Breaking Gender Stereotypes
Biblical Masculinity v. Cultural Stereotypes
Have you defined your masculinity more by stereotypes in history or by God’s design?
As we explore this topic of masculinity seeking to recover its true form, we need to make sure what we are trying to recover is biblical masculinity and not a cultural stereotype we once had here in America.
There are clear, designed differences between the genders, but there is not a clear line to draw across cultural stereotypes to define masculine versus feminine. The Bible does not allow for that.
The Bible breaks gender stereotypes on all sides
For instance, read Proverbs 31 and look at the “Proverbs 31 woman”. She is described as having many of the traits and responsibilities that we might culturally stereotype as masculine. When using the words gentle, lowly, meek, weak and nurturing, it is unlikely that the picture developing in your mind is that of a “manly man”. These are “feminine” traits in our cultural eyes. If that is true, then why do we read of Jesus describing Himself as gentle and lowly (Matthew 11:29)? Or Paul saying he will only boast in his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) and when you think of him he hopes you remember him as a gentle and nurturing mother (1 Thessalonians 2:7)?
Cunningham asks, “Is there room in your vision of masculinity for this?”
Listen to this next episode to better help distinguish between cultural gender and biblical gender.
Episode: The Mighty Meekness of Masculinity - Part 3: Overlap, Not Exclusion
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts
Reflection
- What stereotypes have you used to define masculinity?
- How have these stereotypes shaped your view of God’s design for male and female?