Australia Catholics

Men and their Spirituality

Are Women More Spiritual Than

Men? The relationship between
gender and spirituality is one of
the most considerable interest.
Many studies and religious
experts have agreed that women
tend to be more spiritual than
men. But has it been like this or is
it the changed perception and
newly defined gender roles in the
21st century a reason. A study
done by the Pew Research Centre
survey found that women are
more likely to think that religion
is essential in their life than men.
And also, the study found that
women are more likely to attend
religious services and worship at
least once a week. Women tend
to express their emotions out, These stereotypes pressure men
whereas men keep their feelings demands a person to come into a
to show no emotions, be physically strong relationship with God and
to themselves. Men are spiritual, strong and be
and they express it differently with the religious community. And
a ‘real man’. The traditional this plays an important reason why
because of their gender and stereotypes place on men plays an
traditional stereotypes that have women are more religious than
important role and affects their men because of the female
been placed on them. Spirituality. Spirituality is not all tendency to focus on the
about being very religious. It is a emotional connection with religion
Gender is a socially constructed sense of connection to something
definition of men and women. In and God whereas men focus more
bigger than us human. In religion, on services at church rather than a
society, it determines what tasks, it is all about having a relationship
and roles attributed to men and link to God or understanding the
with God and continuously meaning of faith.
women. Gender cause praying. Some examples of
stereotypes about how men and Spirituality include prayer,
women should act from ’Why Men Hate Going to Church’,
meditation, and many others. by David Murrow, explores why
childhood. Especially for men, Traditionally, Spirituality has been
traditional stereotypes are the attendance and engagement of
male-focused, and males were the men in church are decreasing. He
challenging to live up to as it backbone of many world religions.
demands very high of concludes that today's churches
But the recent spiritual emphasis have shifted toward a
them.
style that is more for women and not for
a man. He points out that the element of
today's churches that make men very
unattracted. These include that church
makes men feel very uncomfortable
because it emphasizes feminine values
and styles such as spirituality,
sentimental songs, praise and worship,
etc. Another reason is that church forces
men to do things that they feel very
uncomfortable, such as sing in public, and
sermons. And finally, another reason that
David Murrow points out is that men
assume that going to church and prayer,
they are required to give up their
masculine traits. And because of all these
reasons, modern churches are becoming
less appealing to men and thus causing
male attendance to decrease.

Gender truly influences a person's

spirituality. As David Murrow explained in
his book, the modern church has shifted
toward a style that is more for women
and not for a man. As a man myself, I am
often embarrassed to show my
spirituality to others. Just like that for
many men, it is tough to show emotions
in front of others, especially expressing
their connection with God. Most men
think that by showing their spirituality,
they are showing that they are weak, and
giving up their traditional masculine traits
such as showing strong emotional and
physical capabilities. But many male
figures are so spiritual and have a
powerful connection with God. But the
men in new generations getting to
believe that going to is so against the
traditional masculine traits.

In Conclusion, gender plays a vital role in

spirituality and these days, men are
becoming less and less spiritual and
engaged with the church. Men with
active spirituality are essential to the
community of faith and the whole world
as it can decrease the amount of pressure
on men about being a 'real man'. And
also a faithful and spiritually strong father
can make a family better.