Something remarkable is happening among young men in America. After decades of declining religious participation, a growing number of Gen Z men are expressing renewed interest in faith, traditional values, marriage, and family life.

But while these young men may be embracing religion and conservatism, are they actually learning what it means to be a man?

On Trending with Timmerie, host Timmerie Geagea welcomed Dr. John Bishop, founder and executive director of FORGE, a Catholic apostolate dedicated to strengthening families through the formation of men. Together, they explored the challenges facing young men today and how the Catholic Church can help them discover authentic masculinity.

The Search for Masculine Identity

Dr. Bishop explained that many young men have grown up without clear examples of masculinity. Some lacked involved fathers, while others never experienced meaningful mentorship from older brothers, uncles, or other men in their communities.

Yet the desire to understand their masculine identity remains.

“Boys want to be men and they want to be recognized as men,” Dr. Bishop explained.

Without guidance, many turn to the internet, where masculinity is frequently reduced to physical strength, financial success, dominance, or political ideology.

Timmerie noted that popular online personalities often promote an image of manhood centered on wealth, muscles, and status. While these figures may appeal to young men searching for direction, their messages can overlook the deeper responsibilities of manhood.

Still, Dr. Bishop sees tremendous hope in the growing number of young men turning toward Catholicism for answers. The Church has an extraordinary opportunity to offer them something better.

Not Every Man Is Called to Be an Alpha Male

One of the most important points of their conversation was that authentic masculinity does not look identical in every man.

Timmerie highlighted three traditional responsibilities associated with masculinity: leadership, provision, and protection. But these responsibilities can take many forms.

Dr. Bishop explained that a soldier defending his country and a Catholic journalist defending the Faith through his writing can both fulfill the masculine calling to protect.

Likewise, a man who is artistic, thoughtful, or naturally reserved is no less masculine than someone who is physically imposing or outspoken.

Throughout Church history, God has raised up saints with remarkably different personalities and gifts. Some were bold leaders, while others were quiet, contemplative men who achieved extraordinary holiness.

Rather than promoting a single masculine stereotype, the Church should encourage every man to embrace his God-given gifts and use them in service to others.

Why Young Men Need Older Men

So how can young men develop authentic masculinity if they never received that formation growing up?

Dr. Bishop emphasized the importance of mentorship, especially relationships between generations.

Historically, boys learned what it meant to be men by spending time with fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and respected members of their communities. Today, many of those relationships have weakened or disappeared.

Dr. Bishop believes parishes have a responsibility to rebuild them through men’s groups, retreats, shared hobbies, and ordinary friendships.

Timmerie offered practical examples, including fishing trips, book clubs, and learning how to repair cars or maintain a home. She also challenged older men to stop belittling younger generations for lacking practical skills.

After all, how can young men learn something if nobody is willing to teach them?

Dr. Bishop described how FORGE pairs younger men with mentors who are 10 to 20 years older, allowing them to discuss everything from marriage and parenting to finances and spiritual leadership.

These relationships benefit both generations, offering younger men guidance and older men meaningful opportunities to share their wisdom.

A Father’s Influence Extends into Eternity

The conversation eventually turned toward one of the most important expressions of masculinity: fatherhood.

Many men enter marriage and parenthood without knowing how to lead their families because they never witnessed healthy fatherhood themselves.

Dr. Bishop emphasized that a father’s responsibility extends far beyond earning a paycheck. Children need fathers who are present, affectionate, disciplined, and actively engaged in their spiritual formation.

He referenced research on religious transmission demonstrating the powerful influence of fathers who openly practice their faith and maintain loving relationships with their children.

A father’s example can profoundly shape whether his children continue practicing their faith into adulthood.

Timmerie encouraged men to seek guidance from experienced fathers within their parishes, particularly when navigating difficult parenting decisions, marital challenges, or financial pressures.

She also offered an encouragement to women: support the opportunities your husbands and sons have to build friendships with other good men. These relationships can strengthen their faith, character, and ability to serve their families.

The Church Has the Answer

For Dr. Bishop, the challenges facing modern men present an extraordinary opportunity.

Rather than allowing social media or popular culture to define masculinity, men can rediscover their identity through the timeless teachings of the Catholic Church.

True masculinity is not measured by wealth, popularity, or physical strength. It is expressed through virtue, sacrifice, responsibility, and a willingness to love and serve others.

Whether a man is a husband, father, priest, or single man discerning his vocation, God has given him a unique mission. Through strong Catholic communities, meaningful mentorship, and the example of holy men, the next generation can learn to embrace that mission with courage and joy.

Listeners interested in Dr. Bishop’s work can explore his apostolate at myforge.org or his book, New Adam: God’s Plan for Men.