Achieving manhood is unquantifiable
Western concepts of identity are foundational to our self-image and self-management. Any attempt to manage or control other’s behavior or manipulate other’s identity becomes laborious and counter-productive. While communicating markers of manhood is necessary, it is impossible to measure manhood (or womanhood) by one’s achievements. The first indicator of this is the simple fact that we are not defined by what we do, spiritually speaking. The second indicator is related to this fact. Though many have suggested that manhood must be earned or achieved, the concept of earning or achieving manhood is not quantifiable.
Those who answer the question of timely coming-of-age, speak of achievement and accomplishment. But when asked to quantify this achievement, the precise amount becomes unclear. For example, one might suggest that manhood is arrived at through earning a sufficient amount of income. When asked to define “sufficient”, a number cannot be placed. Proponents become hesitant on their conclusions and rightfully question their premise.
This exact moment of coming-of-age then moves to other accomplishments such as acquiring a driver’s license or legally drinking beer. This premise immediately falls apart as questions of national boundaries and jurisdiction come into the question. Does a boy become a man as he crosses a geographical boundary and is defined by the local authorities? If manhood is achieved, then no legal authority can rightfully arrest and imprison a person who has not claimed or achieved manhood. If a 35-year-old male has not proclaimed manhood, he cannot be justly tried in court as a man. His standard is being judged by another’s false standard. He is being judged by failing the responsibly of manhood before he is “ready”.
Perhaps there is some tribe in Africa that requires a boy kill a lion to become a man, or a culture in the west that requires one to hold down 700 ml of alcohol. Is this measurement definitive or subjective? What if a man in the group accomplishes 400% more. Was the group emasculated? Did the man achieve manhood 4 times?
This problem of quantitativeness points us to ask the right questions. Perhaps we are not using a philosophically or biblically sound concept when identifying manhood or womanhood. These questions are foundational, and when carefully examined, can provide much stability to a society that has lost it’s identity.
Joshua Ben Nun 