We must celebrate – and circulate – truth!
I hope that sharing some of that data from The Toxic War on Masculinity was helpful (I couldn’t help myself!) but I also hope you’ll dive into this important book yourself. Pearcey not only overturns false assumptions about evangelical men, but she explores historical context for how we arrived at today’s flashpoint views about masculinity – and how we can move past them.
Not everyone who reads this blog is a churchgoer. But all of us can agree that it is important to celebrate – and circulate – truth. It is vital to spread the word about the world as it is, and be a part of debunking discouraging cultural myths. Just as I’ve encouraged everyone to debunk the myth that the divorce rate in the church is the same as in society as a whole (in reality, churchgoer divorce rates are much lower), let’s be a part of debunking the concept that masculinity is toxic.
Sin is what’s toxic.
Should men hold themselves to a high standard? Absolutely. Just as women should. Should we excuse or ignore toxicity where it exists? Absolutely not. Just as we should not for a woman who happens to be toxic. Sin is not gendered.
Masculinity itself is not the problem. But tragically, when it is treated as the problem, what becomes the solution? Emasculation. Our sons and our men are told that there’s something fundamentally wrong with them. Instead, men and boys need to be affirmed that they are created just as they are for a reason.
From anthropology to neurobiology, science has clearly shown that men as a whole are created to be protective, providing-oriented, physically stronger, and more adventurous and aggressive than women. But when these traits are used positively, there isn’t a woman I know who wouldn’t want that man by her side – and on her side.
We strong women need strong men. So we can do better than male-bashing. We can celebrate rather than fear healthy male strength. We can lead the way in changing the cultural dialogue. Picking up a copy of Pearcey’s well-researched book is an excellent start.
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