Is Masculinity Back in Style?

March 25, 2025

by Collin M. Hain

Well, I suppose its no secret. I’m not exactly what anyone might portray as a “man’s man.” I take my coffee with oat milk, I wouldn’t know how to field a ground ball if my life depended on it, and few things bring me more joy than room service in a luxury hotel. But is masculinity really just about rugged outdoorsmanship, a firm handshake, and an affinity for grilling? Does biblical masculinity require a beard and a pair of steel-toed boots? While there’s of course nothing wrong with any of those things, is it possible the definition of masculinity is not so surface level, but rather deeper than that?

For years, the cultural narrative has been that masculinity is toxic—that strong men are dangerous, that assertiveness is oppression, and that the only acceptable man is one who apologizes for being one. But something seems to be changing. In 2024, young men voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump over Kamala Harris, rejecting the feminist, socialist agenda that sought to emasculate them and make them ashamed of their God-given design. Across culture, we’re seeing masculine figures like Joe Rogan, Donald Trump, and Elon Musk have become icons of strength, resilience, and leadership. Could the pendulum be swinging? It seems masculinity is no longer a liability—it’s back in style.

A revival of masculinity, even cultural masculinity, is something to celebrate. However, Scripture gives us a clear outline of masculinity and Christian men (and women) should take this opportunity to rightly define what it means to be a man. More to the point: if we do not, secular culture will.

The Revival of Masculinity

After years of cultural war on manhood, men have seemingly had enough. They are rejecting the message that they should be weak, passive, and apologetic. Instead, they are embracing strength, leadership, and a renewed sense of purpose.

But not all versions of masculinity are created equal. Let’s explore some new secular threats to masculinity.

Men like Andrew Tate. Tate stepped into the void, offering a version of masculinity that is appealing but dangerously off the mark. In his world, masculinity is defined by wealth, power, and control over women. He preaches dominance, not servant leadership. His vision of masculinity is a distortion—one that leaves men self-centered, arrogant, and detached from the biblical call to love, protect, and lead with humility.

Perhaps another example is famed podcaster Joe Rogan. Don’t misunderstand, I enjoy listening to Rogan’s perspective and in-depth, conversational interview style. I appreciate Rogan’s masculine confidence and leadership, which is in line with God’s design of men. He also seems to have a progressing openness to solid theology and the gospel. However, Rogan’s version of masculinity is clearly not a biblical blueprint for men to follow.

So while we celebrate the resurgence of masculinity, we must also reclaim its definition. Masculinity is not about aggression, material success, or control. It’s not even necessarily about rugged outdoorsmanship or a love of sports. It is about biblical strength, godly leadership, and Christlike love.

Biblical Masculinity: Strength Under Control

God designed men to be strong—not for their own glory, but for the good of others, their family, and their communities. Strength is a gift from God when it is used rightly. Biblical masculinity is not about brute force or reckless aggression—it is about strength under control, used to serve, protect, and lead.

1. Men Are Called to Know and Love God

Before anything else, biblical manhood is about knowing and loving God. Strength, leadership, and protection mean nothing if they are not first rooted in the fear of the Lord. Psalm 1:2-3 describes the righteous man as one who delights in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night, and as a result, he is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season.

A godly man is not merely strong in body, but strong in spirit. He is steadfast in his faith, grounded in truth, and hungry for righteousness. Proverbs 9:10 reminds us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Men must first lead themselves in the pursuit of God before they can rightly lead anyone else.

2. Men Are Called to Lead

God has given men a unique responsibility to lead their families and communities in righteousness. This is not a privilege for personal gain but a weighty responsibility. Ephesians 5:23 says, “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church.”

Biblical leadership is modeled after Christ—the ultimate leader who laid down His life for those He loved (Ephesians 5:25). Leadership is not about lording over others, but about guiding, providing, and being an example of godliness.

3. Men Are Called to Protect

Masculinity is deeply tied to the role of protector. God wired men to be defenders of their families, their churches, and their communities. In Nehemiah 4:14, we see this command: “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

This is what men were created for: to stand in the gap, to protect the vulnerable, and to shield their families from harm—whether physical, spiritual, or ideological. A culture that discourages men from being protectors is a culture that leaves women and children unprotected.

4. Men Are Called to Work and Provide

Since creation, work has been central to manhood. Genesis 2:15 tells us that God placed Adam in the garden to work and keep it. A godly man is a provider, not a passive bystander. He takes responsibility for those under his care. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

This of course doesn’t mean that women cannot work or contribute (any man that balances his family’s budget would welcome his wife becoming a brain surgeon!). Rather, it means that a godly man carries the burden of responsibility. He does not demand to be served but takes initiative in providing for his family’s needs.

5. Men Are Called to Stand for Truth

The world is desperate for men who will not bend the knee to cultural pressure. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul commands: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

Biblical masculinity requires courage. It requires standing against the tide when everyone else bows. It requires saying, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

The Future of Masculinity: Will the Church Lead?

There is a reason why young men are drawn to strong leaders today. They are looking for direction, purpose, and a challenge. The church has an incredible opportunity to show them that true masculinity is not found in dominance or materials but in following Christ with courage and conviction.

The question is: Will we rise to the occasion?

The resurgence of masculinity should not be left in the hands of influencers alone. If Christian men do not step forward to model and teach biblical masculinity, we will see another generation of young men either:

• Reject masculinity altogether, believing the lie that strength is inherently bad, or

• Embrace a counterfeit masculinity that values power over character, wealth over wisdom, and dominance over love.

Now is the time for the Church to call men to something higher—a masculinity that reflects Christ. A masculinity that is strong yet humble, bold yet loving, firm yet gentle. A masculinity that takes responsibility, protects the weak, and stands for truth in a world that despises it.

This is a moment to celebrate the return of masculinity—but more importantly, it is a moment to define it rightly. Let us not waste it. Let us raise up a generation of men who fear God, love truth, protect their families, and stand boldly for what is right.

That is true masculinity. That is what we need.

And it’s not just back in style—I think it’s here to stay.