Masculinity: Toxic, or Beneficial?

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There is a tendency in our current society to throw the baby out with the bathwater. In an effort to fight against immoral acts such as sexual harassment, physical abuse, and bullying perpetrated by a small minority of bad apples, mainstream media and social justice warriors have decided to coin the phrase “toxic masculinity” and toss anyone who exhibits manly qualities into that bucket.

It is not surprising that a society that seeks to justify and promote homosexuality, cross dressing, and gender ambiguity would also look to vilify the innate characteristics of organic males. After all, if women act more like men, and men act more like women, it would become increasingly difficult for people to tell them they are not normal. 

Aggression, competitiveness, and dominance are traits men have exhibited since the creation, and they will not be stamped out by a social media campaign. To categorize these traits as “toxic” ignores the value they have to society, the home, and our nation. Defense from enemies, excellence in business, and innovation are all improved by these traits.

The Bible certainly teaches against abuse of any sort (Matthew 7:12, for starters). But it also teaches that men have the leadership role in God’s order of creation. This is to be born out especially in the home (Ephesians 5:22-24) and in the church (1 Timothy 2:12-13). The natural traits of men are necessary to fulfill God’s desire for order in the home and church. 

As is usually the case, sinful deeds are done by those who abuse God’s order of things. Men who abuse women and children are taking God’s natural order and twisting it, just as those who practice homosexuality and other abominations do.

Let us not jump on the “toxic masculinity” bandwagon, but instead promote Biblical masculinity, the practice of which will bring edification and order to the world around us.

Matt Clifton
BulletinDigest.com