What is the 'manosphere' and should Christians be concerned?

[Michie]

Many Christians are sceptical of modern feminism. There are worries that it encourages hatred towards men or the family, or that its recent "sex positive" guise promotes promiscuity. Some traditionalist Christians go further and believe that feminist ideas contradict Biblical teaching about gender roles.

Inside and outside the Church, there have been concerns about alleged negative effects of feminism or prioritisation of women's rights - such as fatherhood not being valued, or men being discriminated against in divorce and family court. Inconsistencies are highlighted, like a curious lack of concern about women's representation in difficult jobs such as rubbish collection or sewage treatment, or neglect of high rates of suicide in men.

Given this context, it's perhaps not surprising that some Christians have shown sympathy to what is called the "manosphere", an online movement that challenges feminism and celebrates masculinity. However, the movement includes some beliefs that are contrary to orthodox Christian ethics, including encouraging the manipulation of women to have sex, severe misogyny and an expression of dislike for women.

Continued below.

What is the 'manosphere' and should Christians be concerned?

The manosphere's solutions to genuine concerns often do not align with Christian teaching, and the Church must outline a better way forward.

christiantoday.com

 

[AlexB23]

Many Christians are sceptical of modern feminism. There are worries that it encourages hatred towards men or the family, or that its recent "sex positive" guise promotes promiscuity. Some traditionalist Christians go further and believe that feminist ideas contradict Biblical teaching about gender roles.

Inside and outside the Church, there have been concerns about alleged negative effects of feminism or prioritisation of women's rights - such as fatherhood not being valued, or men being discriminated against in divorce and family court. Inconsistencies are highlighted, like a curious lack of concern about women's representation in difficult jobs such as rubbish collection or sewage treatment, or neglect of high rates of suicide in men.

Given this context, it's perhaps not surprising that some Christians have shown sympathy to what is called the "manosphere", an online movement that challenges feminism and celebrates masculinity. However, the movement includes some beliefs that are contrary to orthodox Christian ethics, including encouraging the manipulation of women to have sex, severe misogyny and an expression of dislike for women.

Continued below.

What is the 'manosphere' and should Christians be concerned?

The manosphere's solutions to genuine concerns often do not align with Christian teaching, and the Church must outline a better way forward.

christiantoday.com

Sounds like a toxic layer of the atmosphere. Both man and woman should be treated equally, not one raised above the other.

 

[HopeSings]

All we need is Jesus commands and to stay away from the ways and thinking of the world

 

[The Liturgist]

The problem with the Manosphere is that it violates the Christian ideal of chastity. There are few people more despised in our contemporary society than men who decide to preserve their virginity and commit to Holy Celibacy.

 

[Michie]

The problem with the Manosphere is that it violates the Christian ideal of chastity. There are few people more despised in our contemporary society than men who decide to preserve their virginity and commit to Holy Celibacy.

Agreed. A lot are automatically assumed to be homosexuals and sexual molesters because of it. The line of thought is they can’t help themselves. The evils of celibacy drove them to it.

 

[The Liturgist]

Agreed. A lot are automatically assumed to be homosexuals and sexual molesters because of it. The line of thought is they can’t help themselves. The evils of celibacy drove them to it.

Never mind that God expressly commends virginity and celibacy as the preferred mode of human sexuality, with Holy Matrimony also available.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

It is in some ways a necessary response to a sort of feminism/sexual revolution which has destroyed a generation of women.

At the same time it is not a positive vision which will create a better society. At least depending on the sort of manosphere content you watch. Some can offer genuine insights into female/male nature, but others just seem to offer strategies to fulfill a sexual hedonism.