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.

“In an age when manhood is under relentless assault and the family is the primary battlefield, Doug Barry and Daniel O’Connor have delivered a clarion call that Catholic men desperately need to hear. With decades of faithful service in the trenches of evangelization, these two battle-tested warriors speak with the authority of men who have lived what they preach, urging us to embrace authentic courage, spiritual combat, and the heroic greatness to which every son of God is called. First Line of Defense is not a comfortable read; it is a demanding summons to train, fight, and stand unyieldingly as the first line of protection for faith, family, and the Church. I have nothing but profound respect and admiration for my brothers Doug and Daniel, and I commend this book to every Catholic man who desires to stop surviving and start leading with the heart of a lion. Read it, heed it, and become the hero your wife, your children, and your God are waiting for.”
—Jesse Romero M.A. Catholic Evangelist, Author, Apologist

“In the age of media saturation, too many charlatan “influencers” have the unfortunate skill of getting and maintaining attention, confusing many on what it means to be a man.  Fortunately, Doug Berry and Danial O'Connor, two men with the sort of wisdom that only comes from experience and virtue, have gifted us First Line of Defense.  Along with being a much-needed corrective to the excesses and deficiencies of our understanding of masculinity today, this book is the go-to guide for any man that wants to order his life and his family toward God.” 
—Jason M. Craig, author of Leaving Boyhood Behind and The Traditional Virtues of St. Thomas Aquinas: A Study for Men

“Faith is indissolubly married to reason (fides et ratio) which is why sanctity and sanity are united in Christ. Prayer is indissolubly married to work (ora et labora) which is why holiness and heroism are united in Christ. In this challenging 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

“Doug Barry and Daniel O’Connor challenge men to pursue true greatness in every moment of life. Acknowledging that all fall short of the glory of God, they point out that greatness is not found in perfection, but in the daily decision to live intentionally as authentic Christian men. Through faith, prayer, and sacrifice, men are called to align themselves with Christ in the eternal battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil—and in doing so, to discover a profound purpose that leads to unmatched joy.”
—Mike Pacer, Author of Prayers for Catholic Men

“First Line of Defense is an outstanding resource that speaks directly to a man’s heart. Filled with sage advice and practical wisdom, this book arms and equips men for spiritual battle. Authors Barry and O’Connor thoroughly understand and clearly articulate the biblical directive for men: to serve, protect and defend all entrusted to their care. First Line of Defense will undoubtedly reawaken the virtues of courage and fortitude that men need to face the challenges of our times head on.” 
—Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Author, Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality

“Men want to save the world, but, first, they must learn that someone else already has. Barry and O'Connor point to the paradoxical dispositions men need to lead and serve. They must be humble to be strong and be led by God in order to defend those they love. 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, PhD, Head of Content, Exodus 90

"Chesterton once said that one cannot love a thing without being willing to fight for it. It is exactly this love-impelled fighting to which Daniel O'Connor calls men in First Line of Defense. Like a splash of cold water to the face, this book defines the grave threats to our families and society and challenges men in no uncertain terms to shake off their apathy and to heroically combat the rising tide of evil threatening all that is good and true. First Line of Defense is exactly the clarion call we need."
—Sam Guzman, Author, The Catholic Gentleman

“St. Paul calls us to ‘be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might’ (Eph. 6:10). ‘First Line of Defense’ provides a detailed blueprint for men to embody St. Paul's call to be God’s champions in protecting their families from modern, destructive forces while leading them into the arms of Christ.”
—Fr. Richard Heilman, Author, Church Militant Field Manual

"Too many men drift from their faith and fall into a mediocre Catholic life for lack of a clear call to be a heroic man and understand the greatness that God calls them to. First Line of Defense reminds Catholic men that they are not called to sit on the sidelines of history — they are called to the front lines of the spiritual battle for souls, families, and civilization itself. This book is honest, inspiring, and long overdue. Every Catholic husband, father, and young man needs to read it."
—Fr. Dan Reehil, Pastor and Exorcist, Diocese of Nashville