Real Men

What does it mean to be a real man? Whether you are male or female, I invite your thoughts on this topic!

Some Japanese friends told me that the ideal Japanese man is “Three Tall” - tall in height, high in intelligence and high in earning power. We have a kind of joke in America that “real men don’t each quiche.” Now I sometimes see bumper stickers that proclaim, “Real men eat quiche”. A traditional idea was that “real men don’t cry”, but a more modern idea of manhood says that a real man can show his deep feelings, even with tears.

What are your thoughts on this subject? Do you agree with some or all of these ideas of what a “real man” is? Think about the various traditional or modern ideas about this in your native culture – what is a “real man” in your native culture? Does the culture basically agree or is there a lot of disagreement? Do popular male movie stars fit the idea of a “real man” in the modern or traditional view? What is your own personal view?

Do you think “real men” in the popular view, also make the best husbands? What are the characteristics of a man that would be an excellent husband?

A bumper sticker at the swimming pool said, “Real men love Jesus”. In your native culture, is religion considered somewhat a “woman’s thing” or do men and women equally participate in religious activities or beliefs? Give examples.

Consider men that you have known - fathers, brothers, uncles, friends, coworkers, bosses, fellow-students. Tell a story that will show the character of one or more of these men you have known.

When God showed Himself in human form, he chose to became a male. Christians look to Jesus a great human being and an example for both men and women. Compare the idea of a great man in the conversation below, with the ideas of real men that you’ve discussed.

‘Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing on the way?”

“But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.”’ Mark 9:33-35