Genesis to Junia; host of the Theology in the Raw podcast