Resources for Male Ministry

Kerry WeberJuly 04, 2011

Male discussion groups have proved successful on college campuses, but the exploration of male spirituality can be valuable to men of any age. Listed below are a few resources from the Center for Action and Contemplation, founded by Richard Rohr, O.F.M. You can find a more complete resource list here.

Perhaps you've seen "Rocky." But have you thought about what it says about masculinity? The film, along with others like "The Bicycle Thief" and "Field of Dreams," is included on Fr. Rohr's list of 131 movies that "might prompt good discussions about male issues."

Sign up for updates on topics of male spirituality through the CAC's free, monthly e-newsletter. According the their Web site, it features poetry, essays, photography, movie reviews, information on regional events, and more.

Pick up Fr. Rohr's book From Wild Man to Wise Man. With short, pointed chapters, it's great for small-group discussion.

Don't have access to a group with whom you can discuss these issues? Get in touch with the regional coordinators for Men As Learners and Elders (MALEs), which works to "form an extended network of initiated men and leaders who have an ecumenical vision of Gospel-based male initiation." Learn more here. Regional contacts listed here.

For a scholarly look at the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (which I wrote about here), and 13 other ministry projects aimed at men, read Engaging College Men: Discovering What Works and Why, edited by Gar Kellom and Miles Groth.

And for a look at the culture of men in today's society, read Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men by Michael Kimmel.

Kerry Weber

Kerry Weber is an associate editor at America.

@Kerry_Weber weber@americamagazine.org

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richard benitez

14 years ago

I think this is worth telling: A few years ago there was a 60 min doc on the mystery of why Rhinos in africa were being killed in signifiant numbers. this was a crisis since rhinos are threaten. a careful study showed game reserve scientists had made an effort to move young male elephants to different parts of the reserve to reduce harmful environmental damage of too many elephants in one heard. Young male elephants were separated from the larger, wisened, more experienced fathers. The young males without the proper socialization grouped themselves together in various gang activities. The young males were killing the rhinos for sport, adventure and status among themselves. the game reserve scientist moved the young males back with their fathers and adult males who were bigger, tougher, and provided sufficient discipline when the youngsters had temper tantrums. I like telling this story because living in SF i hear too much of a falsity that that woman do not need fathers to raise their sons. I've always thought the male psyche was more complex than that for my female counterparts.

Clint HYER

14 years ago

Richard:

The incident you related is also described in Fr. Rohr's book Adam's Return:The Five Promises of Male Initiation (p.11-12)

You final point is especially valid.

Paul Leddy

14 years ago

Thanks for getting the word out about these resources; very helpful.

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