Boys will be Boys, and Other Myths: Unravelling Biblical Masculinities

by Will Moore

Throughout history, we have exalted and theologised about men like Adam or David to the point where we have become oblivious to the fact that they are far from perfect role models for Christian manhood. Failing to read scripture properly, we have used it to shape a distorted understanding of masculinity. Stretching from issues of violence, emotional and sexual abuse, the desire for power, homophobia, and the suppression of emotions, Will Moore draws from scholarship, personal stories, and popular culture to offer an honest and accessible insight into the toxic myths which frame how w e read scripture. Only when we expose these myths, he argues, can we start to see the authentic men staring straight back at us from the pages of our bibles, and be able to reshape the way in which we produce Christian men today, tackling the violence that is being done by men to themselves and others.

192 pages, Paperback

Published July 28, 2022

Reviews

[hp · Rating 5 out of 5]

captivating , informative & well composed text. would recommend to academics , theologians or those seeking information regarding masculinity in religion.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the onset, this book pulled me in with its investigation into masculinity/ies. The introduction sets out the book very clearly, tackling the complex issues of gender and sexuality and laying out why such an investigation into masculinity/ies is so essential. The main section of the book takes different examples of Biblical men, evaluating their masculinity and considering what impact this has on our view of the 'biblical man' today. Highlights include the chapters on Adam, Jesus and Paul. The book made me question assumptions I had made about these characters in a constructive way. The book manages to maintain its academic integrity, whilst also writing in an accessible and readable way. Unlike other texts within the discipline of theology, this book was easy to pick up and read on the bus! Overall, I would 100% recommend this book for all those involved in church life (be that theologians, priests and congreants) and I look forward to reading Moore's next book!