Every society has a vested interest in forming a healthy sense of masculinity in its young men. Yet ours has done the opposite. Reacting to the sins of past men, we haven't reformed masculinity; we've attempted to destroy it. We've declared it toxic and called for its destruction. In response, men's participation and interest in religious worship, marriage, and public life have drastically declined over the last half century.
Where do men go from here? Is there a way out of this crisis? What is the image on which we should model our masculinity?
The way forward is not rejection, but rather, renewal. If men are to flourish, they must have a clear, renewed vision for authentic masculinity. Taking human nature in one hand and Christian revelation in the other, New Adam contemplates the God-given charisms of men and asks how those talents, dispositions, and strengths might be harnessed for the kingdom of God.
Authentic masculinity is not a toxic force to be feared or erased. It is a divine reality worthy of our respect.
