What is a real man?

Rolling back the clock to Eden and the first sin, we ask ourselves — what is a real man? The answer hinges on everything Adam failed to be and what Christ is — we must become.

There are many articles that formulate a solid answer: The Catechism’s paragraph 6, entitled simply. Man, Fr. David V. Meconi’s, On Addressing the Dignity of Man and Masculinity, Bill Dodds’, Catholic Manhood, Todd M. Aglialoro’s, The New Catholic Manliness, Rob Agnell’s, Recovering the Meaning of True Masculinity, Benedictus Youth Ministry’s, Catholic Manhood, and Sam Guzman’s, St. Joseph: The Model of Manhood.

I like Maurice Blumberg’s short list answer which reads like a code of chivalry. He writes…

Recently, I watched a promotional video for the movie, Courageous, a Christian movie which will be available in 2011. The movie is the story of four law enforcement officers who are called, in very challenging situations, to serve and protect others and their families. Watching this video reminded me that as Catholic men, we are constantly bombarded in the media with images of men, husbands, and fathers that are not only negative, but counter to the biblical image of who we are in Christ as men.

The video also reminded me of the series of Catholic Man Channel articles I created in early 2007 that addressed the following questions: What does it mean to be a real man? What does it mean to be a Holy man? What does it mean to be a man of God? These are all good questions, and like many good questions, they do not have simple answers.

A Real Man…

Puts his faith in God – not in himself

Knows he is a child of God

Understands his purpose in life

Is obedient to God’s will.

A Real Man…

Respects himself and other people

Has strength of character as well as body

Behaves with dignity

Accepts responsibility for his actions

Thinks before he acts

Takes pride in his work.

A Real Man…

Is unselfish and generous

Is honest and trustworthy

Is honorable and dependable

Is giving and forgiving

Is thoughtful and sensitive

Is tender and romantic

Is unafraid to be himself.

A Real Man…

Practices self discipline

Controls his temper and passions

Controls his thoughts and desires

Knows right from wrong

Walks away from temptation

Has a strong value system

Stands up for his beliefs.

A Real Man…

Is willing to love sacrificially

Seeks the good of others first

Makes a commitment and keeps it

Protects his wife and family

Knows his body is a temple of the Holy Spirit

Never uses another person.

A Real Man…

Loves God above all things

Trusts God and obeys Him

Leads his family in prayer

Is happy and at peace.

A Real Man…

Is a living witness to God’s love.

(Maurice Blumberg was the founding Executive Director of the National Fellowship of Catholic Men, and is currently a Trustee.