Culture’s Response to Fallen Masculinity
Critical Theory and Power
Modern culture has rightly identified real failures in masculinity: domination, abuse of strength, and the fallen impulse of Genesis 3: “he shall rule over you.” But in trying to correct those failures, our culture has often treated masculinity itself as the problem.
Cunningham comments, “This is where critical theory, though compelling in its diagnosis of the problem, ultimately fails in its solution to the problem. Because critical theory only views things through the lens of power, its remedy is a transfer of power. Power is a zero sum game, and thus for women to be exalted, men must be demoted.”
Emasculation is not the answer; but neither is dominance and aggression
When masculinity is viewed primarily as dangerous, the solution becomes emasculation. Yet a society that shames men into retreat eventually discovers that it still needs courageous, responsible, sacrificial men.
The reaction on the other side is no better. Some men are responding to cultural rejection by embracing dominance, aggression, and power as the essence of manhood.
Biblical masculinity offers a different way. Cunningham states, “God did not make you mighty in order to rule over others. Your strength is designed to serve others, defend others, protect others, bless others.”
The answer is not weaker men or more dominant men. It is redeemed men—men whose strength is governed by meekness and shaped by Christ.
This week’s episode explains and critiques the culture’s solution before moving on to the biblical response to fallen masculinity in the episodes that follow.
Episode: The Mighty Meekness of Masculinity: Part 7 - Modern Response to Fallen Masculinity
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts
Reflection
- As you consider the culture’s response, meditate on 2 Timothy 2:24-26 and Galatians 6:1-5. How do these passages instruct you to respond to and interact with those who hold these worldly views?
- What can you commend about the cultural response to fallen masculinity? What should you challenge with a biblical solution?