In Malestrom: Manhood Swept Into The Currents Of A Changing World, Carolyn Custis James demonstrates why she is one of the most compelling theologians of the twenty-first century.
With the authority and unction of a true prophet, she not only identifies one of the major issues of our day—a fallen idea of maleness—but offers biblically grounded insight for how this curse can be undone. James explains her astute word-play-title and the premise of the book:
The malestrom is the particular ways in which the fall impacts the male of the human species—causing a man to lose himself, his identity and purpose as a man, and above all else to lose sight of God’s original vision for his sons.
We don’t have to look far to find evidence of this malestrom.
From sex trafficking, to the unconscionable beheadings by ISIS, to sacrificing the environment for the god of capitalism, to the repeated abuses of power in the bedroom and boardroom, men (and women) have fallen short of God’s command for us to faithfully image him and benevolently rule together in sacred partnerships.
Arguably, part of the confusion about manhood emerges from the reality that it is both a “moving target” and a “cultural construct.” She writes:
The definition of manhood is not universal but varies widely from culture to culture. . . Anthropologists describe a continuum of manhood that ranges from machismo. . . at one extreme to cultures completely unconcerned about masculinity issues at the other. . . Evangelical definitions of manhood—all claiming to be built on what the Bible says—are scattered all over that continuum.
Yet in the midst of that maelstrom, “the issues that drive the quest for manhood are universal—identity, meaning, and purpose.”
How is it possible that we have strayed so far from God’s original plan?
Perhaps we need to look no further than human fallenness combined with the faulty assumption that patriarchy was God’s original intent.
To read the remainder of the review, please go to Junia Project.