Anthony Esolen: Over Our Dead Bodies
Anthony Esolen, “Over Our Dead Bodies: Men Who Are Willing to Lay Down Their Lives Are Truly Indispensable,” Touchstone (June 2006, Vol 19, No. 5).
Someplace, Pennsylvania
Anthony Esolen’s article is rich and lyrical. It describes an all-American small town and the slate quarry that was once the economic heart of the community. Some might see the abandoned quarry as an ugly scar on the land. Others see it as a place to test and re-create themselves.
Even with modern equipment and techniques, quarries are risky, difficult places to work. Yet they produce products of great beauty, durability and value. The slate wrestled from the earth serves as superior roofing, tables or flooring. The product is worth the price.
The intended purpose of the quarry is in the past, but it continues to serve as a place where beauty, durability and value are created. Young men use the place as a swimming hole and graffiti wall. They test themselves against the very real risk of falling among the jagged rock, miles and hours from any reasonable help or rescue.
There are two main reasons for their somewhat reckless behavior. The first; the innate male urge to demonstrate their abilities and capabilities. The second; to leave enduring evidence of their passing through a place.
Risk And Reward
Sooner or later, men want to prove or demonstrate their skills and powers. They might try to perform for a large crowd. They may be satisfied if only they themselves know. Regardless of the audience, they want an authentic encounter with their limits. The reward of knowing exceeds the hazard of doing.
The problem is that we have taught ourselves to play it safe. Climbing out of the boat is an insane act. Challenging the might of Pharaoh with a single stick is suicidal at best.
We cannot advance God’s Kingdom from a place of safety and security. At the risk of becoming martyrs we do things that will bring others to Christ. Whether facing a spear in Ecuador, or the unsaved man in the next cubicle, are you willing to put yourself at risk for God’s Kingdom?
Long Term Significance
Every man wants significance. We want to matter, in a weighty way, if only for an hour in our lives. The scars or missing limbs become our badge(s) of honor. “I was there, and I did what needed to be done.”
Significance cannot be won through longevity alone. You must do something weighty in order to be someone weighty. The cause you do for must matter as well.
As Christian men, we know that the Kingdom matters now and in eternity. How do you act out that knowledge? Are you willing to earn your significance by advancing Christianity?
The Price Of Significance
Mr. Esolen states in this article that American boys are being taught two falsehoods: Their personal opinions are all that matter, and that the desire for order and structure are innately wrong. He counters this by saying that our young men should be taught that important things are bigger than any individual man (or woman), and that the willingness to sacrifice yourself for a just and significant cause is the best definition of manhood.
The ancient samurai swore themselves to the service of a daimyo or “Great Name.” From that day forward, the samurai considered himself a dead man, despite his ongoing service to his master. That “dead man walking” attitude allowed him to face any battlefield with courage and determination.
Modern Christians have sworn themselves to God, the maker of heaven and earth. What is more significant, His Purpose or your life? Are you willing to have an authentic encounter with your limits and His Power? Are you willing to get out of the boat? Are you willing to face Pharaoh?
Is the American church willing to risk men (and women) in its mission to reclaim the lost? Are we willing to test ourselves in the name of our most important purpose? The Christian Church must do significant things in order to be significant.
Reviewed by Kirk Wesley Hunt
At the time of printing, this article was available online at: www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=19-05-022-f
