Author’s note: The choice of words in this article is intentional. I happen to love words like masculinity, patriarchy, man, and manhood.

The Crisis of Masculinity: Defending Traditional Masculinity in a Hostile World

In the Western world, men are facing an unprecedented crisis. This crisis is not one of physical survival, but of identity, purpose, and direction. The modern man finds himself adrift in a sea of confusion, emasculated by a culture that has declared war on tradition. Traditional masculinity—once a cornerstone of civilization—is now vilified, mocked, and dismissed as outdated or even toxic. And the virtues that once defined masculinity—strength, honor, discipline, and responsibility—are now dismissed as relics of a bygone era, replaced by a progressive agenda that seeks to dismantle the very essence of what it means to be a man. This is not merely a cultural shift; it is an outright assault on masculinity, and the consequences are dire.

At the heart of this crisis is the progressive movement’s relentless campaign against traditional masculinity. Men are told that their natural instincts—to protect, to provide, to lead—are toxic. They are shamed for their strength, ridiculed for their ambition, and punished for their assertiveness. This anti-male rhetoric has permeated every aspect of society, from education to the workplace, even in the church, leaving men unsure of their role and purpose. My aim in this article is to push back against this anti-male ideology and reclaim the virtues of traditional masculinity.

But first, why is this important? Well, this is important for a number of reasons, the least of which is the sad reality that men are under siege, even in their personal lives. For instance, the traditional family structure, which provided men with a clear sense of purpose and responsibility, has been dismantled. Marriage rates are declining, and fatherlessness is on the rise, leaving countless children without the guidance and stability that only a strong male presence can provide. The progressive narrative portrays fathers as unnecessary or even harmful, further eroding the role of men in the family unit. The result is a society in which men are increasingly disconnected from their natural roles as protectors and providers.

Secondly, the attack on traditional masculinity is not just an attack on men; it is an attack on society itself. Strong men are the foundation of strong families, strong communities, and strong nations. Consequently, when men are stripped of their purpose and identity, the entire social fabric begins to crumble. Crime rates rise, families fall apart, and communities disintegrate. The progressive agenda, with its disdain for tradition and its obsession with deconstructing gender roles, is leading us down a path of chaos and decline.

Lastly, this crisis is not inevitable. It is the result of a deliberate and sustained effort to undermine traditional masculinity. But men have the power to resist this assault and reclaim their rightful place in society. By rejecting the progressive agenda and embracing the timeless virtues of masculinity, men can once again become the pillars of strength and stability that the world so desperately needs. The future of Western civilization depends on it.

The Feminization of Education

One of the most damaging aspects of this crisis is the feminization of the education system. Schools, once institutions that fostered discipline, critical thinking, and resilience, have become breeding grounds for progressive ideology. The curriculum is increasingly tailored to favor traits traditionally associated with femininity—collaboration, emotional expression, and conformity—while marginalizing traits such as competition, independence, and assertiveness, which are more commonly associated with masculinity.

The consequences of this shift are stark. Boys are falling behind academically at an alarming rate. They are more likely to be diagnosed with learning disabilities, more likely to drop out of school, and less likely to pursue higher education. The classroom environment, with its emphasis on sitting still, passive learning, and emotional sensitivity, is often ill-suited to the energetic and competitive nature of boys. Instead of addressing these disparities, the education system pathologizes male behavior, labeling it as disruptive or problematic.

Moreover, one of the most glaring manifestations of this crisis is the alarming lack of male teachers in schools, especially in England. According to recent statistics, only 15% of primary school teachers in England are male, and the figure is only slightly higher in secondary schools, where men make up just 36% of the teaching workforce. These numbers are not merely a reflection of shifting career preferences; they are a symptom of a deeper societal problem—the systematic devaluation of traditional masculinity and the roles men once played in shaping the next generation.

The progressive assault on masculinity has created an environment in which men are increasingly reluctant to enter the teaching profession, particularly at the primary level. The reasons for this are multifaceted but rooted in the same anti-male ideology that has permeated every aspect of society. Men who aspire to work with children are often viewed with suspicion, as if their natural instincts to guide, mentor, and protect are inherently dangerous. The pervasive narrative that masculinity is "toxic" has cast a shadow over male teachers, leaving them vulnerable to accusations of misconduct or inappropriate behavior simply for embodying traits that were once universally admired.

Without male role models in the classroom, many young boys struggle to understand what it means to be a man. They are deprived of the guidance and mentorship that male teachers can provide, leaving them adrift in a world that already seems hostile to their very existence. The lack of male teachers is not just a professional imbalance; it is a cultural failure that is contributing to the broader crisis of masculinity. The progressive agenda, with its relentless focus on dismantling traditional gender roles, bears much of the responsibility for this crisis. By demonizing masculinity and discouraging men from pursuing careers in education, it has created a self-fulfilling prophecy: men are pushed out of the teaching profession, and their absence is then used as evidence that they are not suited to the role. This vicious cycle is not only damaging to men but to society as a whole. A school system devoid of male teachers is a school system that fails to prepare students for the realities of the world—a world in which men and women must work together, each bringing their unique strengths to the table.

The Feminization of the Church

I wish I could stop here. I wish I could say this is happening only out there, in the secular world. I wish I could say the church is immune from all of this chaos. Alas, the crisis of masculinity in the Western world is not confined to secular institutions; it has also infiltrated the sacred spaces of the church. The feminization of the church—marked by the rise of female clergy, the embrace of LGBTQ ideologies, queer theology, and liberation theology—has further eroded the traditional roles and values that once provided men with a sense of purpose, identity, and spiritual grounding. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which, like many other Christian denominations, is grappling with the consequences of abandoning its biblical foundations in favor of progressive cultural trends.

The Rise of Female Clergy and the Erosion of Male Leadership

One of the most visible signs of the feminization of the church is the increasing presence of female clergy. While proponents argue that this shift promotes equality and inclusivity, it fundamentally undermines the biblical model of male leadership within the church. The Bible is clear in its teaching that men are called to be spiritual leaders, both in the home and in the church. Passages such as 1 Timothy 2:12, which states, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man," and Titus 1:6, which outlines the qualifications for male elders, affirm this divine order.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church, which has historically upheld a complementarian view of gender roles, is now facing internal pressure to ordain women as pastors (many conferences are already caving in). This push not only contradicts Scripture but also diminishes the unique role of men as spiritual leaders. When men see women assuming roles that were traditionally reserved for them, they are left questioning their own purpose and value within the church. This confusion contributes to a broader sense of disorientation and apathy among men, further exacerbating the crisis of masculinity.

LGBTQ Ideologies and Queer Theology: A Departure from Biblical Truth

The infiltration of LGBTQ ideologies and queer theology into the church represents another front in the war against traditional masculinity. Progressive theologians and activists within denominations including the Seventh-day Adventist Church are increasingly advocating for the normalization of same-sex relationships and gender fluidity, often under the guise of "love" and "inclusion." However, these ideologies are fundamentally at odds with the biblical understanding of gender and sexuality.

Scripture is unequivocal in its teaching that God created man as male and female (Genesis 1:27) and that marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-6). The acceptance of LGBTQ ideologies not only distorts these truths but also undermines the distinctiveness of masculinity and femininity. By blurring the lines between genders, the church contributes to the cultural confusion that has left many men unsure of what it means to be a man.

Furthermore, queer theology, which seeks to deconstruct traditional interpretations of Scripture and challenge heteronormative values, is particularly insidious. It rejects the idea that men and women have distinct roles and responsibilities, instead promoting a fluid and subjective understanding of identity. This rejection of God's design further alienates men from their biblical calling to lead, protect, and provide.

Liberation Theology and the Rejection of Authority

Liberation theology, with its emphasis on social justice and the dismantling of oppressive structures, has also played a role in the feminisation of the church. While the pursuit of justice is a noble endeavor, liberation theology often frames traditional authority structures—including male leadership—as inherently oppressive and in need of deconstruction. This perspective fosters a distrust of authority and undermines the biblical model of servant leadership that men are called to embody.

In the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the influence of liberation theology has led to a focus on political and social activism at the expense of spiritual and doctrinal integrity. This shift has marginalized the role of men as spiritual leaders, reducing their function to that of social advocates rather than shepherds of souls. The result is a church that is increasingly disconnected from its mission to proclaim the gospel and prepare the world for Christ's return.

The Consequences for Men and the Church

The feminization of the church has had profoundly terrible consequences for men and for the church as a whole. Men who are denied the opportunity to fulfill their biblical roles as leaders and providers often feel alienated and disengaged. This disengagement is evident in the declining participation of men in church activities, as well as the rise of "churchless Christianity" among men who feel that the church no longer speaks to their needs or affirms their identity.

For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, this crisis represents a departure from its historic mission and identity. Founded on the principles of biblical truth and prophetic clarity, the church is now at risk of succumbing to the same cultural pressures that have weakened other denominations. The embrace of progressive ideologies not only undermines the church's witness but also jeopardizes its ability to fulfill its end-time mission.

The Feminization of the Workplace

The crisis of masculinity in the Western world is not confined to the realms of education, the church, or cultural narratives—it has also permeated the workplace, where the feminization of professional environments has further eroded the traditional roles and values that once provided men with a sense of purpose, identity, and fulfillment. The modern workplace, increasingly shaped by progressive ideologies, has become a hostile environment for traditional masculinity, leaving men disoriented, demoralized, and displaced. This shift has profound implications not only for men but also for the broader economy and society.

The Shift from Meritocracy to Emotional Labor

Historically, the workplace was a domain where men could thrive by leveraging their natural strengths—competitiveness, ambition, problem-solving, and resilience. Success was often measured by tangible outcomes: productivity, innovation, and results. However, the modern workplace has undergone a dramatic transformation, prioritizing emotional labor, collaboration, and subjective measures of performance over traditional metrics of success. This shift, often driven by progressive ideals, has created an environment that favors traits traditionally associated with femininity—such as empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence—while marginalizing traits like assertiveness, independence, and decisiveness, which are more commonly associated with masculinity.

For men, this change has been disorienting. Many find themselves penalized for behavior that was once celebrated, such as taking charge, expressing ambition, or engaging in healthy competition. Instead, they are expected to conform to a workplace culture that values conformity, sensitivity, and consensus-building. This pressure to suppress their natural instincts has left many men feeling alienated and undervalued, contributing to a sense of purposelessness and frustration.

The Rise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

The proliferation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the workplace has further exacerbated the crisis of masculinity. While these programs are often framed as efforts to promote fairness and representation, they frequently operate on the assumption that traditional workplace structures are inherently oppressive and biased in favor of men. As a result, men—particularly white men—are often portrayed as beneficiaries of privilege rather than as individuals with unique contributions to make.

In many cases, DEI initiatives have led to the implementation of quotas, preferential hiring practices, and diversity training programs that explicitly or implicitly discourage traditional masculine behavior. Men are told that their success is a product of systemic advantage rather than merit, undermining their sense of achievement and self-worth. This narrative not only demoralizes men but also fosters resentment and division within the workplace, creating an environment where men feel they must apologize for their existence rather than celebrate their contributions.

The Decline of Male-Dominated Industries

The feminization of the workplace has also been accompanied by the decline of traditionally male-dominated industries, such as manufacturing, construction, and mining. These sectors, which once provided millions of men with stable, well-paying jobs and a clear sense of purpose, have been eroded by globalization, automation, and shifting economic priorities. As these industries have declined, men have been forced to transition into service-oriented or knowledge-based sectors that often prioritize skills and traits more commonly associated with women.

This transition has been particularly challenging for men who lack the education or training required to succeed in these new environments. Many find themselves underemployed, unemployed, or working in jobs that fail to provide the same sense of fulfillment and identity as their previous roles. The loss of these industries has not only economic consequences but also cultural ones, as men are deprived of the opportunity to engage in meaningful, physically demanding work that aligns with their natural strengths and instincts.

The Impact on Male Identity and Mental Health

The feminisation of the workplace has had a profound impact on male identity and mental health. Men who are unable to find meaningful work or who feel alienated in their professional environments often struggle with feelings of inadequacy, purposelessness, and despair. This sense of displacement has contributed to a rise in mental health issues, substance abuse, and suicide among men. The male suicide rate, already disproportionately high, continues to climb, a grim testament to the despair felt by many men in the modern world.

Moreover, the erosion of traditional workplace roles has destabilized the family unit. Men who are unable to fulfill their role as providers often experience a loss of confidence and self-esteem, which can strain relationships and undermine their ability to lead and support their families. The breakdown of the family has far-reaching consequences, contributing to increased social fragmentation, crime, and economic instability.

Restoring Traditional Masculinity in our Education System

To address this crisis, we must reject the progressive narrative that masculinity is inherently harmful and recognize the vital role that men play in education. We must actively encourage men to enter the teaching profession, providing them with the support and respect they deserve. This means challenging the stereotypes that portray male teachers as suspicious or out of place and celebrating the qualities they bring to the classroom. It also means restoring a sense of pride in traditional masculinity, reminding men that their strength, discipline, and leadership are not only valuable but necessary.

The lack of male teachers in England’s public schools is not just a statistical anomaly; it is a reflection of the broader crisis of masculinity in the Western world. If we continue down this path, we risk creating a generation of boys who are lost, disconnected, and unsure of their place in the world. The time has come to push back against the anti-male ideology that has brought us to this point and to reclaim the values that have sustained societies for centuries. The future of our schools—and our society—depends on it.

Reclaiming Biblical Masculinity and Church Integrity

The church must return to its biblical foundations and reaffirm the value of traditional masculinity. This means rejecting the ordination of women, resisting the influence of LGBTQ ideologies and queer theology, and refocusing on the gospel mission. Men must be encouraged to embrace their God-given roles as spiritual leaders, protectors, and providers, and the church must provide them with the support and mentorship they need to fulfill these roles.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church, in particular, has a unique opportunity to lead by example. By upholding its historic commitment to biblical truth and prophetic clarity, the church can serve as a beacon of hope in a world that is increasingly hostile to traditional values. This will require courage, conviction, and a willingness to stand against the tide of cultural progressivism.

Reclaiming the Workplace for Men

It is imperative to reclaim the workplace as a space where men can thrive and fulfill their potential. This does not mean exluding women from the workplace. Rather, it means recognizing the inherent value of masculine traits and the vital role they play in a healthy and productive workplace. Competitiveness, ambition, and decisiveness are not toxic; they are essential. Men must be encouraged to embrace these qualities, not as relics of a bygone era, but as timeless virtues that continue to hold relevance in the modern world.

If we are to reverse this trend, we must reject the anti-traditional narratives that have brought us to this point and reaffirm the value of traditional masculinity in the workplace. The future of our economy, our families, and our society depends on it.

Conclusion

The crisis of masculinity faced by the Western world is not merely a cultural or social issue; it is a civilizational one. The decline of traditional masculine virtues has far-reaching consequences, threatening the stability, prosperity, and survival of Western civilization itself. For decades, the deceptively-named progressive movement has sought to dismantle traditional masculinity, viewing it as an obstacle to its vision of a genderless, egalitarian society. Through policies and propaganda, masculinity has been pathologized, ridiculed, and stripped of its dignity. Terms like “toxic masculinity” have entered the mainstream lexicon, used to shame men for embodying traits like strength, ambition, and assertiveness. This ideological assault has yielded devastating consequences for our education, churches, economy, and society in general.

Nevertheless, the situation is not altogether hopeless. I am thrilled with the momentous events of the past few weeks on the other side of the Atlantic. A bulwark against the progressive tide seems to be emerging. The rising recognition and rejection of the cult of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a Trojan horse for anti-male and anti-Western values is something to celebrate. I can only hope that this trend continues. The choice before us is clear: we can continue down the path of progressive decay, where men are marginalized and masculinity is mocked, or we can reclaim the traditions that have made the West great. The time has come to defend traditional masculinity, not as a relic of the past, but as the foundation of our future. Only by doing so can we ensure the survival and prosperity of Western civilization for generations to come.

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