Lisa Schreinemacher: Negotiations of Masculinity in Evangelical Self-Help Literature [PDF]

Master’s Thesis from the year 2020 in the subject American Studies – Literature, grade: 1, 7, University of Bonn, language: English, abstract: Evangelical culture is permeated with interpretations of masculine and feminine ideals. This thesis aims to identify negotiations of masculinity in evangelical self-help literature, which presents an underrated genre and has received considerably less attention by other scholars. The author argues that ‘traditional’ characteristics of masculinity, such as strength, aggression and assertiveness are promoted in the selected self-help manuals under the pretext of bible teachings. In expressing these concerns the author tries to respect the writers’ faith and their commitment to the Bible as the ultimate authority.

With his song Real Men Love Jesus, Michael Ray probably speaks from the heart of all Evangelicals. He sings of several activities that ‘real man’ like to enjoy, such as football, fishing, cars and of course praying. The author chose the title of his song for the thesis, because it represents the common ground for all negotiations of masculinity within evangelical self-help literature, that ‘real men love Jesus.’