Today’s guest post comes to us from Roger E. Olson, Professor of Christian Theology of Ethics at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor Univeristy. Mr. Olson was a contributing editor for Christianity Today and is also an award winning author.

I’ve written much here over the years about the “decline of men”–especially as it affects boys and male health in general. All educators know about the “boy crisis” in schools–from elementary grades through graduate schools. Anyone who pays attention knows that men’s health is seriously neglected by government and non-profit organizations.

I consider it positive and helpful whenever researchers, journalists and influencers pay any attention to social problems that affect males; it’s so rare. Just bringing attention to the problems is helpful. What’s not helpful, however, is when people simply point the finger of blame and boys and men and don’t ask the social questions they would and do ask about challenges girls and women face.

As I have said many times before: When females face challenges it’s society’s fault; when males face challenges it’s their own fault.

I’m not saying it’s never males’ fault; I’m asking for more serious research into why especially boys are falling behind at all educational levels, filling up America’s prison system (which continues to grow exponentially), dropping out of school and work during their teens and twenties, living with their parents into their thirties (and beyond), and dying younger than women.

Why be concerned? Because any society in which almost half the population is struggling, for whatever reason, is bound to face serious social problems. I have NO problem with women leading, the “rise of women” is all to the good. My problem is with the “decline of boys and men” into “drop-out” status with virtually no government or non-profit organizations paying attention, setting up “shop” to help.

To read the entire article, click here.

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Nelson

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About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.