Valor and Vulnerability

“Two prolific pastoral theologians produced this volume on the often-neglected topic of men’s inner worlds. Their interdisciplinary approach, disclosing their vulnerability, is a work of courage and an indispensable gift to the church and the academy.”
—Kyungsig Samuel Lee, vice president for international affairs, Claremont School of Theology

“Valor and Vulnerability explores gender-specific pastoral care themes related to men. Most chapters embed real-life stories in scholarly analysis, foregrounding the fullness of men’s self-understanding and struggles in their own words or in literary renderings. The contributors caringly address male vulnerabilities related to racial injustice, age, mourning, wounding, intimacy, identity, and sexuality. A must read in our age of hyper- and toxic masculinities.”
—Björn Krondorfer, Regents’ Professor, Martin-Springer Institute, Northern Arizona University
 
“While many scholars have rightly examined the harmful effects of patriarchy and its ideologies, relatively little attention has been paid to how these promote the increasing distress of men and boys. These insightful essays, from an extraordinary and diverse cast of contributors, provide a timely response to this lacuna. Each chapter explores nuances in the experiences of men that help to circumvent the pitfalls of hegemonic forms of masculinity. This book will be a valuable resource for years to come.”
—Bruce Rogers-Vaughn, associate professor of the practice of pastoral theology and counseling, retired, Vanderbilt Divinity School

“These authors know how to theologically reflect upon the experiences of boys and men because they do it together. This collection of chapters comes out of their collective experience of sharing and critically exploring the intersectional spiritual experiences of boys and men. There is a sacred quality of integrity within these spiritual care narratives and these pastoral theologians who share and reflect.”
—Carrie Doehring, professor emerita of pastoral care and counseling, Iliff School of Theology