Christian manliness

Last updated

Christian manliness is a concept and movement that arose in Victorian Protestant England, characterised by the importance of the male body and physical health, family and romantic love, the notions of morality, theology and the love for nature and, the idea of healthy patriotism, with Jesus Christ as leader and example of truest manhood. [1] The concept was first brought up in novels by the British Victorian writers Charles Kingsley and Thomas Hughes. [1] Schoolmaster of the Rugby School, Thomas Arnold, was responsible for reforming the British public schooling system according to notions of biblical manhood. The Christian manliness movement can still be observed in the Anglosphere today, and although it shares a great deal with the notions and ideals originating from the Victorian era, it is distinct and shaped by the constraints and conditions of the modern post-industrial era. The American evangelical community places emphasis upon Christian manliness.

Contents

Nineteenth century origins

The term "Christian manliness" originated in a popular religious work written in 1867 by Reverend S.S Pugh and was used frequently by Victorian preachers to link Christian virtue with other secular notions of moral and physical prowess. [1]

However, it was mostly introduced in Charles Kingsley and Thomas Hughes' novels like Alton Locke (1850) and Tom Brown’s School Days (1857). Kingsley was a Broad-Church priest of the Church of England, a social reformist and a novelist. Thomas Hughes was a lawyer, politician and writer, most known for his novel Tom Brown’s School Days (1857). The novel takes place in Thomas Arnold’s Rugby School. These schools had for goal to produce the perfect Christian gentlemen. They focused on three ideas: religious and moral principles, gentlemanly conduct and intellectual ability. [2] These ideas were popular during the Victorian Era during which there was a strong religious drive for higher moral standards. They are the basis for the concept of Christian manliness. [1]

Protestant proto-Christian manliness

Aspects of the later Christian manliness movement do appear in the writings of Protestants before the nineteenth century, but it was not until the nineteenth century that ideas became popularised, and fine-tuned in the Anglosphere.

In their work, Masculinity in the Reformation Era, Scott H. Hendrix, and Susan C. Karant-Nunn "examine the ways in which sixteenth- and seventeenth-century authorities, both secular and religious, labored to turn boys and men into the Christian males they desired." [3]

Characteristics

The male body and physical health

The preservation and cultivation of the male body is an integral feature of the idea of Christian manliness, with some commenting on the parallelism, 'the body of the Christ'. [4] This aspect is why it is often confused with Muscular Christianity which focuses on physical strength and athleticism specifically in sports. This idea is also very often linked to physical needs and physical drives. [1] [5]

For Kingsley, physical manliness also showed “condition of psychological, moral and spiritual health.” [1] Norman Vance writes "physical strength, courage and health are attractive, valuable and useful in themselves and in the eyes of God." [1]

Family and romantic love

Kingsley believed that marriage and family were necessary for human and manly dignity. [1] In this aspect of the notion of Christian manliness, we can see its roots in Protestantism rather than Catholicism. This advocacy for marriage and family comes with the role of the patriarch, and a stress on “family relationships as the proper context of manly Christianity.” [1] This idea is very much linked to sexuality and physical drives as well that are encouraged rather than dismissed. [5] Kingsley valued physical relations as a capital part of manhood. [2] About this Norman Vance writes "the emotional ties of family and of romantic and married love are natural and pleasing to responsibilities." [1]

David Alderson also writes that “marriage is part of that true relation to the world which is indicative of manhood.” [4]

Theology and love for nature

"The natural world was created for man to admire and to understand and subdue through sustained intellectual and scientific enquiry which would also disclose the pattern of the moral universe underlying the natural world." [1] By this, Norman Vance means that men should end up with a proper moral and spiritual understanding of the world God created. [1] The perfect "Christian Man" should admire the world created by God and study it intellectually and scientifically. [1]

Aside from the theological positions of Protestantism and Catholicism with respect to justification, Christology, the sacraments, and salvation, the Christian man believes himself to be in a struggle with his 'flesh', and with spiritual and heavenly 'principalities and powers'. The Christian man restrains evil by exercising just authority, and by putting on the 'armour of God': the 'belt of truth,' the 'breastplate of righteousness,' the 'shield of faith,' the 'sandals' of the gospel of peace, the 'helmet of salvation,' and the 'sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.' (Eph. 6:10-18)

Patriotism and service to Christ

"Man, endowed with strength and natural affections and the capacity to explore and work in the service of his brother man and of God, as patriot or social reformer or crusading doctor." [1]

Morality, continence and celibacy

Kingsley promoted the moral virtues as found in the teachings of Christ, and the Epistles of St Paul. Continence was seen as vital to retaining energy and the drive for life, and celibacy was tolerated for those on the frontiers of the empire, or for those suited for the 'gift.'

Liberty and freedom

The notion that the Protestant man contends for freedom of conscience, enterprise, and information has been dominant since the Reformation.

Modern evangelicalism

John Piper, Wayne Grudem, John MacArthur, Charles Stanley, all (American) evangelical Protestants, have promoted a distinct Christian manliness, even a call to return to traditional manhood. American evangelicalism maintains that the Bible is the text that supports notions of Christian manliness, and ultimately, the life and example of Jesus Christ. Appeals to Pauline texts are frequent, and models of servant-leadership and complementarianism feature in sermons and literature.

Within the evangelical community there is broad agreement regarding morality, theology, the body and servant-leadership, although post-modern issues have sparked controversy in recent years. Many evangelical leaders are critical of the feminist movement and gender deconstructionism, citing them as attempts to undermine manhood, and therefore threatening to the stability of societal relationship formation, family cohesion, and the nation as a whole.

Supporting Scriptures

Old Testament:

New Testament:

Jesus Christ and St Paul

Jesus Christ is considered by Christians to have been a perfect embodiment of manliness. Thomas Hughes book, The Manliness of Christ, attempts to enunciate the "manly" attributes of Christ's ministry. The apostle Paul is often seen as a prime example of Christian manliness.

Complementarianism as a component of Christian manliness

Complementarianism is the functional differentiation between a husband and wife, with the man as the spiritual "head." The notion of male headship is most commonly found in the Epistles of St Paul. The Puritan Matthew Henry summarised the position: “Women were created from the rib of man to be beside him, not from his head to top him, nor from his feet to be trampled by him, but from under his arm to be protected by him, near to his heart to be loved by him.”

Supporting Scriptures:

Victorian Britain

In Kingsley’s novel Alton Locke (1850), the man “explores the nature of human society and the opportunities for manly Christian work within and for it”. [1] Kingsley vouched for the “adventurous openness” combining “the courage of the pilgrim or questing knight with the intelligence and alertness of the Baconian scientist”. [1] During the days of the British Empire, notions of Christian manliness were infused into books for young men and stories for young boys. Elegant poems flowed forth from pens, and works were written, drawing upon relevant passages in the Bible.

In the 1890s, the conversation around degeneration, created a concern for the British Empire and the British people. [2] These concerns that the British Empire might be flagging, led to a deep surveillance of the nation’s fitness. [2] This aspect of Christian manliness groups both types identified by Vance, physical and moral manliness. This also encouraged tougher education similar to the Rugby School as well as the Boy Scouts program created by Baden Powell. [4] [2] [1]

The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)

The YMCA was founded on 6 June 1844 by Sir George Williams, and aimed to put Christian principles into practice. The development and pursuit of a healthy "body, mind and spirit" were at the heart of the YMCA movement, which has continued influence in present times.

Along with the Boy Scouts, the YMCA is considered part of the legacy of the Christian manliness movement in the Anglosphere.

Eminent models of Christian manliness

Publications

See also

Related Research Articles

To be born again, or to experience the new birth, is a phrase, particularly in evangelical Christianity, that refers to a "spiritual rebirth", or a regeneration of the human spirit. In contrast to one's physical birth, being "born again" is distinctly and separately caused by the operation of the Holy Spirit, and it occurs when one surrenders their life to Christ. While all Christians are familiar with the concept from the Bible, it is a core doctrine of the denominations of the Anabaptist, Moravian, Methodist, Baptist, Plymouth Brethren and Pentecostal churches along with evangelical Christian denominations. These Churches stress Jesus's words in the Gospels: "Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’". Their doctrines also hold that to be "born again" and thus "saved", one must have a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Evangelicalism, also called evangelical Christianity or evangelical Protestantism, is a worldwide interdenominational movement within Protestant Christianity that puts primary emphasis on evangelization. The word evangelic comes from the Greek word for 'good news'. The Gospel story of the salvation from sin is considered "the good news". The process of personal conversion involves complete surrender to Jesus Christ. The conversion process is authoritatively guided by the Bible, the God in Christianity's revelation to humanity. Critics of the conceptualization of evangelicalism argue that it is too broad, too diverse, or too ill-defined to be adequately seen as a movement or a single movement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Henry Newman</span> English cleric and cardinal (1801–1890)

John Henry Newman was an English Catholic theologian, academic, philosopher, historian, writer, and poet. He was previously an Anglican priest and after his conversion became a cardinal. He was an important and controversial figure in the religious history of England in the 19th century and was known nationally by the mid-1830s. He was canonised as a Catholic saint in 2019. He was a member of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">F. D. Maurice</span> English Anglican socialist theologian (1805–1872)

John Frederick Denison Maurice was an English Anglican theologian, a prolific author, and one of the founders of Christian socialism. Since the Second World War, interest in Maurice has expanded.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas Arnold</span> English educator and historian (1795–1842)

Thomas Arnold was an English educator and historian. He was an early supporter of the Broad Church Anglican movement. As headmaster of Rugby School from 1828 to 1841, he introduced several reforms that were widely copied by other noted public schools. His reforms redefined standards of masculinity and achievement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Masculinity</span> Attributes associated with men

Masculinity is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with men and boys. Masculinity can be theoretically understood as socially constructed, and there is also evidence that some behaviors considered masculine are influenced by both cultural factors and biological factors. To what extent masculinity is biologically or socially influenced is subject to debate. It is distinct from the definition of the biological male sex, as anyone can exhibit masculine traits. Standards of masculinity vary across different cultures and historical periods. In Western cultures, its meaning is traditionally drawn from being contrasted with femininity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian Zionism</span> Belief among some Christians that Jews should return to the Holy Land

Christian Zionism is a political and religious ideology that, in a Christian context, espouses the return of the Jewish people to the Holy Land. Likewise, it holds that the founding of the State of Israel in 1948 was in accordance with biblical prophecies transmitted through the Old Testament: that the re-establishment of Jewish sovereignty in the Levant—the eschatological "Gathering of Israel"—is a prerequisite for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The term began to be used in the mid-20th century, in place of Christian restorationism, as proponents of the ideology rallied behind Zionists in support of a Jewish national homeland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salvation in Christianity</span> Saving of people from sin in Christianity

In Christianity, salvation is the saving of human beings from sin and its consequences—which include death and separation from God—by Christ's death and resurrection, and the justification entailed by this salvation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wayne Grudem</span> American theologian and author

Wayne A. Grudem is an American New Testament scholar, theologian, seminary professor, and author. He is a professor of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood</span> Evangelical Christian organization

The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) is an evangelical Christian organization promoting a complementarian view of gender issues. According to its website, the "mission of The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood is to set forth the teachings of the Bible about the complementary differences between men and women, created equally in the image of God, because these teachings are essential for obedience to Scripture and for the health of the family and the church." CBMW's current president is Dr. Denny Burk, a professor of biblical studies at Boyce College and director for The Center for Gospel and Culture at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Its 2017 "Nashville Statement" was criticized by egalitarian Christians and LGBT campaigners, as well as by several conservative religious figures.

Within Christianity, faith, in one sense, is often discussed in terms of believing God's promises, trusting in his faithfulness, and relying on God's character and faithfulness to act. Some denominations believe in the New Covenant and in the doctrine of salvation by faith alone. According to most Christian traditions and denominations, Christian faith requires a belief in the resurrection of Jesus, and the Agony in the Garden which Jesus states is the plan of God the Father.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Complementarianism</span> Theological view on gender roles

Complementarianism is a theological view in some denominations of Christianity, Rabbinic Judaism, and Islam, that men and women have different but complementary roles and responsibilities in marriage, family, and religious life. Some Christians interpret the Bible as prescribing a complementary view of gender, and therefore adhere to gender-specific roles that preclude women from specific functions of ministry within the community. Though women may be precluded from certain roles and ministries, they still hold foundational equality in value and dignity. The phrase used to describe this is "ontologically equal, functionally different."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muscular Christianity</span> Socioreligious movement

Muscular Christianity is a religious movement that originated in England in the mid-19th century, characterized by a belief in patriotic duty, discipline, self-sacrifice, masculinity, and the moral and physical beauty of athleticism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in Christianity</span>

Women have played important roles in Christianity especially in marriage and in formal ministry positions within certain Christian denominations, and parachurch organizations. In 2016, it was estimated that 52–53 percent of the world's Christian population aged 20 years and over was female, with this figure falling to 51.6 percent in 2020. The Pew Research Center studied the effects of gender on religiosity throughout the world, finding that Christian women in 53 countries are generally more religious than Christian men, while Christians of both genders in African countries are equally likely to regularly attend services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Victorian masculinity</span> Social expectations in 19th century British Empire

During the Victorian era, there were, as in all eras, certain social expectations that the separate genders were expected to adhere to in the United Kingdom and the British Empire. The study of Victorian masculinity is based on the assumption that "the construction of male consciousness must be seen as historically specific." The concept of Victorian masculinity is extremely diverse, since it was influenced by numerous aspects and factors such as domesticity, economy, gender roles, imperialism, manners, religion, sporting competition, and much more. Some of these aspects seem to be quite naturally related to one another, while others seem profoundly non-relational. For Victorian men, this included a vast amount of pride in their work, a protectiveness over their wives, and an aptitude for good social behaviour. The concept of Victorian masculinity is a topic of interest in the context of cultural studies with a special emphasis on gender studies. The topic is of interest in the areas of history, literary criticism, religious studies, and sociology. Those values that have survived to the present day are of special interest to critics for their role in sustaining the 'dominance of the Western male'.

<i>The Nemesis of Faith</i> Book by James Anthony Froude

The Nemesis of Faith is an epistolary philosophical novel by James Anthony Froude published in 1849. Partly autobiographical, the novel depicts the causes and consequences of a young priest's crisis of faith. Like many of his contemporaries, Froude came to question his Christian faith in light of early nineteenth century developments in history, theology, and science. Froude was particularly influenced by the Catholic teachings of the Oxford Movement and by the new approach to religious scholarship developed by the German Higher Critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sabbatarianism</span> View within Christianity that advocates the observation of the Sabbath

Sabbatarianism advocates the observation of the Sabbath in Christianity, in keeping with the Ten Commandments.

<i>The Wizard</i> (novel) 1896 novel by H. Rider Haggard

The Wizard is a novel by Henry Rider Haggard, first published by Longmans, Green, and Co., in 1896. The Wizard is one of the many examples of imperialist literature.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Vance 1985.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Tosh, John (2016). Manliness and Masculinities in Nineteenth-century Britain: Essays on Gender, Family, and Empire (Women and men in history). London: Routledge.
  3. "Masculinity in the Reformation Era Edited by Scott H. Hendrix and Susan C. Karant-Nunn".
  4. 1 2 3 Alderson, David (1998). Mansex Fine: Religion, manliness and imperialism and nineteenth-century British culture. Manchester University Press.
  5. 1 2 Wesseling 2010.

Bibliography