What is an incel?

Response

The term “incel” is a shortened form of “involuntary celibate.” Incels are individuals who identify themselves as being unable to have a relationship, specifically a sexual one. Initially, this concept encompassed a diverse range of backgrounds and applied to various individuals who felt particularly lonely, marginalized by society, or rejected by sexual partners. However, over time, this self-assigned label has become more specific, primarily referring to those with a notably bitter and cynical outlook on sexuality, women, and Western society in general.

Incels, typically young, heterosexual, white men who feel let down or disillusioned by their lack of sexual or romantic encounters, are influenced by three detrimental aspects of contemporary culture:

1) The victim mentality. The sense of rejection experienced by incels stems from the constant notion that not attaining one’s desires is mainly due to being oppressed or persecuted by a person, group, or culture.

2) The idolization of sex. The resentment harbored by incels can be linked to the belief that all sexual desires or tendencies should be embraced, glorified, and satisfied.

3) The echo chamber. The seclusion felt by incels is a result of their ability, greatly facilitated by the internet, to surround themselves with like-minded individuals while completely disregarding other, more positive perspectives. Ironically, this social media interaction leads to further seclusion and solitude.

Extreme viewpoints, such as those held by incels, are often fueled by valid concerns. The absence of healthy, affectionate relationships breeds feelings of loneliness and despondency. Individuals who would be content with “modest” sexual encounters become resentful when extreme sexual preferences are exalted and encouraged. The perception that their experiences are being disregarded—or even ridiculed—compels people to unite with like-minded individuals to validate their perceived victimization. In the absence of a balanced and empathetic societal dialogue, these individuals may be susceptible to extremis

Biblical worldview, these factors can lead to extremism, expressing hatred towards anyone seen as an oppressor.

Some individuals facing these pressures identify as incels, whose inability to form meaningful or satisfying relationships drives them into a realm of misogyny, misanthropy, and resentment. They perceive their lack of romantic or sexual satisfaction as evidence of bias or victimization against them.

Extremism within the incel community varies. A minority openly endorse rape or violence. In recent times, several well-known mass shooters in the United States have been associated with the incel movement. Their targets include women, non-incel men, and others viewed as contributors to “the issue.”

Clearly, the incel mentality contradicts many teachings in the Bible regarding human worth, sexuality, and community. Likewise, a society that fosters isolation and unscriptural sexual behavior. Both must be addressed with truth. Incels must understand that God intends sex to be sacred and special, and that their worth is not based on their sexual partners. Feelings of isolation and deprivation can be alleviated by the gospel and Christian fellowship.

It is crucial to recognize that extreme beliefs do not arise in isolation. Presently, Western culture promotes various misleading ideas: sex is insignificant, everyone should celebrate their sexuality, all sexual encounters are positive, individuals who abstain from sex are failures, displaying one’s sexuality is a right to be defended at any cost, and so on.

Incels have been deceived into thinking they are maliciously being deprived of something that is supposedly trivial, widespread, and crucial. A biblical approach will challenge two aspects: society’s misguided views on sex and relationships, and individuals’ adverse reactions to their personal situations. Embracing a biblical perspective on sexuality and self-value is the solution to the incel mindset.