Chapter 1: The Emergence of Masculinity in Christian Literature

In recent years, a significant trend has emerged in Christian publishing focused on "masculinity." Numerous books claim to guide men in becoming the "man God intends them to be," selling millions of copies. These works advocate for traits such as assertiveness, dominance, and aggression. But where did this notion of transforming male identity originate?

Some may attribute it to divine inspiration, while others might point to Gordon Dalbey. Although not widely recognized within Christian circles, his 1988 book, Healing the Masculine Soul, is often regarded as the first foray into the "divine masculinity" genre. Interestingly, Dalbey notes in a footnote that his contemplation of masculinity was sparked by a 1983 newspaper interview with Robert Bly, a poet who was conducting conferences aimed at men's personal development.

It appears that the roots of this movement can be traced back to Bly. For nearly 30 years, he challenged conventional "Christian" views of masculinity. In a 1982 interview, Bly recounted his upbringing in Minnesota, where he felt deeply entrenched in male identity: "I was entirely male... a farm boy in a male-dominated religion." His goal was to pursue a career as a poet.

Initially, Bly attempted to emulate Christian poets like John Milton and John Donne. However, he ultimately shifted his focus to his own experiences as a solitary man from Minnesota. Critics likened him to "a Midwestern Thoreau with a dark side."

Amid the turmoil of the Vietnam War in the late 1960s, Bly began crafting politically charged poetry. As a progressive Democrat, he viewed America as deeply misguided. He took on the role of an Old Testament prophet, denouncing a wayward nation. His readings became notable events, particularly for students who found it striking to see a white man publicly criticizing America.

Bly's poetry often condemned various institutions: "The ministers lie, the professors lie, the television reporters lie, the priests lie." He expressed deep concern for the treatment of Native Americans and seemed to adopt a more indigenous perspective himself. Over time, Bly began to assert that America's problems were tied to an overly masculine culture. He believed that poetry embodied a feminine spirit and called for a cultural shift toward femininity. As one critic noted, Bly's work was characterized by a rejection of masculine impulses in favor of celebrating feminine perspectives.

His interviews often reflected a desire to rethink established norms surrounding masculinity. Bly suggested that many writers were grappling with repressed sexual issues. "For most writers, sexual energy is like a lump," he observed, citing figures such as Hemingway and Plath. He posited that the roots of this repression were embedded in Christianity, a sentiment he felt was absent in other religions.

Bly's reverence for the 'Great Mother' was an unusual pivot for a poet with a Viking-like appearance, as he delved into themes of a cosmic maternal force. His explorations aimed at deconstructing Western male identity and tradition, although not everyone embraced his ideas. One reviewer even described a reading as "spouting nonsense through his poncho."

Initially confrontational, Bly's performances involved direct criticism of his audience. A retrospective recalls a memorable moment when he challenged the crowd: "Why are you smiling? Do you think that poem is funny? You look ridiculous."

However, Bly eventually redirected his efforts toward uplifting men. In 1980, he began hosting conferences that encouraged men to rethink their identities in light of the Women's Movement, particularly among liberal men in California who respected feminist goals. The media often labeled these gatherings as "New Age," yet Bly recognized conservative Christian men as part of his target audience.

Bypassing scripture, Bly offered an ancient tale for consideration—a Brothers Grimm fairy tale that illustrated the journey to becoming a fully realized man, devoid of divine context. He suggested that boys should spend time with older men to undergo a process of initiation into manhood.

Yet, the pivotal change in Bly's life may not have stemmed from such initiatory experiences but rather from his divorce in 1979 and subsequent remarriage in 1980. This personal turmoil seemed to liberate him from conventional Christian beliefs, allowing him to explore his own path. Embracing the feminist critique of history, he began to consider men as potentially oppressed by religion, family, and culture.

Bly's attempts to redefine masculinity sometimes led to controversial statements. In a 1984 interview, he suggested that men might have sexual interests that women could find objectionable, advocating for men to assert their desires forcefully. "You bust them in the mouth because no one has the right to tell another person what their true desires are," he stated, later clarifying that he meant verbal confrontation.

As he matured, Bly emerged as a wise, paternal figure within the men's movement. In 1990, he starred in a PBS special, A Gathering of Men With Robert Bly, and published Iron John: A Book About Men, which became a surprise bestseller for a year. However, the effectiveness of his techniques for male "initiation" remained questionable, with events often featuring awkward hugs and drumming sessions.

His core message encouraged men to dismantle the barriers they believed they had to uphold. Bly urged men to embrace vulnerability and femininity, if it meant being true to themselves. This notion was revolutionary for many, challenging the long-standing scripts that dictated male behavior.

In a 2006 reflection, a man recounted how Bly's message resonated deeply with young men: "We were graduating from college with extraordinary educations and few practical skills... Bly was telling a secret about me." His central tenet was that individuals could determine their own narratives.

Bly's work occasionally led to misconceptions, with some perceiving him as a conservative figure. He faced questions from feminist activists regarding his stance on issues like abortion rights, to which he affirmed his support. Nevertheless, Bly consistently operated within a progressive political framework, dismissing figures like Donald Trump as lacking genuine masculinity.

In a 2009 retrospective, he described his work with men as an invitation to a space where competition gave way to hospitality. Although Christians were often critical of Bly's poetry, they found value in his idea that men could engage in self-improvement—albeit with a distinctly Christian lens.

Religious interpretations of Bly's work began with Dalbey's Healing the Masculine Soul, followed by many others, including John Eldredge's Wild at Heart, which frequently referenced Bly. The massive "Promise Keepers" movement of the 1990s for Christian men was similarly inspired by his ideas. However, the focus on Bly himself was often overshadowed by the desire to mold men into a more traditional Christian archetype—one that was anti-feminist and dominantly in control.

Over time, the genre of "Christian men's literature" gradually overlooked Bly's contributions. When he was remembered, it was typically in the context of agreeing with "liberal" perspectives.

Chapter 2: The Legacy of Bly's Influence

The legacy of Robert Bly's work continues to influence contemporary discussions surrounding masculinity, challenging men to reconsider and reshape their identities.