This book delves into the challenges and transformations men face in their spiritual journeys. It explores themes of identity, healing, and growth, though specific details about the book's content are not readily available.
In 'Fighting for Life', Walter J. Ong examines the significance of contest in biological evolution, the growth of consciousness, and its effects on social, linguistic, and intellectual history. He discusses how agonistic drives manifest in sports, politics, business, academia, and religion, and how these drives can lead to a deeper understanding of self and human freedom.
In 'Integral Spirituality', Ken Wilber presents a theory of spirituality that incorporates the truths of modernity and postmodernity alongside the insights of great religions. The book explores stages of consciousness, states of consciousness, and the role of spirituality in everyday life, offering a blend of ancient wisdom and modern science.
In *On the Threshold of Transformation*, Richard Rohr offers 366 daily meditations to help men confront and transform their pain into a path towards wholeness and holiness. The book emphasizes that suffering can be a doorway to encountering God and achieving one's authentic self.
In this book, Robert Bly uses the Grimm fairy tale 'Iron John' to analyze and redefine traditional notions of masculinity. Bly draws on Jungian psychology and mythology to outline a journey of male maturation, emphasizing the importance of male initiation rites, the role of the 'Wild Man' archetype, and the need for men to balance their emotional and instinctual selves. The book is a seminal work in the mythopoetic men's movement and has been influential in discussions about modern masculinity[2][3][5].
In *The Universal Christ*, Richard Rohr offers a profound reinterpretation of the concept of Christ, suggesting it represents a universal, cosmic reality that transcends religious boundaries. Rohr argues that recognizing Christ in all things can restore hope and meaning to our lives by connecting us with the divine presence in every aspect of creation. This book invites readers to contemplate a broader understanding of faith and spirituality.
In 'Falling Upward,' Richard Rohr divides human life into two halves. The first half is about building a life, achieving success, and establishing an identity. The second half, often misunderstood as a period of decline, is actually a journey of spiritual growth, contentment, and deeper understanding. Rohr argues that spiritual maturity is achieved not by avoiding failures and sufferings but by embracing them as necessary steps towards true self-discovery and union with God. The book offers practical guidance on transitioning from the outer tasks of the first half of life to the inner tasks of the second half, emphasizing the importance of integrity, love, and non-dualistic thinking[2][3][5].
In this book, Richard Rohr delves into the complexities of male spirituality, discussing the need for initiation rites, the struggle with darkness and grief, and the importance of liminal spaces in transformation. Rohr draws from various sources, including Christian teachings and Joseph Campbell’s work, to provide a nuanced understanding of the male spiritual journey. He emphasizes the distinction between the 'wild man' and the 'wise man,' highlighting the transition from a focus on external motivations like money, sex, and power to an internal motivation rooted in spiritual maturity and authenticity.
How does the way men experience spirituality differ from the way women engage it? What obstacles particularly keep men from experiencing greater meaning in their lives, and what paradigm shifts help them find it?
My guest today has been thinking about those questions over the six decades he's served as a Franciscan friar. His name is Richard Rohr, and he's authored numerous books and devoted a significant part of his vocation to working with men -- both ministering to those who are incarcerated, and in leading male initiation rituals and retreats.
If you enjoyed my discussion last month with David Brooks about life's first and second mountain, you'll want to listen to this one. Father Rohr has long taught the same concept, arguing that life is divided into a first and second half. We begin our discussion by exploring the difference between these two halves, and what it takes to move to the second half of life, including embracing non-dualistic thinking. We also talk about what prevents men from maturing into the second half of life, including having "father wounds." We then discuss how male spirituality differs from female spirituality, why church doesn't appeal to men, the male need for initiation, and what it means to do shadow work. We end our conversation with what fathers can do to help their sons embrace the spiritual side of life.
Get the show notes at aom.is/rohr.
The Art of Manliness 
