14 Contrasts Between Biblical and Toxic Masculinity, by Joseph Mattera

Dr. Joseph Mattera is an internationally known author, consultant, and theologian whose mission is to influence leaders who influence culture. He is the founding pastor of Resurrection Church, and leads several organizations, including The U.S. Coalition of Apostolic Leaders and Christ Covenant Coalition. He also is the author of 13 bestselling books, including his latest The Global Apostolic Movement and the Progress of the Gospel, and is renowned for applying Scripture to contemporary culture.

We live in a cultural moment where confusion around masculinity is reaching a boiling point. As society reacts to decades of emasculation and passive male archetypes, many young men are being swept up by a pendulum swing in the opposite direction — toward a hyper-aggressive, self-exalting, and dehumanizing form of manhood.

But the Word of God offers a vastly different — and far more glorious — vision for manhood. There are distinct ways God calls men to reflect His image, not through domination but through service, not by controlling others but by cultivating them.

In Job 38:3, God says, “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” Similarly, in Ezekiel 2:1, the Lord commands the prophet, “Stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” These moments illustrate that masculinity is not incidental but intentional. It is a calling to rise, to listen, and to lead — on God’s terms, not the world’s. …

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