Feminization of faith is driving away men
Religion Today, September 28, 1999
The feminization of mainstream Christianity continues to drive men from the pews, Leon Podles, author of The Church Impotent, says.
As men leave, women are assuming leadership roles, putting greater emphasis on feminine themes. “It’s no longer politically correct to think of God as Father. So we come up with metaphors for God that is feminine or neutered. Men feel uncomfortable with that,” Catholic writer Mitch Finley said.
Of the nation’s 94 million men, only 26 million attend services regularly, and some researchers say the number may be as low as 13 million, The Washington Times said. American men “are one of the massive pagan subcultures on earth today,” a Barna Research Group report said.
A lot of men are driven away by sentimental sermons about “falling in love with Jesus,” Podles said. Most men want to hear about the Jesus “with lines on his face, blisters on his hands, and bruises on his knuckles helping me to fight temptation,” who “commanded the respect of Peter the fisherman,” Promise Keepers spokesman Steve Chavis said.