Onward Christian Soldier?: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Discourses of 'Biblical' Masculinity in 'Neo-Muscular' Christian Men's Groups
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: Theology and Religion
Abstract
The aim of this research is to explore and interrogate the ways in which the prominent discourse of masculinity within neo-muscular conservative evangelical Christian Men's groups (such as the Promise Keepers USA, the Mighty Men South Africa, and the Aryan Jesus movement of 1930s Europe) are manifested and perpetuated through symbolically violent, hyper-masculinised theological discourses. Within the resources these groups provide- such as sermons and other preaching material, books, podcasts, and speeches at conferences- combative imagery in the form of militarised metaphor, sports metaphor, brotherhood metaphors and nostalgic familial metaphors are utilised to promote a problematic outworking of masculinity. The use of militarised imagery, for example, serves to define those with alternative ideas about masculinity as 'enemy', whom it is incumbent on a 'real man' to 'defeat', fostering environments of hostility and shame for those who do not conform to hegemonic masculinity.
Using a methodology rooted in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Critical Metaphor Analysis (CMA), my research aims to expose and problematise the intersection between colonialism, nationalism, homophobia, and masculinity which underpins the theological discourses about masculinity expressed by these movements through combative metaphor. Through analysing the resources of these groups within a CMA framework, a hierarchy of metaphors, conceptual metaphors and conceptual metaphorical keys is revealed, highlighting the ways in which what is promoted as 'biblical theology' regarding gender, is inherently founded in deep-rooted concerns about national identity, the conquest of land, political power dynamics, familial belonging, and fears of emasculation. This results in biblical texts and preaching being hyper-masculinised through combative language and being subsequently deployed as weapons against 'culture' by men's groups to promote a hegemonic, heteronormative and arguably, toxic 'biblical manhood'.
In the latter part of the thesis I will offer alternative hermeneutical models for engaging with the hyper-masculinised theological and biblical discourses expressed through 'Muscular Christian' men's groups. The way in which the creation of metaphor requires a bridge of understanding between the speaker and listener, I will argue, makes for a creative, collaborative engagement, building connection between the participants in dialogue. Through a CMA framework, I will therefore examine whether within the varied host of problematic metaphors used to embody theological ideologies, more affiliative metaphors might offer some traction for modifying some of the other more violent, aggressive, or conflictual models of masculinity and opening constructive dialogue between opposing viewpoints.
Using a methodology rooted in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Critical Metaphor Analysis (CMA), my research aims to expose and problematise the intersection between colonialism, nationalism, homophobia, and masculinity which underpins the theological discourses about masculinity expressed by these movements through combative metaphor. Through analysing the resources of these groups within a CMA framework, a hierarchy of metaphors, conceptual metaphors and conceptual metaphorical keys is revealed, highlighting the ways in which what is promoted as 'biblical theology' regarding gender, is inherently founded in deep-rooted concerns about national identity, the conquest of land, political power dynamics, familial belonging, and fears of emasculation. This results in biblical texts and preaching being hyper-masculinised through combative language and being subsequently deployed as weapons against 'culture' by men's groups to promote a hegemonic, heteronormative and arguably, toxic 'biblical manhood'.
In the latter part of the thesis I will offer alternative hermeneutical models for engaging with the hyper-masculinised theological and biblical discourses expressed through 'Muscular Christian' men's groups. The way in which the creation of metaphor requires a bridge of understanding between the speaker and listener, I will argue, makes for a creative, collaborative engagement, building connection between the participants in dialogue. Through a CMA framework, I will therefore examine whether within the varied host of problematic metaphors used to embody theological ideologies, more affiliative metaphors might offer some traction for modifying some of the other more violent, aggressive, or conflictual models of masculinity and opening constructive dialogue between opposing viewpoints.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Charlotte Thomas (Student) |