I have a great liking for the need for initiation. It gives me a sense of excitement and purpose. I truly believe that I should give this one another shot. There is something about the process of initiation that intrigues me. It could be the challenge it presents or the opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

Perhaps by giving it another try, I will be able to overcome the obstacles that previously stood in my way. I might gain a deeper understanding of myself and what I am capable of.

I am determined to approach this second attempt with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn. I know that it won't be easy, but I am ready to face whatever comes my way.

So, here I go, giving this need for initiation another shot. I am excited to see where this journey will take me and what I will achieve along the way.

Rorhr delves into the widespread issue of the absence of male initiation in the 21st century.

We encounter men who are clueless about what it truly means to be a man. However, without getting ensnared in the numerous pitfalls of toxic masculinity, Rohr dissects how cultures across the globe have endeavored to initiate boys into manhood and what valuable lessons we can glean from this regarding God's design for men.

Each initiation he examined had five fundamental messages for the boys transitioning into manhood:

1) Life is arduous.
2) You are not of supreme importance.
3) Your life is not centered around you.
4) You are not in complete control.
5) You are destined to die.

This may seem rather gloomy. But it is absolutely crucial. Without comprehending our limitations, we are unable to fathom the beauty and expanse of our identity bestowed upon us by the infinite.

Rohr further elaborates on each point and reveals the hope that Christ presents in relation to each topic.

Forty percent of this book is dedicated to addressing the topic of initiation. It delves deep into this particular aspect, exploring its various dimensions and implications.

However, the latter half of the book seems to be more of an echo. It reflects Rohr's stance of straddling the concepts of Apokatastasis, the value of traditional religion, and the dismissal of religion.

This complex interplay of ideas is presented in a way that may leave the reader with a sense of ambiguity.

On one hand, Rohr appears to be grappling with the significance and potential of traditional religious beliefs and practices.

On the other hand, there are hints of a more critical or even dismissive attitude towards certain aspects of religion.

The overall effect is a somewhat muddled exploration that may require further examination and reflection on the part of the reader.

Perhaps a more in-depth analysis of these ideas could have provided a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the subject matter.

Nonetheless, the book does raise important questions and offers food for thought, even if the answers are not always straightforward.

It challenges the reader to engage with these complex issues and form their own opinions based on a careful consideration of the arguments presented.

I truly appreciated the 5 promises of male initiation that he delved into during the first one-third of the book.

These promises offer valuable insights and guidance for men on their journey of growth and self-discovery.

However, Rohr's inclination to go on and on in his books can render this reading experience (similar to his other works) rather challenging at times.

His extensive elaborations and digressions might cause the reader to lose focus or become overwhelmed.

Despite this drawback, the content within the book still holds great potential for those who are willing to persevere and extract the meaningful lessons.

It is important to approach Rohr's books with an open mind and a willingness to engage with his ideas, even if the reading process may not always be smooth sailing.

By doing so, one can gain a deeper understanding of the male experience and perhaps find inspiration for their own personal development.

This article should be a required reading for every man, or those who come in contact with one. It is an absolute recommendation.

The concept presented here about the different experiences of the mother and father is truly profound. The idea that the mother is experienced as an extension of the self highlights the deep and immediate connection that a child has with the mother from the very beginning. It is a bond that is almost instinctual and forms the foundation of our sense of self.

On the other hand, the statement that the father is the first real other is equally significant. The father represents a different kind of relationship, one that introduces the child to the concept of the outside world and otherness. This relationship helps the child to develop a more complex understanding of himself and the world around him.

Overall, this article offers valuable insights into the roles of the mother and father in a person's life and is well worth reading and reflecting upon.

I spent 3 - 4 days reading this book.

The concept of male initiation is completely foreign to me, yet it makes a great deal of sense.

This book is all about self-denial and realizing that life is tough. It's not all about me.

The most crucial things in life may not be what one initially thinks.

I used to be a rather selfish person, and I really needed to read this book. Fortunately, a good friend lent it to me.

It has opened my eyes and made me reflect on my own behavior and perspective.

The ideas presented in the book have challenged me to think differently and consider the needs of others more.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to have read this book and for the friend who shared it with me.

It has been a valuable learning experience that I will carry with me.

I look forward to seeing how these new insights will impact my life going forward.

Excellent book on male initiation! This is a book that every man should read without hesitation. It delves deep into the crucial aspects of a man's journey towards maturity and self-discovery. The author presents valuable insights and practical wisdom that can truly transform a man's perspective on life. Through engaging stories and thought-provoking analysis, the book guides men through the various stages of initiation, helping them to overcome challenges, build character, and find their true purpose. Whether you are a young man just starting out or an older man looking to reevaluate your life, this book has something for everyone. It is a must-read for any man who wants to become the best version of himself and make a positive impact on the world around him.

Before delving into this book, it is highly advisable to first peruse Rohr's work "Everything Belongs" and then proceed to "From Wild Man to Wise Man." Rohr presents his ideas in a rather unique stream-of-consciousness style of writing. I firmly believe that these other books will prove beneficial in comprehending the contents of this particular one.

At the outset of this volume, Rohr takes the time to detail his credentials and experiences, a gesture that I truly appreciate. He does not purport to be an all-knowing expert, which is a refreshing aspect. This is because, at times, he makes statements that require further nuance or clarification. I suspect that one of the reasons some of Rohr's writing appears somewhat vague is due to the fact that his source materials, often drawn from theologians and psychologists, can be rather convoluted to read. He is valiantly attempting to articulate complex ideas, and I do see the merit in that. While I may not always concur with his conclusions, I am convinced that his intentions are noble.

This book has the potential to serve as an excellent source for engaging discussions. I personally derived value from reading it, given my own personal background. However, I cannot recommend it without reservation to everyone. (Dare I say, it is preferable to some other works, such as those of Mark Driscoll.)

Richard Rohr, similar to numerous highly productive authors, has a tendency to repeat himself on occasion. However, this does not detract from the fact that every word he writes is truly worthy of being read not just once, but a second or even a third time.

For many years now, Rohr has served as a wellspring of grace and wisdom in my life. His works have had a profound impact on my spiritual growth and understanding.

This particular book is no different. It contains the same depth of insight, the same ability to touch the heart and soul, and the same power to inspire and transform.

Despite any potential repetitions, the value and significance of Rohr's words cannot be overstated. Each reading offers new perspectives, new revelations, and new opportunities for personal and spiritual development.

I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper connection with the divine, a greater understanding of themselves, and a more meaningful life.

Although this is a book for men - about how we need to be helped from boy to man through initiation - it has a lot to offer women too.

After all, nobody tells anybody how to be a grown-up. We just copy what the grown-ups do: get a job, pay our taxes, and hey presto, we must be an adult.

I was captivated by the five essential truths that we all need to know:

Life is hard.

You are not important.

Your life is not about you.

You are not in control.

You are going to die.

With mainstream modern culture doing its best to hide these truths or convince us of the opposite, I found the book bracing (if not a little scary). However, I think it is best to know the truth because then you can hear the consolations. What Rohr calls the 'yes and...' ideas which soften the truth and make a rounded life possible.

These truths may seem harsh at first, but they are the foundation upon which we can build a more authentic and meaningful life. By accepting that life is hard, we can better prepare ourselves for the challenges that come our way. Recognizing that we are not the center of the universe allows us to focus on the needs of others and build stronger relationships. Understanding that we are not in control can help us let go of our need for perfection and embrace the uncertainty of life. And finally, facing the reality of our own mortality can inspire us to make the most of the time we have.

In conclusion, while this book is primarily targeted at men, its message is relevant to everyone. By confronting these essential truths and finding the consolations within them, we can all strive to become more grown-up and live a more fulfilling life.

This read truly changed my view of the world.

It opened my eyes to a whole new perspective that I had never considered before.

The words on the page seemed to come alive, painting vivid pictures and telling stories that touched my heart and soul.

I found myself completely immersed in the narrative, unable to put the book down until I had reached the very end.

As I turned the final page, I realized that my understanding of the world had been forever altered.

I now saw things in a different light, with a newfound appreciation for the complexity and beauty that surrounds us.

This read had not only entertained me but also educated me, making me a more informed and empathetic person.

I will always cherish this experience and look forward to the next read that will once again change my view of the world.

In general, I'm not a big fan of Richard Rohr.

He does have some good things to say, yet it always comes with a healthy dose of his liberal theology and politics.

Those issues are indeed present in this book. However, despite that, what Rohr has to say in this book is truly significant.

Our culture has overlooked masculine initiation for far too long. Thanks to the work of Rohr and others, many of us are starting to recognize the problem and hopefully will be able to take some action regarding it.

The book is far from being perfect, but the message it conveys is of utmost importance.

It makes us aware of the long-neglected aspect of masculine initiation and encourages us to think about how we can address this issue in our society.

Although Rohr's liberal views might not be to everyone's taste, we cannot deny the value of the ideas he presents in this book.

It serves as a wake-up call for us to pay more attention to the development and growth of men in our culture.