Men As Learners and Elders (M.A.L.Es)
a  program offered by the Center for Action and Contemplation

Fr. Richard Rohr’s teaching on the Beloved Sons Series can be ordered by going to the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) website section - Men's Resource Materials.  They offer a thorough and concise (approximately 35 minutes each) explanation of the following topics:

1: Masculine Spirituality

Why do men struggle so often with the spiritual?  Many flat out reject the inner journey, mistaking it for being soft or weak.  The need for real masculine spirituality, one that speaks to man’s true core is the subject of this tape with Richard Rohr, OFM.  Years of work in this area have convinced him that men are not maturing and thus, failing to learn how to wield power without abusing it.

The goal of teaching masculine spirituality is to build a bridge between the inner and outer world.  Accomplishing this goal requires strong yet vulnerable men who have been trained in initiation and the eldering process.  Men who know they are beloved sons of God have the respect and ability to be vessels of transformation both now and for generations to come.

2: What is Male Initiation?

Primal societies have demonstrated that cultural survival is dependent on personal spirituality. Unfortunately, the natural way to lead males to this journey has been lost for a thousand years. Male initiation, a rite of passage, no longer plays a role in men's lives. New studies have revealed several stages of brain surges that take place in boys during formative years. If boys don't have some sort of mature figure in their life who can unfold the bigger picture - the result is a massive dying off of brain cells and a cynicism that often breeds violence. Who can reverse all this? - healthy and spiritually grounded men. In this tape, Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, addresses the reality that if men are not led through an inner journey of powerlessness they will inevitably misunderstand and abuse power. Transformation results in men discovering their true nature and the beloved side of their manhood. 

3: The Responsibilities of the Initiated Man

In this talk, Richard Rohr, OFM, speaks directly to Initiated Men and addresses the responsibilities that accompany Male Initiation.  This tape is for men who have had the privilege of going through the Men’s Rites of Passage.

In the past seven years, over 1200 men have completed the Male Initiation – Men’s Rites of Passage program.  Men who have completed Rites of Passage have an obligation to do something for other men.  Many initiated men have gone back to their communities and started a men’s group and are helping boys at risk.  The initiated man must assess who they are and what their gifts are. 

Initiation is the oldest system of spiritual instruction on earth.  An initiated man is a generative man, and uses his power and life for others.  Many people, who serve others, are happy because their energy and gifts flow to those in need.  Males have to rediscover their own spiritual authority.  Spiritual authority means the ability to author other people by calling them forth and giving them life.

How can God move through me in an affective way?  What are my gifts?  It isn’t what you do; it is how to do it.  It can be a very simple way of serving others.  Men want spirituality with spine not fluff.  The Rites of Passage are certainly not fluff.  Has the Rites of Passage changed you, or was it just another event you attended?  If you have been changed, how can you use this gift to serve others?

Last modified: April 13, 2008