Article August 2, 1982 Issue

Macho-man or Christ-man—what is our model?

STEVEN LEE FAIR

What does Christian Science have to say about manliness? What does it mean to be truly manly? Although there are many relevant passages in the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, one passage in particular has been helpful to this writer. It's from Mrs. Eddy's book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and it reads: "Give up the belief that mind is, even temporarily, compressed within the skull, and you will quickly become more manly or womanly."^{Science and Health, p. 397.}

What a challenge to the generally accepted notions of what promotes manliness! True manhood begins to appear as a fellow courageously confronts and overcomes the belief that he is a male animal governed by physicality and carnal passions. True manliness is developed by subduing the domineering male ego, by subordinating thought and desire to God's will and divine nature. The universal presupposition that a man's body defines his identity and masculinity is an educated belief that can be replaced by the higher, more spiritual model of manhood exemplified by Christ Jesus.

This may seem like a tall order. Who can claim more than the most humble approximation of the supreme manliness of the Master? Is it even feasible to think we could be like him? Yes, it is possible to recognize the false beliefs and character traits associated with the male mortal man and to begin mastering them through Christian Science. Each day provides opportunities for gaining greater self-knowledge and spiritual understanding, which are the keys to dominion over every claim of mortal selfhood.

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