An interdisciplinary perspective on the theology of masculinity

Adam Rybicki,Andrzej K. Jastrzębski

doi:10.4102/ve.v42i2.2269

Abstract

In contemporary academic discourse, there has been a strong tendency to shape theology according to a viewpoint based on the achievements of other sciences, especially those found in philosophy, psychology, sociology and anthropology. This has been particularly illustrated in the issue of masculinity. In this context, a question arises as follows: does theology have something to say to the social sciences? Or, does it only have to submit to them and simply fulfil the role of a commentator? The setting of this study has been the contemporary crisis in understanding masculinity, and the theological reflection that this situation calls for. To address this challenge, we have used a historical-analytical method in which we traced the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the concept of masculinity, with a special focus on modernity, in order to clearly understand the present state of the debate around masculinity.As a result, we have proposed some direction for future theological development, demonstrating that theology may also influence and inspire the other sciences. In conclusion, we have encouraged a deeper collaboration of various sciences that have already developed a reflection on masculinity, whilst avoiding unnecessary biases and simplification; we have sought to establish a better collaboration between feminist movements and theological reflection as well as making use of theology’s potential to inspire other sciences such as psychology, sociology and anthropology in this endeavour. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Using such an interdisciplinary collaboration, theology can supply a more positive and hope-giving picture of the contemporary male human being facing an identity crisis, as is demonstrated predominantly in the social sciences. Special attention to this topic has been given in Spiritual Theology.

Highlights

The issue of male spirituality is a relatively new research area, some of its elements were already the subject of empirical research much earlier
According to Sussman (2012:81–89), technology and (Protestant) theology are the two most important factors that have shaped the understanding of masculinity from the beginning of the 19th century until today
Referring to contemporary research and reflection on masculinity, Babik noticed that their results create two opposite poles: on the one hand, the idea of gender rivalry is emphasised, whilst on the other there is a postulate to level out differences, to unification, to a kind of one human ‘gender’

Summary

Introduction

The issue of male spirituality is a relatively new research area, some of its elements were already the subject of empirical research much earlier. Referring to contemporary research and reflection on masculinity, Babik noticed that their results create two opposite poles: on the one hand, the idea of gender rivalry is emphasised, whilst on the other there is a postulate to level out differences, to unification, to a kind of one human ‘gender’.

Results

Conclusion