Steven Arms, in his own words, is a husband, father and follower of Christ. He has two children and works as an engineer in the heating and air conditioning business. But his passion is pushing his body and trying to test the limits of what he can do physically. In fact, he set a world record in the 100 km on the Ski Urgh. Steven and his father have written a book, "Milestone to Manhood", that outlines how to create a meaningful Christian Rite of Passage for 13 year old boys. In this podcast, I'll outline how Steven Arms did it in detail and discuss the benefits of Rites of Passage. So buckle up, Steven is about to show you how to unlock the power of Rites of Passage.
About Steven Arms
Steven Arms is an author, father, and advocate from California. He spent the first 25 years of his life there before meeting his bride and moving to Oregon. He and his wife have two children and he is an engineer in the heating and air conditioning business. Steven also loves to push his limits and set world records - last year he set the world record in the 100 km ski urgh. Steven is passionate about helping fathers understand their responsibility to provide a rite of passage for their sons. He wrote the book Milestone to Manhood with his father to advocate for fathers to hold a meaningful rite of passage for their sons. Through his work, Steven hopes to create a society where boys do not need to prove their manhood to anyone
Why is it important to have Rites of Passage?
Rites of Passage are important because they mark a transition from one stage of life to another. For example, in many cultures, there is a rite of passage that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. This rite of passage serves to recognize the individual's growth, maturity, and responsibility that come with adulthood. It is also a way for the individual to be welcomed into the larger community and to receive the rights and privileges that come with being an adult.
Rites of Passage are also important because they help to shape a person's identity. Through the recognition that they receive by engaging in the rite of passage, a person can feel a sense of belonging to their community, and they can gain a better understanding of their place in society. Additionally, the ceremonies and rituals associated with the rite of passage can help to instill values and beliefs that are important to the community, such as respect, responsibility, and commitment. By engaging in the rite of passage, an individual can gain a deeper understanding of their culture and their place in the world.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Understand the concept of a rite of passage and why it is important in modern Western society.
2. Create a meaningful rite of passage ceremony that includes elements of separation, challenge, and reincorporation back into society.
3. Identify a challenge or lesson to help the boy prove his manhood, such as physical, mental, or spiritual tasks.
4. Discuss the importance of the event with the boy to ensure he understands the significance and purpose.
5. Celebrate the success of the boy's rite of passage with a party or other form of recognition.
6. Encourage the boy to use the lessons he learned from the rite of passage to make a positive impact on
Step 1 is to understand what a rite of passage is. In this context, a rite of passage is an event that a boy looks back on in his life to mark the moment he became a man. Examples of rites of passage in other cultures are the Jewish Bar Mitzvah and the walkabout in Aboriginal Australian society. In modern Western society, we don't have a coming of age event that is equivalent to these rites of passage. This is partially due to the Industrial Revolution which broke up the nuclear family, leaving boys without a father figure to help guide them through the transition from boyhood to manhood. The closest thing we have in modern Western culture to a rite of passage is the Sweet 16. However, this is not a true rite of passage as it lacks the elements of separation from the support system, a challenge to prove manhood, and reincorporation back into society. Writing The Milestone to Manhood book together was a great experience for Stevenn and his father. His dad wanted to create a rite of passage as he did not have a father figure in his own life to guide him through the transition to manhood. His father saw the need to bridge the gap between boyhood and manhood and provide his sons with the tools and knowledge to become a good man.
Once Steven and his father finished writing the book, they both knew that the book was only half of the rite of passage. The other half was the actual event. The event was to be held on a weekend camping trip and would involve a series of challenges and activities that would test Steven's strength and fortitude. The challenges were designed to help Steven build his confidence, courage, and character. At the end of the weekend, Steven and his father would share a meal and a ceremony. The ceremony would signify the end of Steven's boyhood and the beginning of his manhood.
The camping trip was a huge success and Steven was able to complete all the challenges with flying colors. He felt a sense of accomplishment and pride that he had never felt before. His father was also proud of him and gave him the gift of a pocket watch to signify his transition into manhood. Steven's rite of passage was a success and it was a moment that he and his father both treasure. The experience gave Steven the confidence he needed to continue on his path to becoming a mature and responsible adult.
1. Understand the concept of a rite of passage and why it is important in modern Western society.
Rites of passage are important in modern Western society because they offer boys a chance to prove their manhood and become a man. A rite of passage is an event that a boy can look back on in his life and know that it was the moment he became a man. In other cultures, rites of passage are typically held around the age of 13 and involve a coming of age ceremony. Examples of this include the Jewish Bar mitzvah and the walkabout in Aboriginal Australian society. However, in modern Western society, there is not a common rite of passage. This is largely due to the Industrial Revolution which caused the nuclear family to break apart, leaving boys to be sent off to school and fathers to be sent off to work in factories. Without the nuclear family present, there is no one to perform such a ceremony. The closest thing to a rite of passage in modern Western society is the Sweet 16 event, however this does not fit the criteria for a real rite of passage. To be a real rite of passage, there must be three elements: a separation of the boy from his normal support system, a challenge for him to overcome, and a reincorporation back into society with a celebration.
In modern Western society, there are still some opportunities for boys to experience rites of passage. Many religious organizations, such as the Catholic Church, have rituals that are intended to be rites of passage for boys. These rituals are often centered around Holy Communion and Confirmation, and serve as a way for boys to signify the transition from childhood to adulthood. In addition, many organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, have created programs and events that are designed to act as a rite of passage for boys. These programs often involve various activities and tasks that a boy must complete in order to be considered a man.
No matter the form, it is important for boys to have an opportunity to experience a rite of passage. It is a way for them to mark the transition from childhood to adulthood and gain a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, it provides a sense of belonging as boys and young men have the opportunity to form relationships with their peers as they share in this experience. As such, rites of passage are an important part of modern Western society.
2. Create a meaningful rite of passage ceremony that includes elements of separation, challenge, and reincorporation back into society.
A meaningful rite of passage ceremony should include elements of separation, challenge, and reincorporation back into society. Separation is the first step in any rite of passage ceremony and should involve the boy being removed from his day-to-day life and placed in an environment that challenges him and provides him with the opportunity to prove himself as a man. The challenge should involve a task that requires the boy to think critically and use his skills in order to complete it. This could involve anything from a physical challenge, such as a hike or a race, to a mental challenge, such as a debate or a puzzle. Once the challenge has been completed, the boy should be reincorporated back into society with a celebration or ceremony to mark the occasion. This could involve a family dinner, a party, or a ceremony with friends and family. This is an important step that enables the boy to feel like he has achieved something and is now an accepted member of society.
Rite of passage ceremonies should also include the guidance and support of elders. Elders can provide the boy with the wisdom and guidance that he needs in order to complete the challenge, and they can also be there to celebrate with the boy when he achieves success. This kind of support is essential for the boy as it helps him to feel like he has the support of the community and that he is not alone on his journey. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as having an elder speak at the ceremony or having an elder accompany the boy on the challenge.
In addition, the ceremony should involve some kind of ritual that serves as a reminder of the boy's journey. This could be anything from a special ornament or a symbolic gesture, such as a handshake or a bow. This ritual should be meaningful and should be something that the boy can look back on and remember his journey and the lessons he learned throughout. This is an important element of the rite of passage ceremony, as it serves as a reminder that the boy is now an adult and has achieved something special.
3. Identify a challenge or lesson to help the boy prove his manhood, such as physical, mental, or spiritual tasks.
Rites of passage are important to a boy's development into a man as they can provide a memorable moment that marks the transition from boyhood to manhood. Fathers play an important role in providing these rites of passage, as they are often the primary example of what it means to be a man in a boy's life. To prove his manhood, a boy needs to have physical, mental, or spiritual tasks. These tasks can involve anything from completing physical challenges such as a hike, to completing mental challenges such as writing a paper on a certain topic, or spiritual challenges such as a period of meditation. The challenge should push the boy to go beyond his limits and strive for success. Not only will this be a memorable moment for the boy, but it will also be a time for the father and son to bond and for the father to impart valuable knowledge and wisdom about what it means to be a man.
In addition to physical, mental, and spiritual tasks, an important challenge for a boy to prove his manhood is to learn how to be a responsible and respectful member of the community. This could involve volunteering in the community, participating in a community service project, or helping out in a local organization. Learning to give back and care for those around him will help him understand the importance of being a responsible and respectful adult.
Additionally, it is important for a boy to learn the value of hard work, patience, and perseverance in order to prove his manhood. This could involve learning a new skill or trade, or completing a difficult project. By taking on these tasks, the boy will gain a better understanding of the importance of hard work and dedication, and will be better prepared for the challenges of adulthood.
4. Discuss the importance of the event with the boy to ensure he understands the significance and purpose.
The fifth step in this transcript is to discuss the importance of the event with the boy to ensure he understands the significance and purpose. This step is the most important part of the process as it is vital that the boy understands why he is taking part in the rite of passage and what it will mean for him and his future.
The discussion should include the reasons why the father believes the event is important for his son. This could include discussing the values and responsibilities that come with becoming a man, such as taking responsibility for oneself, being a role model for others, and giving back to the community. It is also important to explain the benefits that come with this transition, such as having a greater sense of purpose and identity, increased self-confidence, and the ability to lead others.
The discussion should also include the expectations that the father has for his son, such as being respectful, honest, and kind. The father should also emphasize the importance of setting goals and working hard to achieve them. Finally, the boy should be encouraged to ask questions and talk openly about any fears or concerns he may have. This will help the father understand the boy's feelings and provide support and guidance throughout the process.
The discussion should also include the importance of tradition and how it has been passed down through generations. The father can explain how the event has been a part of his own cultural or religious heritage and how it is important to him. This will also help the boy appreciate the significance of the event and understand why it is important to his father.
At the end of the discussion, it is important to reaffirm the father’s love and support for his son. It is a good idea to end the discussion on a positive note, such as expressing the hope that the boy will have a successful transition into manhood. This will help the boy feel more secure and confident in his own ability to meet the challenges of the rite of passage.
5. Celebrate the success of the boy's rite of passage with a party or other form of recognition.
Step 6 of the transcript is celebrating the success of the boy's rite of passage with a party or other form of recognition. After the boy has gone through the separation, challenge, and reincorporation stages of the rite of passage, it is important to have a celebration to recognize their transition and celebrate their success. This celebration can take many forms, such as a party, dinner, ceremony, or special gathering. Ideas for a celebration could include a dinner party with family and friends, a ceremony to mark the transition with a speech or presentation, or a special gathering of the boy's mentors and role models to encourage and celebrate him. No matter what form the celebration takes, it should be meaningful and personal to the boy. This is important to make the transition special and to show him that he is loved and supported in his new role as a man.
Step 7 of the transcript is to have the boy reflect on his experience and learnings. After the celebration has taken place, it is important to have the boy reflect on his experience and the lessons he has learned throughout the rite of passage. This reflection will help him to take ownership of his transition into adulthood and to internalize the lessons he has learned. This is an important part of the process, as it helps to solidify the boy’s understanding of what it means to be an adult and to identify the areas of his life where he can grow and develop further. This reflection can take many forms, such as writing down his thoughts, discussing his experiences with a mentor, or even a group discussion with other boys who have gone through the rite of passage. Regardless of what form the reflection takes, it should be meaningful and should help the boy to recognize and understand the lessons he has learned.
6. Encourage the boy to use the lessons he learned from the rite of passage to make a positive impact on
Step 7 of this transcript is to encourage the boy to use the lessons he learned from the rite of passage to make a positive impact on the world. It is important for boys to learn how to be a man and how to carry out their responsibilities in life. Therefore, it is essential to teach boys to take the lessons they learned from the rite of passage and use them to make a positive impact on the world.
Firstly, it is important to remind the boy of the core values and life lessons that he learned from his rite of passage. This could include teaching him to be respectful, responsible, and to be a leader in his community. Secondly, it is important to encourage the boy to take action and use the knowledge he gained during his rite of passage to help others. This could include volunteering in his community, helping other boys become men, or starting a project to help those in need. Lastly, it is important to remind the boy that he has the power to make a positive difference in the world. He should be reminded that his actions and words have an impact and that he can use his rite of passage lessons to make a lasting and meaningful impact on his community.
By doing this, the boy will be able to use the lessons he learned from his rite of passage to make a positive difference in the world. This will help him to become a better man, husband, father, and leader in his community.
It is also important to remind the boy of the strength and courage that he found within himself during his rite of passage. This could include reminding him of the courage he had to face his fears, to take risks, and to try something new. This courage can be used to continue to grow, learn, and make a positive impact on the world.
Lastly, it is important to encourage the boy to stay true to himself and to always remain humble and kind. This will help him to continue to stay focused on his goals and to always strive to do good in the world. By doing this, the boy will be able to use the lessons he learned from his rite of passage to continue to make a positive impact on the world.
Rites of Passage are an important way to mark the transition from boyhood to manhood. Following the steps outlined by Steven Arms, fathers can create a meaningful ceremony that includes elements of separation, challenge, and reincorporation back into society. This ceremony should include physical, mental, or spiritual tasks to help the boy prove his manhood. After the rite of passage is completed, the boy should be encouraged to use the lessons he learned to make a positive impact on the world. With hard work and dedication, any father can help his son unlock the power of Rites of Passage and become a confident man.
I’d love to hear how you apply Milestone to Manhood to get confident manhood for your sons.
Leave me a comment on how it went for you or drop any questions you want me to answer!
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