Barron recalls his own seminary experience, remarking, "To be frank about it, when I was in the seminary, it was more of a feminized approach. We did a lot of sitting in a circle and talking about our feelings." He highlights a contrast to the 'tough' Catholic sermonizing that characterizes his current ministry, suggesting a significant shift in messaging intended to appeal to a more masculine audience.
Worthan notes that Barron's ministry, Word on Fire, largely speaks to men, particularly younger demographics. She points out that over 60% of his audience is male and emphasizes the changing religious affiliations, stating "among college grads under age 40, 69% of men claim a religious affiliation compared with 62% of women." This indicates a notable trend wherein male engagement could be shaped by cultural shifts.
Discussing the reasons behind men's gravitation towards traditional religious views, Worthan suggests, "Some pundits argue that as gender norms shifted and women started outnumbering men in universities and the white-collar workforce, men have grown resentful and nostalgic for patriarchy-so they seek it in traditional religion." This illustrates a complex interplay between societal changes and personal religious affiliations.
Exploring the socio-religious dynamics, Worthan posits, "For many this cashed out as men have all the power and women are submissive. Historically, this system was enforced by the state and religious authorities. Today it's a part of all religions, and is a central aspect of all fundamentalist religions." This highlights the enduring legacy of patriarchal structures within religious contexts.
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