How should a Christian view misandry?

Response

Misandry is a relatively new term defined as “the dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against the male sex.” Similar to misogyny (prejudice against females), misandry is a form of sexism. Examples of statements that could be seen as misandric include “girls rule, boys drool,” “a man wouldn’t understand,” and “men only care about one thing, sex.”

Radical feminists often highlight misogyny but tend to minimize the presence of misandry. Current societal trends suggest that public opinion aligns with the feminists, viewing prejudice against women as wrong, while bias against men is considered natural and acceptable. Some universities and colleges are working to eliminate what they label as “toxic masculinity” among their male students. In lower grades, behaviors once seen as typical boyishness are now sometimes perceived as a societal threat. According to some “experts,” the best approach for young boys is to emulate girls. Such perspectives are clearly misandric.

What does the Bible say about misandry, and how should a Christian approach this issue? One fundamental truth is that prejudice, hatred, and envy are sinful and stem from the fall of humanity. Hatred towards the opposite sex, regardless of its direction, is unjust. Misandry and misogyny are foreshadowed in Genesis 3:16. Since Adam and Eve’s disobedience and rejection of God’s authority, conflict has existed between men and women in their relationships. Women have a natural inclination to control men, while men possess the strength and will to dominate women. This desire for control leads to conflict between the genders, resulting in misandry and misogyny.

The Bible unequivocally rejects misandry and misogyny in the life of a Christian. Paul stated that hatred, discord, and factions are “acts of the sinful nature” «idolatry, witchcraft, hatred.D, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, », (Galatians 5:20). As such, they are in direct contrast with the “fruit of the Spirit . . . love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). The Christian response to misandry is to be guided by the Holy Spirit who resides within us «But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. », (Romans 8:9) and who prompts us to reject all forms of hatred between people.

If we adopt the philosophies of a corrupt culture, whether it’s the misogyny of the male chauvinist or the misandry of the radical feminist, we subject ourselves to the influence of the sinful flesh. Hateful prejudice against any group of people, for whatever reason, is an indication that we are living according to the flesh and not according to the Spirit. Combatting hate and prejudice begins with yielding ourselves to the Spirit within us, filling our minds with the truths of Scripture, and living accordingly. “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” «For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. », (Romans 8:5).