A N T R O P O S 2 0 0 0+
Repairing the breach
THE
NEED FOR MALE DEVELOPMENT
There is an obvious need for
a programme, which specifically focuses on male development. In the absence of
positive male role models in the family and by extension, in the society, male
development needs to be closely examined. Programmes need to be introduced
which will focus on the male psyche. These must be introduced in the churches,
in the curriculum of schools and other learning institutions as compulsory
courses. The only way dysfunctional behaviour can be altered and therefore
social direction, is by identifying the root of the problems and developing
programmes to counteract the negative values embodied in such. This must begin
where it is most problematic - in the male.
MALE
DEVELOPMENT?
Why is there a need for a
programme of male development? Male development in a balanced society is part
of the normal developmental processes that a child goes through while becoming
an adult. It is incorporated in all childhood experiences that define gender
and build character. It includes growing up experiences in the home, in the
school, in the community etc. It is the sum of these experiences that determine
one’s values and therefore shapes one’s character. However when negative
influences become dominant in a society its collective values change. The pattern of normal or balanced development
is altered and social dysfunction increases. Studies show that the male of the
species is becoming increasingly marginalized. In a society that has become
breeding ground for people who perpetuate the most heinous and senseless
crimes, he has figured prominently as an icon of dysfunction. Today the society
in which we live staggers helplessly under this onslaught of self inflicted
violence.
PROGRAMME OF MALE DEVELOPMENT
Programmes
will look at:
·
What is a man
Characteristics of a man -
Masculinity, manliness, virility
That which belongs to or
befits a man.
What is manhood
·
Attaining manhood/adulthood
·
Marriage
·
The role of a husband
·
The role of a father
(1) MASCULINITY – The physical
characteristics
The visible characteristics of the adult male are usually manifested by
the presence of facial hair – moustache and beard and pubic hair. The tone and
pitch of the male voice is normally lower than that of the female. Masculinity
is manifested at birth, it is characterised by the penis and scrotum.
Biological maturity begins when the male enters puberty. This is shown through
the growth of pubic and facial hair and the deepening of the voice etc.
Homosexuality
This comes from the desire of a male to be female. It has become a
growing social plague and can be attributed to (1) A weak male imaging (2) An
assertive female imaging.
Homosexuality has nothing to do with genes. It has everything to do
with socialisation.
(2) VIRILITY - Potency and
Health
·
Sexuality and sensuality
Sensuality - gratification
of the senses, the carnal or fleshy nature; Self indulgence.
Sexuality – relating to sex,
relationship between the sexes,
Infatuation - To be inspired
with intense (usually) transitory fondness or admiration.
Note: fatuous – folly.
Lust – a passionate desire
to gratify the flesh.
Virility – characteristic of
a man; having masculine especially sexual vigour and strength; having
procreative power.
Masturbation – arousal of
oneself sexually or arousal of another person by manual stimulation of the
genitals
(3) MANLINESS
-
The facets of manliness or male virtue.
Manliness can be described
as a set of values which epitomises the growth and development of the male. Its
purpose being to ensure a pivotal role in an ordered perpetuation of the
species. This in turn would ensure the type of social development that would
bring societies back in harmony with the purpose of the Creator. These values
determine character and destiny.
The term MAN usually
describes a human being or a male of the species Homo sapiens. It also means a
person who is eminently endowed with
manly qualities. When used to describe the male, it always indicates a
degree of maturity whether by age, character or behaviour. Man (as an adult male) is supposed to be a composite
of three main elements, which reflect his physical, his social and his
spiritual nature. These are masculinity, virility and manliness. The attainment
of maturity is supposed to reflect the embodiment of these three elements. The
third having to do with the development of character.
The Character Matrix is the conceptual centre of being. It is the place where thoughts are birthed and where emotions are nurtured. It is the place where character is moulded, the spiritual heart, womb or bowels of man. However, though character is moulded and developed within, the factors that determine it all come from outside. Environment and association determine character. It is shaped by the various social experiences we undergo in this life as we interact with each other.
Paul writes in 1 Cor 15:33 Do not be misled:
"Bad company corrupts good character." (NIV)
Greek homilia - companionship; ethos
- manners (moral habits).
He shows a direct
correlation between one’s character and one’s relationships.
Now from birth we have been exposed to different sets of
values as we interact with family, friends, associates and strangers. We have
been exposed to family, community, institutional and general societal norms and
values. All these have impacted on the shaping and development of the character
matrix.
At birth the child begins with a clean slate.
Immediately it is bombarded with images, sounds and sensations. These begin the
hammering out of the very pliant mould, shaping the matrix, the place where
character is formed. A child is an undeveloped person who is directly
influenced by (I) Authority figures (ii) Peers. Authority figures e.g. parents,
teachers, supply primary reinforcement of values in the early years because
from the position of dependency, the child fulfils needs through these sources
of sustenance. As a result, they have direct influence over the primary values
that are imparted to the child. These values are then reinforced by peers. Peer
pressure can also introduce new values, which may or may not conflict with
one’s primary values. The degree of
influence of peer pressure is dependent on the strength of the primary values.
As the child grows and interacts with various social and institutional
structures, societal pressures impact upon the matrix forcing conformity to a
set of values seen as acceptable. These dynamic influences determine what is
seen and how it is seen. In other words, they determine the centre from which
one operates and the lens through which the world is seen. They determine one’s
character.
REBUILDING
THE SPIRITUAL COMPONENT OF MAN
The relationship
between the principle of Obedience
and the law of Harvest
Conformity to the
model God has defined
Primary attributes that are necessary for the
development of character.
-
faith
-
hope
-
love
Secondary attributes that
are necessary for effective integration
-
steadfastness
-
knowledge
-
self control (discipline)
-
patience
-
humility
-
diligence
-
peace
-
joy
-
kindness
-
gentleness
-
godliness
-
compassion (mercies)
-
forgiveness
-
responsibility and independence
-
honour and respectability
-
honesty and integrity
-
courage and determination
-
faithfulness and reliability
Integrating the components
of manliness
INTEGRITY
The importance of integrity
Integrity can be described as
-
Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code
-
Soundness
-
Completeness or wholeness; unity
LOVE as the “bond of unity”.
The adhesive or cement which keeps and unites or integrates the various attributes
of character. Col 3:14
Each
component of character is made up of one or more basic attributes.
To be responsible one has to be diligent, steadfast, patient and self
controlled (faithful). It works with independence
Independence comes out of
peace, joy, diligence, steadfastness, and self control. It works with
determination.
To be respectable and honourable
one has to be steadfast, humble, compassionate, forgiving, kind and gentle. It
works with honesty.
Courage comes out of
confidence built on faith, joy and peace. It works with determination.
Determination is built on
hope, joy, diligence, steadfastness, patience and self control. It works with
courage. It gives vision.
Honesty (truthfulness)
is dependent on the integration of love, joy, peace, gentleness, meekness,
kindness, compassion and godliness. It works with courage and integrity.
When there is integration of
responsibility, independence, honour, respectability, courage, determination
and honesty there is Integrity.
Manliness is described as having a man’s virtues, courageous, frank,
having integrity. It is a set of characteristics that describe emotional
and spiritual maturity in the male. Having a man’s virtues include being
honest, independent, respectable, responsible, faithful, dependable,
courageous, determined, intelligent and having integrity. The Bible teaches men
to be manly. In the New Testament, Paul admonishes the Corinthians, as he
closes his first letter, to BE MEN.
1 Cor 16:13-14 Watch
ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you
like men, be strong.
14 Let all your things be
done with charity. (KJV)
1 Cor 16:13-14 Be on
your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men
of courage; be strong.
14 Do everything in love. (NIV)
The greek word andrizo
signifies "to make a man of" (aner, "a man"); in the middle
voice, in
1 Cor. 16:13, "to play the man," "quit you like
men." (from Vine's Expository Dictionary)
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance number 407 is andrizomai middle voice from 435; to act manly: (KJV quit you like
men)
In the Old Testament, manliness was also a highly desired quality in
men. It boosted morale among the soldiers of any army. It determined victory.
1 Sam 4:9 Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye
Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to
you: quit yourselves like men, and fight. (KJV)
1 Sam 4:9 Be strong,
Philistines! Be men, or you will be
subject to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Be men, and fight!"
(NIV)
2 Sam 10:12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for
the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good. (KJV)
Isa 46:8-11 Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.
9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there
is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times
the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do
all my pleasure:
11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth
my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to
pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (KJV)
The Bible teaches manliness
as excellence of character.
2 Pet 1:3-10 According as his
divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and
godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto
us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers
of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
through lust.
5 And beside this, giving
all diligence, add to your faith virtue;
and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge
temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness
brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh
these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was
purged from his old sins.
10
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and
election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (KJV)
In the Strong’s Exhaustive
Concordance, number 703 arete
(virtue) is from the same as 730 properly, manliness (valour), i.e. excellence (intrinsic or attributed):
KJV -- praise, virtue.
Note: Strong’s number 730 is arrhen male, man
The Bible teaches us to think as mature people.
1 Cor 14:20 Brethren, be not
children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (KJV)
1 Cor 14:20 Brethren, be not
children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men. (ASV)
teleios perfect, is translated "men" in 1
Cor. 14:20, RV marg., "of full age," KJV marg., "perfect, or, of
a ripe age." See PERFECT.
(from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words) (Copyright (C)
1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
The complete man must have
these three sets of characteristics. He must be -
(1) Masculine - emphasises
the peculiar and distinctive characteristics of the male of the human species,
especially those attributes distinguishing men from women.
(2) Virile - this implies
manifestation of sexual potency typical of manhood.
(3) Manly - having those
mental and spiritual characteristics considered desirable in a man, as courage,
integrity, independence and determination etc.
Scriptural References on character development:
1 Tim 4:6-12 If you point these things out to the
brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths
of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales;
rather, train yourself to be godly.
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value
for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance
10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope
in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who
believe.
11 Command and teach these things.
12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but
set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in
purity. (NIV)
1 Tim 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this,
and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and
gentleness.(NIV)
2 Tim 2:22-26 Flee also youthful lusts: but
follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord
out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they
do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle
unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the
devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (KJV)
Col 3:12-14 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and
dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness
and patience.
13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may
have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And
over all these virtues put on love, which
binds them all together in perfect unity. (NIV)
Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)
2 Pet 1:3-10 His divine power has given us everything we
need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his
own glory and goodness.
4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious
promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and
escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your
faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control,
perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly
kindness, love.
8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure,
they will keep you from being ineffective
and unproductive in your knowledge
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and
blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and
election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, (NIV)
Matt 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for
they shall see God. (KJV)
Matt 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly
Father is perfect. (NIV)
Matt 6:22-23 The light of the body is the eye: if
therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of
darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that
darkness! (KJV)
MAJOR
DEFINITIONS USED IN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
ATTRIBUTE – A quality ascribed
to a person or thing; a characteristic quality.
COURAGE - Quality enabling
one to face danger or difficulties without fear; bravery, boldness
DEPENDABILITY - Capable of
being depended on; reliable
DETERMINATION - act of
reaching a decision; ascertainment after consideration, observation,
investigation or calculation; settlement on a course of action; fixing of purpose.
DILIGENCE – Marked by or
done with persevering, painstaking effort and care; note from latin word diligere
– to love
ETHICS – A principle of
right or good conduct or a body of such principles; a system of moral
principles or values.
FAITHFULNESS - Steadfast in
loyalty and devotion; trustworthy; allegiance
GODLINESS – The state of
being godly or pious; godlike
HONESTY - State or quality of displaying truthfulness,
fairness, as in character, principles, or actions; chaste, virtuous
HONOUR - Strong adherence to
or sense of what is right or moral; integrity; high respect, glory, credit,
reputation, good name.
INDEPENDENCE - State of not being influenced, guided or determined by others; not subject to external control or rule
INFATUATION - Being inspired with intense (usually) transitory fondness or admiration. Note: fatuous – folly.
INTEGRITY - Moral
uprightness; honesty; sincerity: State, quality, or condition of being
complete; wholeness. From Latin integer
whole
MAN - Human Being; Human
Race; Adult Male; eminently endowed with
manly qualities; Husband
MANHOOD - State of being a
man (in any sense); manliness, courage, the men of a country
MANLINESS - Having a man’s
virtues, courage, frankness, etc.; Having those mental characteristics and
virtues considered desirable in a man
MASCULINITY - Quality or
state of having the peculiar and distinctive characteristics of the male of the
human species, especially those attributes distinguishing men from women.
NORMS - Rules, standards or
patterns, as of behaviour
OBEDIENCE – act of obeying
or complying with something, as a rule, order or law; submissive to authority.
PEACE – Harmonious
relationship between men or between men and God
RELIABILITY - Can be
depended on with confidence; trustworthy
RESPECT - Regard for or
appreciation of the fundamental worth or value of someone or something.
RESPECTABILITY - State,
quality, or condition of having or showing proper or approved standards of
conduct; honest and decent.
RESPONSIBLE - Morally
accountable for one’s actions; respectable; evidently trustworthy.
RESPONSIBILITY - State,
quality, or condition of being faithful to obligations; trustworthy; reliable;
the ability to act independently and make decisions
SENSUALITY - gratification
of the senses, the carnal or fleshy nature; Self indulgence.
SEXUALITY – relating to sex,
relationship between the sexes,
STEADFAST – Fixed or
unchanging, steady; firmly loyal or constant
VALOUR - outstanding
courage, great bravery; (Bible)
force, army, strength, virtue, wealth
VALUES - principles or
standards of an individual or group; ideals
VIRTUE – quality of
righteousness, goodness or moral excellence; any good quality or admirable
trait of character.
VIRILITY – characteristic of
a man; having masculine especially sexual vigour and strength; having
procreative power.
VIRTUE - quality of
righteousness, goodness or moral excellence, any good quality or admirable
trait of character; (Bible) manliness
(valour), i.e. excellence (intrinsic or attributed)
WISDOM – ability to perceive
or determine what is good, true or sound; common sense or sound judgement.
(OXFORD CONCISE AND COLLIER’S DICTIONARIES) (Bible - Strongs Dictionary)