More on Men

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One might argue that the church is generating a bunch of emasculated metrosexual men.

Too strong a statement? Yes, probably.  But we do live with a much more nuanced definition of what it means to be male.

Within the local church the topic of maleness is poorly addressed, and the global church instead panders to the sensitivities of multiple communities for fear of offending any one perspective (and thereby losing even more people to this post-Christian world).  Simultaneously it seems there is unthinking adoption by the church of many cultural norms in order to (obsequiously?) try and be "relevant".  In both ways we miss the target.

It's not about 7 steps to find success, or 3 ways to please your lover.  What's wrong with churches taking a strong stand, and with building strong people who can stand against the current when needed?  Why is it that society sees fit to involve itself with defining religion, yet it is not acceptable for religious people to bring their perspective to define secular society?  What's wrong with the Christians saying things like "you're wrong", "I disagree", "that's heresy"?  The secular world uses much stronger words in speaking about the church. 

If Christ is our standard, and if we say we're Christians, then where is the Christ compassion that is properly balanced with righteous anger; where is the authority that sets the godly goal and will even at times (sadly) close the door on those who will not agree, rather than compromise in an effort to find acceptance in the name of relevance?  (I leave it to you to find the many relevant scriptures on these issues).

I read this essay on why men are leaving the church; the 9 points raised are issues that churches would do well to reflect on. For example, why do most men older than 35 not have a close personal friend?  What is male sexuality - and by the way, when did you last hear a sermon on male sexuality that was actually relevant to living with the reality of sexual pressures from the ever-earlier pubescence and ever-later marriage?  Most men want relevant insight on the daily stress of living with the world's unrealistic expectations, not to be lost in intricacies of multi-layered and opaque biblical theology.  Men are supposed to be intimate and introspective in emotive worship, whereas most of them would rather be in action to see great works accomplished. 

As for the church herself (and without trying to be sexist): in our current world the practical reality is that leadership is dominated by men.  So if the men are not there, then we have a void in leadership.  Lets relearn how to do manly men's ministry.

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