Things to Read (Red Pill Redemption 2)

If men are to reclaim our culture for Christ and family, we would do well to find the best of what has gone before. One of the most important things we can do is read great books of men who have come before and learn from them what it is to truly be men, the kind of men God would have us to be as well as the kind of men to whom women naturally wish to submit and follow. So I suggest here a partial reading list, which is only a beginning, and welcome suggestions for additions.

1. The Holy Bible, King James Version. If nothing else, any man who wishes to redeem the times must read this. Simply to read it is not enough, however. Passages, even extended passages, whole psalms and various lessons on doctrines should be committed to memory. Additionally, we should pray for wisdom as we read, knowing that the devil was able to quote scripture, albeit with misapplication and evil intent. Paul tells us to study to show ourselves workmen approved unto God, while James reminds us that if we pray for wisdom God will give abundantly above all that we ask. Both men were inspired by the Holy Spirit, thus study for knowledge and prayer for wisdom are both necessary aspects of our growth. This is the sword with which we reclaim lost souls from the enemy
2. The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, by James D. Hornfischer. Outside of scripture, I have never read a book which so eloquently and vividly portrays the masculine virtues. Courage, honor, love of country, discipline, fortitude and an indomitable will to persevere against impossible odds, all in a true story. The scene where pilot “Blue” Archer flies across the top of a Japanese battleship, with his plane inverted and canopy open, firing at the bridge with a .38 revolver because his bombs and machine guns have all been emptied is worth the read alone, yet it is only one small segment. To see what we once were, what we have lost and to imagine how we might yet regain it makes this book a must read.
3. Death in the Long Grass, by Peter Hathaway Capstick. A riotously entertaining and allegedly true account of the adventures of an itinerant big game hunter, guide, game ranger and magazine writer as he tries to find a way to get himself killed by virtually every living terrestrial critter on the face of the planet. Men being men, doing manly things together, not for money or power, but just for the sheer joy of testing themselves against their physical and mental limits is Capstick’s stock in trade. Yet it is not simply a bloody minded need to kill; Capstick lived by a code of honor both towards his camp followers, his clients and the animals he hunted. No fictional short story you will ever read is as chilling yet melancholy as The Killer Baboons of Vlakfontein, although I am not sure if that appears in the first of the “Death” books or one of the later entries. Read them all, then explain to me why you don’t have a few firearms and a hunting license.
4. Meditations on Violence and Facing Violence by Rory Miller. If you are going to be a leader you must also be a protector, and these two books are indispensable to understanding how predators see you and how you should see them. Miller’s resume is nearly unrivaled when it comes to hands on dealing with society’s scum, and the lessons he learned from decades of training and fighting could mean the difference between life, death and prison for a man who has to protect himself and his family.
5. The Last Guardian of Everness and Mists of Everness by John C. Wright. Wright reminds us of our own American mythology with its unique heroes. It’s high fantasy set in the modern age, a return of the age of heroes and monsters. Wright has much to say about the nature of heroes and how even the most ordinary of men can make a difference for good. As a bonus, the corruption of law enforcement by demonic impersonators (who are then brought to heel by a military still loyal to the republic) seems prescient today.
6. The Wizard Knight by Gene Wolfe. There is no true heroism without suffering, as Sir Abel learns many times. But he perseveres, and discovers that though he is betrayed by those he serves and cruelly tormented love and faith can bring him victory. Since we are discussing redemption this work is especially important, as Abel’s loyalty and honor allow him to redeem even evil rulers who betrayed him as well as the elven princess he loves. Abel is not alone in this, in the books we encounter various characters who endure great suffering and hardship for the sake of honor and love, and with Abel’s assistance they are redeemed (sometimes in the literal sense of the original word) from terrible suffering and redeem others as well.

Okay, I think I’ll leave off there for now. More later, Lord willing.

Evil is ascendant. It will not last…. https://theothermccain.com/2022/09/07/suspect-in-memphis-womans-murder-began-his-criminal-career-at-age-11/

The links must flow…. https://theothermccain.com/2022/09/07/in-the-mailbox-09-06-22-evening-edition/

The Dirty Baker’s Dozen….. https://sigmaframe.wordpress.com/2022/09/07/harbingers-of-masculine-doom/

Against post-modernism… https://winteryknight.com/2022/09/07/the-psychological-motivation-of-those-who-embrace-postmodernism-9/

Don’t be attached to material things… https://pushingrubberdownhill.com/2022/09/06/this-vagabond-life/

More good fiction for free…. https://www.scifiwright.com/2022/09/the-intangible-design-sixth-the-unconquerable/

Matt’s advice column… https://freemattpodcast.wordpress.com/2022/09/07/the-matters-w-matt-not-paid-to-care-about-this/