Anyone who doesn't understand the shift to Catholicism from Norse Paganism, when it happens [instead of Protestant Christianity] isn't paying attention and IS the problem. There is almost no in-between.
Discussion
I'm curious to hear more about this. What do you think is the draw from the one to the other?
Ritualistism and symbols. (Or a lack thereof)
The modern church is primarily focused on generating the shared emotional experience of loving boyfriend Jesus, rather than the self-reflective and intellectual process of submission to the Son of God, Jesus, The King, the Lion of Judah.
High-test dudes have a problem with the limp-wristed nonsense going on in *most* churches and they (correctly) discern that these practices are not the same in form or function.
That's been my assessment and what I've been told anecdotally at least.
Absolutely agree that the feminization of the American church (at least) has been devastating. So also, though, have been the overcorrections into a _perverted_ form of biblical patriarchy.
Perverted how? I expect the pendulum will swing hard in America, given that, with respect to women, we are the most permissive culture in history...I just haven't (personally) observed the overcorrection yet.
I have chiefly in mind some of the teachings and practices advocated by Doug Wilson (of the "CREC" denomination), specifically, in his book _Federal Husband_. Seems small, but his influence among young Christian men in America is growing very, very fast due to his online presence, his punchy attitude, his anti-feminism, his anti-LGBTQ stances, his (often hard to disagree with) political views, etc. I see the attraction, but there's poison in that well, in my opinion. Admittedly, he gets a lot of things right, and has unusual rhetorical skills. But he gets the gospel wrong so I don't care how "right" he might be on "other things."
I'm a complimentarian (without the Trinitarian heresies promoted by some of those in associated with the CBMW), very much opposed to egalitarianism (in nearly all of its forms), but Mr. Wilson and his ilk go too far. One of the worst side effects is that people will go to far "left" of biblical center simply in order to distance themselves from his version. We should hold the biblical center, and stop the pendulum's swinging altogether.
Interesting. I'll have to look into him. But yes, ideally, zero swing. Not practically possible, but still...I agree.
There is no reason for Biblical Christians AND pro-masculinity groups to get blacklisted by each other b/c theologically compromised snake-oil salesmen get one or the other screwed up. The reaction can't be to throw the baby out with the bathwater in either event.
What a world it would be where the new Christian "Conservatism" is led by the tone-deaf sweater vests of the 80's and 90's who totally missed how cancerous feminism was becoming and decide to righteously strike a "middle ground" to appear reasonable.
Oddly, I just got this in my inbox from the father of a long-time (and ardently old-school Roman catholic) friend of mine:
[Young, single men are leaving traditional churches. They found a more ‘masculine’ alternative](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/01/04/the-young-men-leaving-traditional-churches-for-orthodox/) -- TL;DR: the "alternative" is the Eastern Orthodox denomination. This has been my experience as well (and here on Nostr as well): huge surge in interest in the EO.
Lol, I had a feeling this was taking place as well. Just no personal anecdotes to back it up. EO isn't big in my neck of the woods. But I've seen the surge in interest online.
I'd wager more than a few sats that a reasonably well publicized poll would find that young men who like Warhammer 40K and listen to Sabaton also have a positive perception of and more than a passing curiosity in the EO church.
I wouldn't take that bet, I'd loose. 😂
At least the EO is Christian--Trinitarian and Augustinian. Severely underdeveloped doctrine, but could be worse...
Incrimentalism is not the worst thing in the world. I'll take it.
Better than conversion to the peace-loving Tusken Raider death cult currently brewing up the Islamic Army over there in the armpit former known as the "Fertile Crescent."
Hey look, two star wars references in one day. I'm "racist" in two universes with only a thin veneer of plausible deniability 🤣
I believe the reason the church got away from symbols and [meaningful historical] rituals is that they tend to impose theological rigidity and this is unappealing from a marketing standpoint.
Even when churches actually hold solid theological beliefs, it is less intimidating when these don't interfere with the coffee shop fung-shway of the church.
"Look at our lights, listen to our modern pop music performed by our racially diverse and sexually amorphic/appealing worship band, feel our spiritualism/acceptance/and interpersonal warmth and stay awhile so our female pastor can tell you about your new friend Jesus Christ and how much he loves your current lifestyle which we don't plan on challenging from the pulpit in any meaningful way whatsoever. This is going to be the most comfortable thing you've ever experienced, we promise."
BUT...."strong opinions, loosley held"....do you disagree? nostr:npub1ak5kewf6anwkrt0qc8ua907ljkn7wm83e2ycyrpcumjvaf2upszs8r0gwg
Men coming from the Pagan tradition are serious about their practice of Religion (Big "R") and Modern Western Christianity feels shallow and devoid of meaning. Which, as I explained above, I beleive is intentional. Thus, these guys end up in the Catholic church.
I think you're on to something, yes. Interesting. Thank you.