A Surge of Young Men Embracing ‘Masculine’ Orthodoxy in the US
Amidst evolving cultural landscapes, many young American men are gravitating towards the Russian Orthodox Church, drawn by beliefs that resonate with traditional notions of masculinity. This trend is epitomized by Father Moses McPherson, a priest in Georgetown, Texas, whose online sermons often promote an ideal of virile masculinity that rejects what he perceives as effeminate behaviors.
The Appeal of Tradition
In a striking juxtaposition to mainstream religious practices, Father Moses extols what he calls an “absurd level of manliness.” In videos shared on platforms like YouTube, he openly criticizes men for engaging in activities such as wearing skinny jeans, crossing their legs, and even doing simple household chores like ironing. His muscular physique and heavy metal weightlifting sessions amplify his appeal, particularly among men seeking a sense of purpose in a rapidly changing world.
Since joining the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), Father Moses has seen an incredible increase in congregation size — tripling within a mere 18 months. Over the last year and a half, he has guided 75 followers through their conversion to Orthodoxy, indicating a significant shift in spiritual pursuit among American men. “When my wife and I converted two decades ago, we viewed Orthodoxy as America’s best-kept secret, but that is rapidly changing,” he states.
Searching for Stability
One member of his congregation, Theodore, a software engineer, reflects on his personal journey of spiritual exploration. Although he once enjoyed a seemingly perfect life with a fulfilling job and a loving spouse, he felt an underlying emptiness that led him to question societal expectations of men. Many younger men, like Theodore, express concern over the portrayal of traditional masculinity in modern America, arguing that men are unfairly labeled as “toxic” for wanting to provide for their families.
- Theodore comments on the societal critique of traditional roles: “Men are constantly told they are wrong for wanting to be the breadwinner.”
- Recent converts often choose to home-school their children, reflecting a desire to prioritize family over career.
A Community Reshaped
| Aspect | Focus |
|---|---|
| Religious Education | Home schooling as a means to instill Orthodox values |
| Gender Dynamics | Encouragement of traditional male roles within families |
| Cultural Reactions | Viewing modern society as overly feminized |
Navigating Complex Messages
As the Russian Orthodox Church continues to attract new followers, the narrative becomes complex, intertwining faith with socio-political sentiments. Professor Scott Kenworthy notes a marked increase in male membership within Orthodox Christian communities, coinciding with heightened interest in the church during the pandemic. “Attendance at my parish surged post-COVID, indicating a broader trend within the faith,” he explains.
Amid current geopolitical tensions, young men in the ROCOR community often find refuge and strength in their faith, aligning their beliefs with conservative values. Some express admiration for Russia’s stance against liberalism, perceiving the country as a bastion of traditional Christian values. However, diverse opinions exist within the community regarding the church’s leadership and its geopolitical actions.
As more young men seek the fortitude of a traditional faith amid the turmoil of contemporary society, the ROCOR represents not just a religious movement but a cultural phenomena reshaping notions of masculinity in America.
