"The Toxic War on Masculinity" - Summary

Opening with a stark contrast between two young men involved in a mass shooting - one who took lives and another who saved them - it's suggested that these two individuals represent conflicting cultural scripts for masculinity. These scripts are referred to as the "Good Man" and the secular "Real Man."

The use of terms like "toxic masculinity" is criticized for portraying maleness as inherently flawed. This perspective is seen as discouraging men from cultivating positive virtues and causing them to feel under attack. Instead, it's suggested that we should affirm the masculine traits that men are naturally endowed with, while resisting societal pressures that push men towards dominance and entitlement.

There's a growing hostility towards men in public discourse and media, with numerous examples of misandry. However, the justified outrage at high-profile cases of male sexual abuse and harassment is also acknowledged. It's cautioned that both extremes can be harmful.

Boys are seen as struggling in classrooms that are heavily feminized and are negatively impacted by the pervasive influence of pornography on their perception of manhood. Consequently, many males are disengaged, depressed, addicted, suicidal, or failing to transition to productive adulthood and lasting relationships.

Despite the fact that most church leaders are male, active membership is predominantly female. This imbalance often results in men feeling pressured to suppress their masculinity in Christian contexts.

Turning to the biblical book of Genesis, it's affirmed that both sexes equally bear God's image and jointly received the cultural mandate. The concept of male "headship" is argued to not have been commanded at creation, but rather predicted as a result of sin. It's suggested that Christians should confront both abuse and female contempt towards men.

The development of a biblical concept of masculinity in men is encouraged, as research shows this leads them to become loving spouses and fathers. The impact of secularization on cultural ideals of manhood will be explored, with a focus on how committed Christian men embody a healthy, biblical masculinity in practice.

In conclusion, both misandry and distorted secular ideals of masculinity are critiqued. The affirmation of what is good in manhood is encouraged, while also calling men to a biblical standard that produces loving, responsible husbands and fathers. A historically grounded, empirically supported Christian alternative will be articulated.