Episode 32 - Privilege or Sacrifice: Living Authentic Masculinity
Jake and Brett talk about masculinity in modern culture and how the heart of masculinity isn’t privilege, bravado, passivity, or power. Rather, authentic masculinity is dangerous, good, and sacrificial.
Key points
We have to be intentional with the things that are good for us (in the spring, map out a summer that is restorative)
Engaging in the culture is important
As men we must be prepared to respectfully share our opinion even if it is disliked by others
Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson seem to reveal an aspect of masculinity that is inspiring to other men
We can live in extremes as men and that can sacrifice key aspects of masculinity
A man who isn’t dangerous has lost something; men must learn and know how to be dangerous for the good of others
A deadly message to men is, “You are a good man if you aren’t a threat.”
Dangerous, threatening, good are some appropriate adjectives for Jesus
“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.” (C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe)
“We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honour and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. We castrate and bid the geldings be fruitful.” (CS Lewis, The Abolition of Man)
The downfall of authentic masculinity has far reaching effects
The complementarity of the sexes is essential for the health of society
Authentic masculinity has the capacity to bring strength tenderly
The highest expression of masculinity is seen in Jesus when he lays down his life for others
Husbands are called to love their wives (and the world) as Christ loved the Church (died for her) (c.f. Eph 5:25)
Masculinity can be confused with privilege when it’s more about sacrifice
Being masculine doesn’t lead to bravado, it leads to self-gift; that is not easy, but it’s right and just
When we make a gift of our self as men, when we die to ourselves, we will experience resurrection in our masculinity
Discussion Questions:
What struck you from this episode?
What does the popularity of Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson say about masculinity?
What are your thoughts about the topic of “toxic masculinity?”
What are some ways you have lived in the extremes of masculinity (i.e. aggression, passivity)? How has it affected you?
Where have you sacrificed being dangerous?
How does the quote from CS Lewis compare to your everyday image of Jesus?
How has the loss of authentic masculinity affected the modern culture?
Where have you laid down your life for others? Where have you avoided this? Why do you think you engage and avoid these particular areas?
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