Over the past five years I have read many books and done much thinking about the way boys and men are portrayed in books, in films and in video games. Two dominant themes stand out: the man admired as a warrior or soldier and the alternative, the man who is disrespected as a wimp or pushover. Unfortunately, evangelical Christianity in North America over the past 50 years, through its support of "strong male leaders" in churches and government, has emphasized a rugged, militant masculinity. Jesus and John Wayne (2020) by Kristin Kobes Du Mez traces the subtle and overt ways that American evangelicalism favours the warrior male and overlooks other models or archetypes that are positive ways of being a man. It should be noted that in the life of real men, some of these archetypes will overlap. Because I am addressing what seems to me a warped understanding of biblical masculinity, I will also point out Bible characters who exemplify each archetype.
Two researchers (William Brazos and Debby Zambo) have examined children's literature through the lens of positive male role models and have itemized eight different archetypes. They suggest that reading class could become more appealing to boys if some of these archetypes are highlighted through the books selected for study, from kindergarten to 12th grade. These books may help to counterbalance the messages from video games and films that present just one way to become a successful man: a warrior. At the same time, they present options other than the wimp, misfit or loser.
To be fair and transparent, Brazos and Zambo include "warrior" as one of their eight archetypes. However, this warrior is no Rambo or John Wayne. According to Brazos (2002), this warrior "never acts out of revenge but takes responsibility for his actions and upholds ethical codes of honor, restraint and humility" [1]. Looking at historical figures, we may point to Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson as men who demonstrated moral courage and self-control to seek justice for the people they represented. In the Bible, Joshua and King David are warriors very much aware that they are accountable to God for all their actions.
Next, consider the male archetype of "prophet." Such a man speaks out for truth and holds out a vision for a better future. Scientists, journalists, political leaders and pastors can be modern-day prophets when they address falsehood, injustice and ignorance. Aside from the big name prophets with books named after them (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and many others), Samuel, John the Baptizer and Jesus were known for speaking truth to power regardless of the risks and consequences.
"Pilgrim" or "pioneer" is the next male archetype to reflect on. Full of hope and faith, he embarks on a literal or figurative journey to discover improvements to life. Noble men with this kind of life include Louis Braille, John Glenn and Terry Fox. Books like The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and Trumpet of the Swan contain quests to bring about a better future. Moses and the Apostle Paul both took journeys with the goal of care and responsibility.
The "healer" found in stories and everyday life is the man who has a gift to help those who are suffering. He may be a doctor, nurse or paramedic who treats physical illness or a spiritual person like a pastor, counselor or guru to guide a person in the area of emotions or bring healing from difficult experiences. Ben Carson, Paul Brand and Frederick Banting are notable men whose passion was to bring healing to others. Of course, Jesus is the quintessential healer in the Bible, preceded by Elijah and Elisha and followed by Peter and other disciples.
A trustworthy and wise leader embodies the "king" archetype. He is generous and dignified, caring for the needs of those over whom he has authority. Teachers, principals, business owners and political leaders all have the opportunity to live into this kind of leadership. Like Ernest Shackleton, Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, they do not seek the status or privileges of being a leader but put their energies into concern for others. Biblical examples of the king include Solomon, Hezekiah, Josiah and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.
While patriarchy has a bad name, the archetype of "patriarch" or father figure is a noble one. Fathers and grandfathers who pass on care and skills to the next generation are pillars in society. The commitment and stability of a father who is invested in his family and community is exemplified in real men like Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr, Abraham and Job. Men like George Muller and Charles Mully, who became fathers to orphans and ensured their well being also stand out as patriarchs.
Another archetype is that of "magician," a man who clever and intuitive. He seems to carry an inner magic with him. In books and films, we may think of mature wizards like Dumbledore and Gandalf. In the realm of everyday life, artists like Leonardo DaVinci, inventors like Nikola Tesla and daredevils like Harry Houdini fit these criteria. In the construction of the Jerusalem Temple, a man named Bezalel is held up as a skilled craftsmen second to none (Exodus 31, 36). John, the writer of Revelation, along with Daniel and Joseph who interpreted dreams also had mystical traits.
"Wildman"is another archetype that William Brazos discovered in literature. This man is close to nature while being independent and unpredictable. Men who identify with this male model may be survivalists or those who climb mountains or "discover" islands and poles. Whether they seek the outdoors for recreation (hiking, cycling, camping) or find a career as park rangers, farmers, guides or naturalists, they see the limits of city life. The prophet Elijah and John the Baptizer were both known for their simple lifestyles, the first as one of survived a famine by eating meat brought to him by ravens and the second living in the wilderness, where he purportedly ate locusts and wild honey.
The final archetype that is put forth in the work of Brazos is that of "trickster." This figure is found extensively in Native American stories and tales, but can also be found in characters like Robin Hood and Br'er Rabbit. A trickster uses his wits to deal with disadvantages and pokes fun at those who are lofty and proud. He may also be clever with music (both lyrics and styles) to challenge what is traditional. Comedians, political cartoonists, writers, creative musicians and inspirational speakers who use humour can exhibit qualities of trickster in their lives. The preacher of Ecclesiastes and some of the parables of Jesus reveal a trickster element, where perplexities are held up and examined.
In other posts I have bemoaned children's literature that celebrates the anti-hero, a male character who is lazy and anti-social. You can find one such post here. As William Brazos has pointed out, males can be admirable in many different ways. There are many healthy and positive ways to be a boy and a man. The archetypes and models shared here are not exhaustive and can overlap in the real life story of any boy or man. Most of all, the man Jesus came to live among us and show us what godliness looks like. Rather than trying to obliterate his enemies, he told profound stories, prayed, healed the sick, listened to people, honoured children and women, proclaimed the truth, did not seek to accumulate wealth or status, and showed people how to truly love others.
[1] Brazos, William (2002) To be a boys, To be a reader. International Reading Association.
