Saturday, February 10, 2007

post-methodist: boys to men

In this post Jason Woolever comments approvingly on Raising A Modern-Day Knight by Robert Lewis. I haven't read the book, but here's what Jason says:

Lewis and some friends made the observation that modern culture doesn't have a right of passage into manhood. He offers some ideas for how men can help their sons transition into adulthood with meaningful ceremonies (such as having godly men gather to encourage them and pray over them... nothing too far out).

He also says that young men need a biblical vision for authentic manhood. He builds it on Scripture. Here's a list of his "Manhood Principles" without explanation.

A real man...
#1 - rejects passivity
#2 - accepts responsibility
#3 - leads courageously
#4 - expects the greater reward...God's reward.

Read the book for a thorough explanation of these principles and why they are so important. I recommend it to every man who has a son.


It does sound like some very good principles. But isn't it just as important for my daughter to be strong and courageous as it is for my son? Why can't we get rid of this "men should be strong, women should be passive" mentality and just raise good Christian children?