Richard Rohr, experienced in men's work, explores masculinity, the four male archetypes, and the significance of rites of passage. He discusses the influence of positive male role models and the transformative power of older male elephants. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of masculinity and femininity, the challenges of connecting with authentic masculinity, and the repressive nature of the church.
01:54:35
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Old Bulls Calm Young Bulls
Richard Rohr tells of young bull elephants becoming violent after older bulls were killed and pacified when three elder bulls were reintroduced.
The culture changed within three months, illustrating the power of elder male role models.
insights INSIGHT
Masculine Is An Orientation Not Totality
Rohr frames the masculine as oriented to outer world, objectivity, pattern and public good while admitting it's half the picture.
He stresses we must not eliminate this half but balance it with the feminine's inner, subjective, and relational strengths.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Base Power On Inner Authority
Build outer authority on inner authority so power isn't inflated or abused.
Cultivate self-knowledge before assigning roles or power to avoid corrupt leadership.
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Interview begins @ 9:25
Father Richard Rohr explores his experiences with men and men's work. Growing up in a Catholic seminary surrounded by males, he became acutely aware of both the beautiful and neurotic facets of masculinity. His time working in an Albuquerque jail exposed him to the ways men suffer and express their pain, which deepened his understanding and prompted reflection on male-centric theories. This allowed him to better address the unique sufferings faced by men. He emphasizes the importance of healthy male role models for men to emulate, ensuring they engage with the world with integrity. Drawing parallels, he narrates a fascinating tale of aggressive young elephants in Africa that were pacified when elder bull elephants were introduced as positive male influences.
The episode touches on the intricacies of the masculine archetype, navigating the sensitive conversation surrounding masculinity and femininity, and the unification of separated entities. Father Rohr elaborates on the four central male archetypes: King, Warrior, Lover, & Magician. The discussion then shifts to rites of passage, highlighting how certain traditions may miss the essence of such rites. Father Rohr points out that unlike females, who undergo a natural rite of passage with the onset of menstruation, males lack an equivalent biological marker, necessitating cultural rites to signal their transition to manhood.
The conversation examines the significance of rites of passage in balancing the spirit and soul, the importance of shadow dynamics in personal development, and the paradoxical nature of a religion centered around divine incarnation yet suppressive of bodily pleasures. The conversation doesn't shy away from controversial topics, discussing the Catholic Church's history with pedophilia, the systemic issues that might contribute to such atrocities, and the cyclical nature of sin and redemption.
This comprehensive discussion offers invaluable insights into masculinity, spirituality, and the complexities of human nature.
Bio:
Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher, Father Richard Rohr bears witness to the deep wisdom of Christian mysticism and traditions of action and contemplation. Founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, Father Richard teaches how God’s grace guides us to our birthright as beings made of Divine Love. He is the author of numerous books, including The Universal Christ, The Wisdom Pattern, Just This, and Falling Upward.
www.cac.org
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