Losers, Loners, and Rebels: The Spiritual Struggles of Boys

Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails are not the only things of which little boys are made, according to seminary professors Dykstra, Cole and Capps. Each author draws upon his own autobiographical story in this important examination of the spirituality of boys. Boys’ spiritual lives, according to the authors, are influenced much more by their negative experiences than by positive ones. These negative experiences are gathered under three archetypes: the loser, the rebel and the loner. Each of these experiences can give rise to spiritual virtues, in this case, self-awareness, self-transcendence and self-sufficiency. While the authors are not psychologists, they have done exhaustive research in this field, and their backgrounds in pastoral care and theology help convey an authentic and holistic approach to an underresearched topic. The practical application of this work, the authors posit, is “to demonstrate that by connecting with one’s boyhood one is better able to connect with one’s own and other men’s sons.” Many men will find the book’s insights and frank honesty enlightening. The authors use the word “spirituality” ambiguously at times, but this is a minor nuisance in an otherwise important work. (Aug.)