Jacob's Shadow - Paperback

by Herbert Anderson (Author)

In Jacob's Shadow, Herbert Anderson uses his own story and the biblical story of Jacob to imagine new and more inclusive patterns of masculinity that balance power with vulnerability. With a new introduction, the book envisions alternatives to persisting expressions of patriarchy and toxic masculinity. Each chapter begins with an event from Jacob's life that foreshadows the struggles of men today. The topics explored include the following:

Acknowledging Vulnerability

Paying Attention

Nurturing

Making and Keeping Friends

Learning to Grieve

Sharing Power

In a new era of thinking about gender, Anderson invites men to embrace a masculine humanity deepened by their faith in God.

Author Biography

Herbert Anderson is a retired professor of pastoral care living in Sonoma, California. After being a parish pastor in California and a hospital chaplain in New Jersey, Herbert Anderson began his teaching career at Princeton Theological Seminary in the fall of 1969. He has also taught at Yale Divinity School, Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry, two Lutheran seminaries and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. In addition, Anderson is Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago where he taught for 15 years. Anderson was Director of Pastoral Care at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle, Washington from 2001-2004. Anderson is a Lutheran pastor with an ecumenical spirit fostered by working in a variety of contexts.

Anderson is the author or co-author of over 100 articles and 13 books on topics such as death and grief, family living, ritual and narrative, empathy, leaving home and living alone, men's spirituality, suicide, outpatient care, hospitality, and 'sense and nonsense in the wisdom of Dr. Seuss'. His most recent book was co-authored with Karen Speerstra and is entitled The Divine Art of Dying: How to Live Well While Dying. This book was the 2014 Gold Winner from INDIEFAB. It also received the 2015 Gold Winner award and Best of Small Press from the Nautilus Book Award. A book co-authored with Kenneth Mitchell, All Our Losses, All Our Griefs, is generally regarded as a classic in grief literature. He is a recipient of numerous awards including the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Congress in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Anderson is a nationally and internationally known speaker in the areas of bereavement, family, care of the dying, and pastoral and practical theology.