Behold the Men - Paperback

by Robert Beckford (Author), Rachel Starr (Author)

Contemporary dominant models of masculinity in Britain are often toxic, highly damaging to both men under pressure to embody them, and women who are subject to oppression, marginalization and abuse because of the gender hierarchies and assumptions such models encourage. Despite growing awareness of the negative impact of such models theologians and churches have so far failed to address critically how theological beliefs and faith practices contribute to toxic masculinity, and what they might need to do to enable the transformation of understandings and practices of masculinity. Behold the Men offers a vital introductory text for those looking to reflect on the ways in which masculinity has been imagined and informed by Christianity. Drawing together a diverse range of scholars, the chapters together ask how toxic models of masculinity might be challenged by Christian theological resources. As a whole the book seeks to offer a range of critical, transformative, healthy, faithful models of masculinity, which engage with Christian traditions.

Rarely (if ever) are we invited to think specifically about men's bodies and identities in the course of doing theology, despite men having such a dominant hold on theology throughout history. This book, with its many exceptional contributions, sets us off on this essential journey, at a time when so much is at stake in relation to sex, gender, power, faith and justice. This is crucial reading for men, and for all of us who hope for the redeeming of masculinity from its many toxic distortions.

Various voices suggest the role of men, and who they are, is in a state of chaotic flux. Behold the Men offers a refreshing theological reflection on the nature and human-ness of men. Using Christian themes such as 'Nakedness, Displaced Bodies (Mission), Broken Bodies (Resisting Sin), Bodies of Christ (both the Man Jesus and the Church) Resistant Bodies (Pastoral Care) and others, this publication, with questions for deeper reflection, will challenge clergy and layperson alike in furthering one's understanding of men from a perspective not often given much thought.

This is a deeply challenging and provocative book. Pushing at the edges and beyond of what we think we know about what it is to be a man, and what the Christian faith and the person of Jesus might offer into the conversation. Not for the faint-hearted, this radically subversive and textured collaboration explores topics of gender, masculinity, race, power and marginalisation that are often left out of mainstream theological discourse. Diverse in its content, wide in its scope, this is an important and powerful book.