Publisher's Synopsis
Most products today come with a user guide or instruction manual developed by the manufacturer to give a product description and other information regarding use and function of the product. One can choose to ignore the manual and attempt to by trial and error uncover how it functions. Not only is that method time consuming but you run the risk of potentially damaging the product because of a lack of qualified information. Reading and understanding the source document is integral to avoid what in some cases can be detrimental to the product.
There is no need to operate in ignorance when the requisite information is available. You disregard the manual to your own peril. The Bible is the ultimate manual that deals with the creation of man and provides critical information regarding his purpose. Most things in Genesis were created by the word of God (he spoke, and he saw), however the crowning glory of his creation was made from previously existing raw materials. God forming man from the dust of the ground is the clearest indication, that God chose to build the first man. God built the first man the original prototype fully mature, full functional and capable of managing His creation. All that the original man needed to be he knew. The man was not made like a robot but was given the power of choice. He could therefore of his own volition choose to do the right thing. He was built to last and to function in all is God ordained capacities. The choice to disobey God put man into a tailspin and affected his ability to function as originally designed. The product was damaged and in need of restoration which was to eventually come in the person of Christ. Many male related issues are a consequence of the fall of man. The depths of depravity and alienation from good may appear to be spiralling out of control but all is not lost. This book is intended to look at the original manual or user guide and to provide pertinent information that when applied will ultimately lead to restoration. The authors are well intentioned that instead of cursing the darkness we choose to light a candle to show the way. Build a man has moved from an initiative or concept to the Genesis of what is expected to become a movement. We stand on the shoulders of our predecessors who have continually sought to address this critical issue within our various cultures. We choose to at this late hour to add our voices in the belief that change is not only possible it is inevitable, and we can salvage some good in the earth by the Grace of God. We have sought to contextualise the use of the manual to bring to the fore God's original design for man. It is our considered viewpoint that what is wrong with man can be fixed by what is right in scriptures. The topics covered are by no means exhaustive but are presented with the view that if properly utilised can begin or continue the process towards building the man. It is going to take a collaborative effort to obtain maximum impact. Let us not be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the task but let us get to work at once. We must first allow the manual to speak to us, then begin to appropriate the changes in our lives and by extension reach out to so many others in need of help. The book you are holding in your hands is not just a product geared towards information but rather a tool for transformation. We begin with the question of identity clearly indicating that you were born a male, but you must become a man. You cannot become what you are ignorant of. Mans's identity is tied to his spirituality. You cannot be divorced or alienated from God and expect to become what is foundational to your design. The disconnect between man and God has opened a pandora's box type situation which can only be resolved by a return to the original purpose and intent.
