MASCULINE SPIRITUALITY, A

MASCULINE SPIRITUALITY, A

Fr. Rossetti argues that the more “typically masculine” characteristics of competition, discipline, ambition, obedience, rationality, and independence in recent decades have been seen as “bad” when in truth they are essential to the life of individuals and the Church.
Without the male characteristics, a sense of sin, a need for repentance, a demand for justice, a call to conversion, and a dynamic evangelization vanish.
The male characteristics, however, need to be balanced with the feminine traits of compassion, nurturing, caring, loving, inclusiveness, and a sense of collaboration. Without the feminine characteristics the understanding of the goodness of creation, the love and mercy of God, and the closeness of God to our suffering will fade into the background and authority will be wielded in a dictatorial and self destructive manner. The strength of our preaching, teaching, and leadership demands an integration of the characteristics of the masculine and feminine.

Produced in collaboration with the National Institute for Clergy Formation of Seton Hall University.