Lewis, R. (1997). Raising a modern day knight. Colorado Springs, CO: Focus on the Family.

OVERVIEW

The author, a pastor in Little Rock, Arkansas, has helped hundreds of men raise godly sons. Throughout the book, Lewis uses the analogy of a medieval knight, still today a powerful symbol of manhood. For example, a woman colloquially yearns for "my knight in shining armor." This woman envisions the a man who is noble, romantic, and brave. Lewis encourages readers to raise such men.

He states that parents and society have failed in three areas: first, we have failed to define clear definiteins of manhood; second, we have failed in our process to transition one from childhood into manhood; finally, parents and society have fallen short in creating a ceremony of passage to manhood.

The following are among many topics within this book: "Manhood: Don't Let Your Son Leave Home Without It," "The Invisible Dad," "The Drift of Sons," "A Vision for Manhood," "A Transcendent Cause," "The Power of Ceremony," "Other Manhood Ceremonies to Consider," "Commemorating a Transcendent Cause," "Knighthood and the Community of Men," and "The Decree."

Among many well-founded, practical suggestions, Lewis encourages fathers to lead their sons into manhood through the integrating rituals into the family and by living out the values established in a family crest.

QUOTATIONS

These two quotations from the book (p.46) are compelling:

Modern culture does little to harness the energy and passions of men for good. This may well explain why men are responsible for much of our social upheaval. For example:

• • Men commit 90 percent of major crimes.
  • Men commit 100 percent of rapes.
  • Men commit 95 percent of burglaries.
  • Men commit 91 percent of the offenses against the family.
  • Men comprise 94 percent of drunk drivers.

    After a lifetime of studying cultures and civilizations, both ancient and modern, the eminent anthropologist, Margaret Mead, made the following observation: 'The central problem of every society is to define appropriate roles for men.' Author George gilder adds: 'Wise societies provide ample means for young men to affirm themselves without afflicting others.'

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Do you agree with the tenets of this book? Explain your responses to the three areas that the author believes parents and society have failed.
2. What is a man?
3. When does one become a man?
4. How does a boy become a man?
5. How does our culture affect young boys today?
6. How can a youth worker attempt to "raise a modern-day knight"?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Sean Connery and Richard Gere, in the movie, "Camelot," returned knighthood into focus. Young boys can dream of being knights, but they have little or no clear directions for how to become one. This book is a great manual to help parents and youth workers cultivate a new breed of modern-day knights.
2. This book helps readers envision the process to manhood.
3. It is important to recognize the need for ceremonies and rites of passage from childhood to manhood.
4. Youth leaders can support parental endeavors by creating meaningful rituals and rites of passage in youth programs.