The pattern [of initiation] was so widely documented that one is amazed that we have let go of it so easily. The contemporary experience of gangs, gender identity confusion, romanticisation of war, aimless violence and homophobia will all grow unchecked, I predict, until boys are again mentored and formally taught by wise elders. Historically, it was much of the meaning of the medicine man, the priest and the shaman. Now boys look to coaches, drill sergeants and fundamentalist preachers for what the Church no longer gives them.

Much of the aimless violence Rohr and Martos cite is perpetrated by adolescent males, and the incidence of violence among adolescent males is increasing. For example:

• Each year in Australia one out of every 20 juveniles is arrested for a property or violent crime.
• Juvenile (that is, children between the ages of 10 and 16) arrest rates in Victoria for violent crimes has increased by more than 250% over the past 20 years.
• Arrest rates for males is four times that of females in Australia.

Early adolescence is the stage at which males attempt to prove themselves as men. That some strive to achieve a sense of manhood in antisocial and violent ways is not surprising. One factor, among a constellation of social factors, contributing to this upsurge of violence is that younger males are not being taught by older males about how to deal with their aggression and curb their violent tendencies. Rather, many adolescents seek membership in nonproductive groups like gangs that ironically tap into an adolescent’s need for initiation, yet do not typically answer his spiritual hunger. These types of pseudo-initiations may also be found as part of socially acceptable organisations like the armed forces.

Also, the increase in abuse and exploitation of women by young males is another indicator that there is a troubled group of young men in society who have not learned how to be sexually mature and responsible men. Initiation rites help to this end.

Richard Rohr has put up some very interesting videos on YouTube entitled Why Males Need Initiation.  Please click here if you would like to view them.