Episode 106: The Toxic War on Masculinity with Nancy Pearcey

Mama Bear Apologetics

Professor Nancy Pearcey, renowned author of "The Toxic War on Masculinity," joins us in this enlightening episode of Mama Bear Apologetics to tackle the complex issues surrounding masculinity, Christianity, and culture at large. We discuss the cultural assault on masculinity and how the church can counteract these negative narratives, providing a balanced view that uplifts men rather than tearing them down. Nancy offers valuable insights, supported by sociological data, that demonstrate how evangelical men who are deeply committed to their faith actually excel as husbands and fathers.

We journey through the historical transformations in perceptions of masculinity, from family-centric values to the career-driven ambitions influenced by Darwinian evolution and social Darwinism. Highlighting the troubling narratives from influencers like Andrew Tate and Myron Gaines, we emphasize the urgency for the church to present a positive and healthy view of masculinity. These secular scripts, often equating manhood with promiscuity and primal behavior, are infiltrating even Christian educational environments, creating conflicting messages for young men about strength and character. We also explore the significant role of fatherhood in nurturing healthy masculinity. This episode is packed with thought-provoking insights, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding and supporting the role of men in the family and the church.

Main Points Covered

• Where does the war on masculinity stem from?
• Is there a difference in “toxic masculinity” between evangelical and non-evangelical men?
• How the Industrial Revolution changed what the expectation of men in the home was.
• The difference between a real man and a good man.
• What does it mean to be a man?

People and Resources Mentioned

• Nancy Pearcey - Author of "The Toxic War on Masculinity" and "Total Truth."
• Brad Wilcox - Sociologist at the University of Virginia, cited for his research on evangelical men and family dynamics.
• Washington Post Article "Why Can't We Hate Men?"
• The Moral Animal by Robert Wright

Unfamiliar Vocabulary

• Social Darwinism: The theory that individuals, groups, and peoples are subject to the same Darwinian laws of natural selection and plants and animals.
• Andrew Tate: An American-British social media personality, whose views are often seen as mysoginistic and controversial.
• The Cultural Mandate: Be fruitful and multiply and subdue the Earth.