A man—especially a father—is called to defend, protect, and foster what is noble and good. Indeed, it is for this he was created, not only spiritually, but physically. Bravery is written into his very being. Men can only be truly happy when they have laid down their lives for the Kingdom of God.

But despite society’s promotion of health and fitness, modern life has all but quenched man’s heroic spirit, smothering it with lame distractions, from fantasy sports to petty internet debates, or killing it with evils like pornography. Even the “manliest” of men often put comfort first, scrolling their phone while their family, neighborhood, or parish goes to seed.

This work aims to spark a revolution, reawakening men to their deepest identity—not as “alpha” or “sigma” males, but as soldiers of Christ. To come fully alive, we must rediscover the courage of the apostles, who risked pain, humiliation, and death in the pursuit and defense of the truth.

First Line of Defense is for men in every walk of life, reminding them that they are called to be great. With directness and clarity, Doug Barry and Daniel O’Connor show what it could mean to live a heroic life of duty, courage, strength, sacrifice, and dedication—that is, to be a saint.

“This is exactly the clarion call we need. You cannot love a thing without being willing to fight for it. Like a splash of cold water to the face, this book challenges men to shake off their apathy and to heroically combat the rising tide of evil threatening all that is good and true.”
—Sam Guzman, Author, The Catholic Gentleman

“An outstanding resource that speaks directly to a man’s heart. Filled with sage advice and practical wisdom, it equips men for spiritual battle.”
—Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Author, Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality

“Holiness and heroism are united in Christ. In this book, we are shown how men can become truly masculine by becoming true heroes of holiness. True men need to man up. We need to become soldiers of Christ. First Line of Defense shows us how.”
—Joseph Pearce, Author, Great Books for Good Men: Reflections on Literature and Manhood

“Barry and O’Connor challenge men to pursue true greatness in every moment of life, showing that greatness is not found in perfection but in daily decisions to live as authentic Christian men.”
—Mike Pacer, Author, Prayers for Catholic Men

“Men want to save the world, but, first, they must learn that someone else already has. First Line of Defense can help men begin to save the world by getting things right first within them and then around them.”
—R. Jared Staudt, Head of Content, Exodus 90

“The go-to guide for any man who wants to order his life and his family toward God. Doug Barry and Daniel O’Connor are two men with the kind of wisdom that only comes from experience and virtue.”
—Jason M. Craig, Author, Leaving Boyhood Behind 

“These two battle-tested warriors speak with the authority of men who have lived what they preach. Read it, heed it, and become the hero your wife, your children, and your God are waiting for.”
—Jesse Romero, Catholic Evangelist and Apologist

“This is exactly the clarion call we need. You cannot love a thing without being willing to fight for it. Like a splash of cold water to the face, this book challenges men to shake off their apathy and to heroically combat the rising tide of evil threatening all that is good and true.”—Sam Guzman, Author, The Catholic Gentleman
“An outstanding resource that speaks directly to a man’s heart. Filled with sage advice and practical wisdom, it equips men for spiritual battle.”—Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Author, Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality
“Holiness and heroism are united in Christ. In this book, we are shown how men can become truly masculine by becoming true heroes of holiness. True men need to man up. We need to become soldiers of Christ. First Line of Defense shows us how.”—Joseph Pearce, Author, Great Books for Good Men: Reflections on Literature and Manhood
“Barry and O’Connor challenge men to pursue true greatness in every moment of life, showing that greatness is not found in perfection but in daily decisions to live as authentic Christian men.”—Mike Pacer, Author, Prayers for Catholic Men
“Men want to save the world, but, first, they must learn that someone else already has. First Line of Defense can help men begin to save the world by getting things right first within them and then around them.”—R. Jared Staudt, Head of Content, Exodus 90
“The go-to guide for any man who wants to order his life and his family toward God. Doug Barry and Daniel O’Connor are two men with the kind of wisdom that only comes from experience and virtue.”—Jason M. Craig, Author, Leaving Boyhood Behind 
“These two battle-tested warriors speak with the authority of men who have lived what they preach. Read it, heed it, and become the hero your wife, your children, and your God are waiting for.”—Jesse Romero, Catholic Evangelist and Apologist