Who is Dr. John Seel

Dr. David John Seel, Jr. is a writer and cultural analyst. Among other books, he is the author of Network Power: The Science of Making a Difference. Seel has a doctorate in American Studies from the University of Maryland (College Park), an M.Div. from Covenant Theological Seminary, and a B.A. from Austin College. He is a grandfather of four grandchildren and lives with his wife, Kathryn, and dog, Malibu, on a 250-year-old farm in Philadelphia.

What You’ll Discover:

Aspirational Masculinity was just published July 21, 2025!

What If Marriage Was About More Than Personal Happiness?

Some professions—like joining the military or becoming a missionary—clearly shape a person’s marriage. But in Aspirational Masculinity: On Making Men Whole, cultural analyst David John Seel, Jr. makes a bold claim: this shouldn’t be the exception—it should be the rule.

Seel argues that Christian marriage is not merely a private commitment or a pathway to personal fulfillment. It’s a calling—a public good that advances the work of God’s kingdom. Before saying “I do,” Christian men must ask deeper questions:

• • How will this marriage serve others?
  • What impact will it have on the community of faith?
  • Will it accelerate or hinder my vocational calling?

In this light, marriage becomes a catalyst for purpose—not just companionship.

But to ask these questions, men must first examine themselves. Aspirational Masculinity offers ten essential criteria every man should consider before deeming himself “marriageable.” These aren’t superficial checkboxes—they’re a path to maturity, integrity, and wholeness.

In an age of gig work, swipe culture, and growing confusion about what it means to be a man, this book doesn’t begin with men’s failures—but with their potential. It challenges the toxic masculinity narrative not with guilt, but with grace and growth. It offers a vision of masculinity that is integrated, mature, and missional—where faith, identity, work, and love align.

If you’re asking, “Who should I marry?” start by asking, “Who am I becoming?”

Aspirational Masculinity is your roadmap to becoming the man worthy of that vow.

What Readers Are Saying:

— Jeremy Schurke, Founder of The Institute of Men and Religion

“This book brings clarity to the chaos that is modern masculinity, diagnosing the broken pieces and charting a path toward building something whole. I’m deeply grateful to John for writing this book.”

— Eric Swanson, Author and Professor, Bakke Graduate University

“Aspirational Masculinity offers men a profoundly compassionate and spiritually grounded path forward. Seel presents a radical reimagining of masculinity—not as a performance of strength or isolation, but as a deeply connected journey of purpose and relationships.”

— Paul Michalski, Founder of Integrous LLC

“John Seel reveals why the crisis of masculinity is ultimately a crisis of faith… grounded in biblical identity and purpose.”

— Mark P. Ryan, Executive Director, Sage Christianity

“Beyond diagnosing confusion over masculine ideals, he proposes a reality-based anthropology that unifies spirituality, identity, work, and relationships.”

Listen to the podcast: here

Order the book: here