This is not a book review. I just wanted to clear that up before we go any further. However, it is more of a question stimulated by a book that I am reading. The name of the book is Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow (catchy title, isn’t it). Since I’m not going to provide a review, here’s one from Publisher’s Weekly:
From Publishers Weekly
Murrow, a television writer and producer, asks and effectively answers the question: “What is it about modern Christianity that is driving men away?” Just 35% of American men say they attend church weekly, he reports, and women make up more than 60% of the typical congregation on a given Sunday. Murrow contends that the church caters to women, children and the elderly by creating a safe, predictable environment. This alienates anyone fond of risk taking, including young men and women, but men are affected most. In order to reach men, Murrow suggests, churches must “adjust the thermostat” to embrace the masculine spirit: let men lead; give them tasks; encourage pastors to show strength and teach men through object lessons, letting them discover truth for themselves. Two of the best outreach methods: start rigorous mentoring programs and help men make friends with other men. Murrow bases his conclusions on what he claims are legitimate biological and cultural gender differences. He is aware that these observations might offend, and his thesis will find few takers among those who believe that the church needs less, not more, male influence. But Murrow’s work is quite likely to get an enthusiastic reception from many Christian men. It contains sharp observations that will provoke much discussion—and, perhaps, some change.”
Now, honestly, there are many things in this book I agree with and which make sense to me. For instance, I feel like the fact that most churches take very little risk is indeed (as Murrow points out) a turnoff to many men, who seem genetically predisposed towards risk-taking. But there is almost a sense in which Murrow defines “masculine” behavior in mostly blue collar terms. Now, if you knew my family, you would know that all of my collars have a blue tinge and I enjoy shooting my dinner as much as the next guy. But my question is; is that the only way of defining masculinity and does a church have to have a deer head hanging in the men’s room in order to attract men?
