What is Sacred Masculinity?
Sacred Masculinity refers to a set of beliefs, behaviors, roles, and ideals associated with men's traditional role in society. It can be traced back to ancient times when men were expected to fulfill certain obligations that were seen as necessary for maintaining social order. These included providing for their families, protecting them from harm, and leading them in spiritual matters.
However, different cultures have developed different interpretations of what it means to be a man and how they should act within their communities. This has led to various models of sacred masculinity that differ across religions and societies.
The Patriarchal Model
One of the most widely known models of sacred masculinity is the patriarchal model. In this model, men are seen as the head of the household and responsible for making all major decisions affecting their family. They are also expected to provide for their family financially and physically through hard work or military service.
They must defend their families from threats both internal and external. This model places great importance on strength, courage, and physical prowess but often ignores other aspects of masculine behavior such as empathy or emotional intelligence.
The Priestly Model
Another model of sacred masculinity is the priestly model found in many religions around the world. Priests are seen as intermediaries between God and humanity who perform rituals and offer sacrifices on behalf of their followers. They may also serve as counselors or advisors in spiritual matters, offering guidance and support. Priestly masculinity emphasizes holiness, compassion, wisdom, and humility rather than physical power or aggression. It can take many forms depending on the religion and culture in which it exists but generally involves celibacy, asceticism, and self-sacrifice.
The Warrior Model
Many cultures throughout history have had warriors who fought to protect their land or people from invaders or enemies. The warrior model of sacred masculinity celebrates bravery, strength, and skill in combat while downplaying domestic responsibilities. Men who adopt this model see themselves as defenders of a way of life and seek out challenges that test them physically or morally. It often requires extensive training and discipline and can be dangerous if taken too far.
The Feminist Critique
Feminists have argued that all these models of sacred masculinity reinforce gender roles that disadvantage women by privileging men over women. They argue that they create unrealistic expectations about what men should do or be and make it difficult for them to express other aspects of their identity. In some cases, they have pushed back against traditional notions of male responsibility by advocating for greater shared parental involvement in child rearing or challenging male domination within religious institutions.
There are various models of sacred masculinity across different religions and societies that emphasize different traits and behaviors in men. While these may seem like fixed ideas, they can be changed through social movements such as feminism or personal choices made by individuals. By understanding these models better, we can gain insight into how our own attitudes toward masculinity were formed and challenge those that no longer serve us well.
What alternative models of sacred masculinity exist within religion?
In many religions, there are different models of sacred masculinity that emphasize different traits and qualities associated with manhood. One example is the Hindu model of "Purusha," which represents the divine masculine principle and is often depicted as wise, courageous, and compassionate. Another example is the Native American concept of "Tatáame" or "Hu" which refers to a powerful spiritual force that embodies strength, wisdom, and benevolence.