Soft patriarchs, new men
Book Description
In an era when traditional family structures face unprecedented challenges, two major branches of American Christianity have charted remarkably different courses in their approach to marriage and fatherhood. W. Bradford Wilcox examines how evangelical and mainline Protestant churches have responded to shifting family dynamics, revealing surprising insights about the men who worship in their congregations.
This thoughtful exploration uncovers how religious faith shapes masculine identity within the home. Wilcox introduces readers to two distinct archetypes: the "soft patriarch" of evangelical tradition and the "new man" of mainline Protestantism. Rather than conforming to stereotypical expectations, evangelical fathers emerge as emotionally engaged and deeply committed to their families, while maintaining traditional leadership roles. Meanwhile, mainline Protestant men embrace more egalitarian partnerships, sharing household responsibilities and taking active roles in parenting.
Through careful analysis, Wilcox demonstrates that both religious traditions cultivate a form of masculinity that prioritizes family devotion over individual pursuits. The research reveals that faith communities, regardless of their theological differences, tend to "domesticate" men in ways that benefit wives and children. This domestication manifests as greater emotional availability, increased family involvement, and stronger commitment to marriage.
For readers seeking to understand how spiritual beliefs influence family relationships, this work offers valuable insights into the complex intersection of faith, gender roles, and modern family life.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 337 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Christian men
- ✓ Explore Christentum
- ✓ Explore Sex, religious aspects, christianity
- ✓ Explore Vaders
- ✓ Strengthen your marriage spiritually
- ✓ Explore Fatherhood
- ✓ Explore Geschlechterrolle
- ✓ Explore Gezinsrelaties
