Reviews

BOOKS

Food for thought

Boys Becoming Men, by Lowell Sheppard. Spring Harvest & Authentic Media £7.99 ISBN 1- 85078-473-6

Talk of "props" and my parents would have thought of coalmines and rugby. "Puberty Rights of Passage" (PROPS) would never have crossed their minds. And yet they instinctively knew of their importance. That's why they gave me the 'key of the door' and threw a magnificent party for my 21st birthday.

Lowell Sheppard, former National Director of British Youth for Christ and the father of two sons, has addressed a timely issue in his book Boys Becoming Men. As the father of four sons, I found his observations challenging and thought-provoking. As a pastor and former Chair of School Governors, I found them opportune and stimulating.

Like many others, Sheppard is troubled by what we see happening to young males. Why aren’t they doing so well in their studies as girls? Why are so many caught up in drink, drugs and crime? Why do so many find it so difficult to negotiate the journey to adulthood? Why do so many men fail to grow up?

Shepherd doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but he has become convinced that "in the busyness and fragmentation of life adults are not providing an event that combines risk, ritual and recognition marking the moment when a boy crosses the line and forever steps into manhood".

Sheppard’s reasoning is persuasive, drawing as it does on the customs of such groups as the Lakota tribe of North America, as well as the Jewish practice of Bar Mitzvah. The frequent quotations and use of illustrations from real life are also very helpful, even if the style does seem a little repetitive at times.
I am still not convinced of the need for the kind of structured approach he advocates, but Lowell Sheppard has given me plenty of "food for thought".

Above all he’s reminded me that having sons should be an adventure as well as a privilege, and the nation’s crisis could prove the Church’s opportunity.

Rob James is a Baptist pastor and journalist

© Christian Family Network
is run by CPO, supported by
Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting,
Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.


		BOOKS Food for thought Boys Becoming Men, by Lowell Sheppard. Spring Harvest & Authentic Media £7.99 ISBN 1- 85078-473-6 Talk of "props" and my parents would have thought of coalmines and rugby. "Puberty Rights of Passage" (PROPS) would never have crossed their minds. And yet they instinctively knew of their importance. That's why they gave me the 'key of the door' and threw a magnificent party for my 21st birthday. Lowell Sheppard, former National Director of British Youth for Christ and the father of two sons, has addressed a timely issue in his book Boys Becoming Men. As the father of four sons, I found his observations challenging and thought-provoking. As a pastor and former Chair of School Governors, I found them opportune and stimulating. Like many others, Sheppard is troubled by what we see happening to young males. Why aren’t they doing so well in their studies as girls? Why are so many caught up in drink, drugs and crime? Why do so many find it so difficult to negotiate the journey to adulthood? Why do so many men fail to grow up? Shepherd doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but he has become convinced that "in the busyness and fragmentation of life adults are not providing an event that combines risk, ritual and recognition marking the moment when a boy crosses the line and forever steps into manhood". Sheppard’s reasoning is persuasive, drawing as it does on the customs of such groups as the Lakota tribe of North America, as well as the Jewish practice of Bar Mitzvah. The frequent quotations and use of illustrations from real life are also very helpful, even if the style does seem a little repetitive at times. I am still not convinced of the need for the kind of structured approach he advocates, but Lowell Sheppard has given me plenty of "food for thought". Above all he’s reminded me that having sons should be an adventure as well as a privilege, and the nation’s crisis could prove the Church’s opportunity. Rob James is a Baptist pastor and journalist © Christian Family Network is run by CPO, supported by Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting, Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.