A Harvest of Manliness

 (Boaz & Ruth) 

      This month, the blog has an essay again rather than a poem.  The idea of "harvest" in the early chapters of Ruth can lend itself to autumnal thoughts.

      For men, especially Christian men, worried about society losing its masculine edge and becoming too feminized, reviewing the story of Ruth & Boaz can channel such thoughts in helpful ways. 

"Boaz and Ruth" James Faed (Scottish), 1855

     What makes Boaz a good masculine role model? He supports Ruth with kindness and supportive strength 💪 without 💖 ❤️ taking away her agency.  She went out on a limb to visit at night.  He did not take advantage of her. He also provided cover so she wouldn't be shamed. 

     Andrew Tate (whom I hope not too many so-called Christians follow) is completely opposite to Boaz in this regard. Far too many of the leaders whom voters elevated to prominent US positions in November 2024, hoping they'd bring back a "masculine vibe", are completely incapable of Boaz's type of masculine energy. A lot of them will make up stuff about what happened with women, in fact, and make predatory behaviors the mark of being a man. 

      Testosterone doesn't require you to constantly fight, demean, dominate or belittle. The only 'fight' Boaz got into happened when the closer kinsman refused to marry Ruth. In my mind's eye, I see a bit of testosterone flare there, even as he uses the legal system of the day to make his point. 

      Some of the current so-called pro-masculine movements seem all about taking away women's agency. That doesn't seem truly strong to me-- it seems like fear clothed in a false front of strength. And that is the same pattern that makes bullies.