Man: an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman), an adult male person who has a manly character (virile and courageous competent), a male person who plays a significant role (husband or lover or boyfriend) in the life of a particular woman.
It is not hard to physically determine whether a human is male or female, but does having the "goods" make a male a man? Science would define them both as one and the same due to anatomy, but if tradition holds sway, the essence of a man is comprised of more than anatomy. So what is the definition of a man?
To define "manness" or "manliness" we must go to the beginning of a mans existence. The man is conceived in his mother and at the moment of conception the chromosomes needed for his anatomical structure are given. Thus in just a week or two after conception the mothers body floods the womb with testosterone in reaction to the male chromosome. This wash of testosterone causes a formation over the next weeks of the males genitalia but it also affects the growth of the brain. So not only is the physical body affected but also the organ that makes humanity human...the brain. The males brain from the beginning is flooded with a hormone that science has proven time and time again to cause not only physical changes but behavioral changes. The same hormone that makes a man grow facial hair and big muscles also makes him have drive, and charisma. So we do not relegate man simply to an incredibly complex thinking sex machine, we must understand that men are more than this . They are the embodiment of Gods image. Gen 1 tells us that God created man in his own image. I also include women in the definition of Gods image because woman was taken from man, lest anyone think that I am sexist. However, this discussion revolves around "manness" so I will continue to be exclusive to the male gender.
Knowing that we are created in Gods image says something about our makeup. It gives reason and warrant for some of men's actions. Men seem to have a built in drive for success, passion for honor, emotional stamina and strength, and ability to judge objectively, a strong sense of justice, and a spirit of uncompromising excellence. All of these, without the effect of sin, are God given and God reflecting.
Not letting that last sentence slip, we must understand the depth of sin in man. Sin has pervaded the core of man, including all the qualities above. The male that is born into this world is born in sin. Romans and Psalm 51 give great proof of this fact. I have a son and can see it in his three month old heart and actions. He is and I am a sinner. My sinful nature has been passed on and has affected everything subjective and objective. As he grows he will be a boy. Boys take no care of their sin, and they want to continue in sin. They are lovers of their sin. The traits that are God given are willingly corrupted and are used for any purpose but for the Glory of God. Selfishness, greed, hate, slander, lust...no one has to teach a child these traits, they seem as natural as breathing. However, society and the Bible seem to come to very close conclusions without really having to consult each other. Society has a set of "rules" that, before a boy can pass to manhood, must be met. I find it interesting that these same rules are upheld in scripture and that scripture says these rules point to a creator and immanent God. But that is another post.
So, what are these "rules" or "traits" that Society and Scripture say must be met to make a boy a man?
1. Humble - God opposes the proud and even society hates stuck up people.
2. Decisive-
3. Honorable-
4. Reliable-
5. Adventurous-
6. Faithful-
7. Loving-
8. Kind-
9. Witty-
10. Forward Thinking
11. Exemplary-
12. ...its getting late. I will continue this tommorow.
No comments:
Post a Comment