Anthony Esolen: Over Our Dead Bodies
Significance cannot be won through longevity alone. You must do something weighty in order to be someone weighty. The cause you do for must matter as well.
As Christian men, we know that the Kingdom matters now and in eternity. How do you act out that knowledge? Are you willing to earn your significance by advancing Christianity?
The Price Of Significance
Mr. Esolen states in this article that American boys are being taught two falsehoods: Their personal opinions are all that matter, and that the desire for order and structure are innately wrong. He counters this by saying that our young men should be taught that important things are bigger than any individual man (or woman), and that the willingness to sacrifice yourself for a just and significant cause is the best definition of manhood.
American boys are being taught two falsehoods: Their personal opinions are all that matter, and that the desire for order and structure are innately wrong.
The ancient samurai swore themselves to the service of a daimyo or “Great Name.” From that day forward, the samurai considered himself a dead man, despite his ongoing service to his master. That “dead man walking” attitude allowed him to face any battlefield with courage and determination.
Modern Christians have sworn themselves to God, the maker of heaven and earth. What is more significant, His Purpose or your life? Are you willing to have an authentic encounter with your limits and His Power? Are you willing to get out of the boat? Are you willing to face Pharaoh?
Is the American church willing to risk men (and women) in its mission to reclaim the lost? Are we willing to test ourselves in the name of our most important purpose? The Christian Church must do significant things in order to be significant.
Reviewed by Kirk Wesley Hunt
At the time of printing, this article was available online at: www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=19-05-022-f
Category: Fall 2006, Living the Faith
Followers
Fans
