In response to several recent blogs/articles that I've read surrounding the topic, I've decided that I can't keep some of my thoughts based on this particular issue to myself any longer:
Manhood.
I would first off like to note that, for very obvious reasons (and some not so obvious), I am no expert on this topic. But, as the recent onslaught of these similar-themed posts have been making their way to my newsfeed and homepage, it seems that this issue is becoming more and more heavily discussed. The major idea presented is that our society has slowly begun sliding down a hill of emasculation. This doesn't just seem to be hitting the Church - even our mainstream culture is showing a general fear at the lack of "real" men in our world today. My stance on it all? Of course we should be afraid! Look at some of today's most popular pastimes:
1. Playing video games. Lots of them.
2. Watching vulgar comedies like the Hangover and Stepbrothers.
3. Spending endless hours online
Maybe I'm missing something, but it doesn't seem like any of the above activities are conducive to producing very redeeming qualities in a person, male or female.Our society thinks that the ability to produce facial hair or to score a winning touchdown somehow automatically places a male into the "real man" category.
Our movies and television shows are applauding marital unfaithfulness, crude behavior and unreasoned violence. Our favorite pastimes are producing attitudes of laziness and apathy.
And yet, we wonder at the loss of our men.
I think it should go without saying that we, as women, have a role to play as well. There are those of us who, for whatever reason we tell ourselves, simply allow these changes to take place and accept this new version of "man" for what it is, thus allowing the decline to continue. There are also those of us (myself included at times, perhaps) that are seeking a certain kind of man that does not exist (except in romance novels and chick flicks) thus crushing the spirits of those men who are putting forth an effort with our unreasonable expectations.
Neither party is without blame, just as both parties need to take action.
To the men: Stop polluting your minds with images and ideas that, while they may seem like harmless entertainment now, are actually attributing to the main source of the problem. Stop giving all of your time to activities that are encouraging violence and/or laziness and seek for hobbies that strengthen your character and motivation. Seek to help others instead of just helping your ego.
To the women: First, stop giving in to your initial emotions and allow yourself the level of independence needed to wait for a man who is worth his salt. Stop looking for a prince from a fairytale and start recognizing the knights living in the real world around you. When you recognize them, praise them for their efforts and allow them to be men.
And finally, if we choose to do anything at all, let it be to seek God's will and guidance through His Word:
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." -Romans 12:2
See also: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/relationship/blog/27484-the-misconceptions-of-manhood
and http://m.relevantmagazine.com/culture/film/features/27364-you-cant-marry-a-hot-vampire
