Book Report: A Man on Purpose – 10 Rules of Life from a Faithful Father by Pete Burak

Pete Burak’s A Man on Purpose is a vibrant, story-rich, and spiritually grounded exploration of what it means to grow into authentic Catholic manhood. Written with humour, pastoral sensitivity, and a deep awareness of the cultural confusion surrounding masculinity today, Burak offers a roadmap shaped not by trends or stereotypes but by the steady, faithful wisdom of his own father. The book is both a tribute to paternal influence and a practical guide for men seeking clarity, courage, and purpose.

Burak, vice president of Renewal Ministries and a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, writes with the credibility of someone who has lived the tension between cultural expectations and Christian identity. His message is simple yet profound: authentic manhood begins in the heart of God the Father. When a man knows who he is in God, everything else—leadership, relationships, virtue, resilience—flows from that identity.

Central Theme: Identity Rooted in God

The book’s central conviction is that manhood is not something a man performs his way into; it is something he receives. Burak argues that many of the struggles men face—aimlessness, insecurity, passivity, anger—stem from a fractured or unexamined sense of identity. By returning to the truth of being a beloved son of God, a man gains the stability and direction needed to live with purpose.

This theme threads through every chapter. Burak’s father’s maxims are not merely moral lessons; they are invitations to live from a place of spiritual grounding rather than cultural pressure.

Purpose and Audience

Burak writes with several audiences in mind:

• Young men who feel the ache for direction, mission, and clarity
• Fathers who want to lead their families with strength, tenderness, and integrity
• Mothers who long to understand and support the formation of their sons
• Mentors, teachers, and ministry leaders seeking a practical resource for forming men

The book functions as both encouragement and challenge. It acknowledges the crisis of manhood in contemporary culture but refuses to respond with despair. Instead, Burak offers a hopeful, actionable vision of what men can become when they live intentionally and in step with the Holy Spirit.

Expanded Overview of the Ten Principles

Each principle is anchored in a short, memorable phrase from Burak’s father—phrases that seem simple on the surface but carry layers of spiritual and psychological insight.

1. “Who are you?” — Identity Before Action

Burak begins with the foundational question of identity. A man who does not know who he is will drift, react, or perform. A man who knows he is a beloved son of God can act with clarity and conviction. Burak emphasises that identity is not earned but received, and that this truth liberates men from the exhausting pressure to prove themselves.

2. “If you lead, they will follow.” — Leadership as Service

Leadership is not about dominance or control but about responsibility, humility, and service. Burak encourages men to step into leadership with confidence, recognising that people naturally follow those who lead with integrity and gratitude. He challenges the cultural tendency toward passivity, calling men to use their gifts boldly and generously.

3. “Will you forgive me?” — The Strength of Reconciliation

Burak highlights forgiveness as a hallmark of mature manhood. Asking for forgiveness requires humility, courage, and emotional honesty. He argues that strong relationships—marriage, friendship, fatherhood—depend on the willingness to repair what is broken. Forgiveness becomes a path to freedom rather than a sign of weakness.

4. “Always touch the water!” — Failure as Formation

This playful phrase becomes a metaphor for resilience and risk-taking. Burak encourages men to embrace failure as part of growth rather than something to fear. Touching the water means trying, stepping out, and learning. It is an invitation to courage, experimentation, and perseverance.

5. “Just don’t get arrested!” — Brotherhood and Accountability

Behind the humour lies a serious truth: men need other men. Burak stresses the importance of Christ-centered brotherhood—friendships that challenge, support, and hold one another accountable. Isolation breeds weakness; community builds strength. This chapter is particularly relevant in a culture where many men lack meaningful friendships.

6. “What’s the Holy Spirit telling you?” — Discernment and Trust

Burak invites men to cultivate a listening heart. Discernment is not a mystical skill reserved for the spiritually elite; it is a daily practice of tuning one’s ear to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Trusting God’s voice becomes a source of courage, direction, and peace.

7. “Be a good man, not a nice guy!” — Virtue Over People-Pleasing

Burak distinguishes between being “nice” (conflict-avoidant, passive, approval-seeking) and being “good” (courageous, virtuous, principled). He calls men to cultivate the classical virtues—prudence, temperance, fortitude—so they can face life’s challenges with strength and integrity.

Style, Tone, and Strengths

1. Story-Driven and Accessible

Burak’s storytelling makes the book engaging and relatable. His father’s sayings feel like the kind of wisdom passed down in kitchens, garages, and long car rides—ordinary moments that become formative.

2. Deeply Catholic Yet Broadly Applicable

While grounded in Catholic theology, the themes of identity, virtue, forgiveness, and purpose resonate across Christian traditions and even with secular readers seeking meaning and direction.

3. Practical and Action-Oriented

Each chapter offers concrete steps, not abstract ideals. Burak’s goal is transformation, not mere inspiration.

4. Hopeful and Encouraging

Rather than lamenting cultural decline, Burak offers a constructive, hopeful vision of what men can become when they live intentionally and in relationship with God.

What Others Are Saying

Endorsements highlight two major strengths:

• The book reconnects men with God the Father, helping them rediscover their identity as beloved sons.
• It offers timely guidance in a culture confused about manhood, giving young men and fathers a hopeful, practical roadmap.

These endorsements reinforce the book’s relevance and pastoral value.

Overall Evaluation

A Man on Purpose is a timely, engaging, and spiritually rich contribution to the conversation about manhood. It offers a refreshing alternative to both cultural stereotypes and reactionary extremes. Burak’s message is clear: you don’t need to be perfect to be purposeful. You need to be present, intentional, and rooted in God’s love.

For ministry, men’s groups, parenting, or personal reflection, this book provides a compelling vision of what it means to live as a man of integrity, courage, and faith.