A couple of days ago, Gillette released a "short film" (actually a long advertisement focused on a moral message) called We Believe. It points the finger at the unhealthy ways in which men too often act towards women.
Michael Snyder and a few others with large platforms have condemned this short film for its use of the term "toxic masculinity."
Mr. Snyder and I have a lot in common. We share a love for Jesus and the Word of God, and our ministries as watchmen are very similar. Although I don't know him personally, I love him as brother in Christ, and am proud of the work he's doing. However, I have to respectfully disagree with his assessment of Gillette's film. The message that Gillette has shared is absolutely needed in a world where men regularly misuse their God-given strength and sexuality.
Michael Snyder and a few others with large platforms have condemned this short film for its use of the term "toxic masculinity."
Mr. Snyder and I have a lot in common. We share a love for Jesus and the Word of God, and our ministries as watchmen are very similar. Although I don't know him personally, I love him as brother in Christ, and am proud of the work he's doing. However, I have to respectfully disagree with his assessment of Gillette's film. The message that Gillette has shared is absolutely needed in a world where men regularly misuse their God-given strength and sexuality.
Masculinity can be toxic. Femininity can be too, for that matter. When women wear low-cut shirts for the purpose of exposing their cleavage, or wear clothing that shows off their rear ends, that's toxic femininity. But when men objectify women because of their bodies—be they exposed bodies or not—that's toxic masculinity. (There's much more to the subject, of course, but this is one aspect of it.)
The male and female genders as God originally created them are both wonderful in their own ways. Masculinity is excellent. Femininity is beautiful. But when misused, either of these can become instruments of destruction.
The Lord taught us to treat one another as we would want to be treated. We're supposed to be self-sacrificial and concerned for the well-being of our neighbors. Jesus modeled this behavior for us as it relates to women, for he treated them all with respect and kindness, always keeping his interactions chaste. Women never felt threatened by Jesus, even though he was a strong man of authority. They were never disgusted by his attention, because he was neither lude nor self-seeking. Rather, women loved Jesus because he demonstrated the pure heart of the Father.
In their interactions with men, many women in our world today are regularly faced with exactly the opposite of the traits that Jesus embodied. It can be a scary and frustrating world for women, as the (generally) weaker sex. They shouldn't have to put up with the lude comments, inappropriate passes, and other shenanigans that confront them day after day. We men should be imitators of God, who, although stronger than all, has made himself subservient to all in perfect righteousness.
As Christians, we should be applauding Gillette's efforts, not diminishing them. As Paul exhorted:
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones... compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness..." (Colossians 3:12).
The male and female genders as God originally created them are both wonderful in their own ways. Masculinity is excellent. Femininity is beautiful. But when misused, either of these can become instruments of destruction.
The Lord taught us to treat one another as we would want to be treated. We're supposed to be self-sacrificial and concerned for the well-being of our neighbors. Jesus modeled this behavior for us as it relates to women, for he treated them all with respect and kindness, always keeping his interactions chaste. Women never felt threatened by Jesus, even though he was a strong man of authority. They were never disgusted by his attention, because he was neither lude nor self-seeking. Rather, women loved Jesus because he demonstrated the pure heart of the Father.
In their interactions with men, many women in our world today are regularly faced with exactly the opposite of the traits that Jesus embodied. It can be a scary and frustrating world for women, as the (generally) weaker sex. They shouldn't have to put up with the lude comments, inappropriate passes, and other shenanigans that confront them day after day. We men should be imitators of God, who, although stronger than all, has made himself subservient to all in perfect righteousness.
As Christians, we should be applauding Gillette's efforts, not diminishing them. As Paul exhorted:
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones... compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness..." (Colossians 3:12).
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