From Wild Man to Wise Man: Reflections on Male Spirituality

This is an awesome book. Very insightful.

I confess to not having read much on male spirituality, but I have found myself struggling to reconcile the common images put forth amongst Christian writers (of the right and left). I can't bring myself to fully endorse the 'God-mandated Male leadership' view championed by more conservative evangelicals. On the other side, I have found authors of mainline Protestantism to want to throw the baby out with the bath water and not recognize and integrate obvious male difference into their theology of maleness. I have found Richard Rohr's book to be a breath of fresh air.Rohr sees the masculine and the feminine as two poles that are not to exist in totality in any one personality, but are to be integrated. Its apparent (and certainly emphasized in modern psychology) that all people (men and women) find themselves on a continuum as it relates to masculine and feminine aspects. However, Rohr celebrates and affirms traditional maleness and views it as pointing to a major (but not total) aspect of God. Rohr sees masculine spirituality as emphasizing "movement over stillness, action over theory, service to the world over religious discussions, speaking truth over social niceties, and doing justice instead of any self-serving charity" (p. 10). Obviously if these characteristics are not integrated with a healthy feminine side as well as being subordinated to love, then they can spell danger for a man's life.Throughout the book Rohr emphasizes the need for men to die (or 'descend'). This usually comes in the 'second half' of life when the 'boy must die so that that the man may live". There comes a time (usually after age 35) when a man will become disillusioned (his 'system of logic, meaning, success, and truth breaks down'). This is the critical time for the man to learn to surrender, to trust the Gospel that one becomes great by becoming small and serving others.Other male issues discussed by Rohr include exercising power (or domination) over others, dealing with wounds from our fathers, chasing money (I found this chapter particularly engaging), the energies of youth and the wisdom of old age, sexuality (some readers may be put off by frank discussion of sex organs).Rohr's views on masculinity need to be read and appreciated. I think others will be both affirmed and challenged (as I was) by this book.

This book feels like it was written last week (Sept 2022) as its content is universal as it applies to men today. Men who aspire to spiritual wholeness or inner fulfillment should read this book. It would not hurt for women to read it as well as it may not only help them personally in some life matters but it may also help them understand the journey the men in their life may be on. Men, you are on a journey whether you realize it or not. To gain some insight into that journey, read this book by Richard Rohr..!

Rohr's examination of men and manhood is a very heavy read. Some of the philosophical arguments you may question but he does definitely provide munch food for thought on what it means to be a man in our society today. An overall good read that must be read slowly to fully appreciate his guidance and approach.

Great book!

This book has been life-changing for me, particularly in how I think about my own identity, masculinity, and my role as father and husband.As a feminist and a progressive, I feel like a lot of the language to talk about healthy masculinity has been co-opted by caricatures of alpha males and misogynists. It's hard to talk about maleness without raising alarms. I say that not as an example of "victimization" or reverse discrimination. It is the natural result of a long history of patriarchy and narrow gender roles. The truth is, however, that there are real differences between men and women, and both need spiritual and life practices, disciplined and resources to explore those uniquely male and female markers (I am also aware that last sentence leaves out folks who do not identify by one of those two labels, and there needs to be resources for them as well, of course).I have read Rohr's book as a companion to Bly's "Iron John," and it's made Bly much more approachable and comprehensible. I highly recommend.

I don't remember how I first came across Fr Rohr's teachings in his speaking and writing, but I've come to deeply respect his open-hearted discussion of transformation that's available to EVERYone, not just the Roman Catholics he represents and serves. He seems like the kind of man I'd love to sit and have coffee with, just to chat. And mind you, I've never had any affiliation with Roman (or truly-Universal) Catholicism. This book very gently, while offering a challenging method or pathway, invites men to - frankly - "grow up already," but to do it well and lovingly. Highly readable and instructional, while remaining comforting and encouraging. If you, fellow male, have ever wondered how to "become better than you used to be," I highly recommend a thoughtful, prayerful reading of this book.

This book dives deep into the heart of man and how God loves us and wants to be the father that some of us men have never had.I highly recommend this book!

Deep wisdom that is grounded in Jesus, but also beautifully communicates learnings from other sources. As a man that grew up without a dad, I found this book both helpful and inspiring.

I was doing some research on Male Spirituality for a paper for my Masters Degree course in Masculinities. This was a treasure trove of information. It was right up with what I wanted to add to my research. I touched on all sorts of topics related to gender and the spiritual connection of the male to the divine. I liked how it seemed to explore the different aspects through the Mythopoetic Men's Movement and yet come to its own conclusions.

fantastic. wish I had read this years ago.

great resource

Wise words!