Misandry refers to the hatred, contempt, prejudice, or discrimination against men or boys. As Christians, how should we view this issue? The Bible does not directly address misandry, but it does provide principles that can guide our perspective.
First, we must recognize that misandry stems from sin. Ever since the Fall in Genesis 3, human relationships have been marred by conflict, bias, and hatred. Misandry reflects the brokenness of human nature and our need for redemption (Romans 3:23). At the root of misandry is often pride, anger, pain, and a desire for power or control over others. These sinful motives run counter to God’s ideals for human relationships (Galatians 5:19-21).
Second, misandry goes against God’s design for gender relationships. God created both men and women in His image and declared this diversity “very good” (Genesis 1:27, 31). Though different, men and women are made to complement each other and to reflect God’s glory together (1 Corinthians 11:3, 7-12). Misandry distorts this design by promoting hostility and strife between the genders instead of mutual honor and care (Ephesians 5:21-33, 1 Peter 3:7).
Third, misandry fails to treat men as unique image-bearers of God. Though fallen, men still reflect God’s glory and deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion (James 3:9-10). Misandry reduces men to negative stereotypes rather than seeing them as complex individuals created and loved by God (Psalm 139:13-14). It also promotes unjust discrimination, mocking, belittling, or marginalization of men.
Fourth, misandry often breeds more sin and dysfunction. Like any form of hatred, misandry tends to spark defensiveness, anger, resentment, and backlash from its targets. This can fuel a vicious cycle of recrimination between the genders (Romans 12:17-21). Misandry—like misogyny—is ultimately destructive for relationships and society.
Fifth, Christians are called to a better way of relating across gender lines. Scripture instructs us to treat one another with humility, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:2). Though different, men and women are joint heirs in Christ and have a shared mission to display the gospel (Galatians 3:28, 1 Peter 3:7). This requires moving beyond prejudice to truly understand, honor, and serve one another out of reverence for Christ (Philippians 2:1-4).
In summary, a Christian perspective on misandry recognizes it as sinful yet offers grace and redemption. While firmly opposing misandry, Christians must guard their own hearts against bitterness or sinful retaliation (Romans 12:19-21). As agents of reconciliation in a broken world, Christians can help model a better way for gender relationships that reflects God’s love and redemptive purposes.
Misandry is a complex issue, and its victims deserve compassion. However, misandry should not be met with more hatred. Jesus calls His followers to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). As Christians, we can acknowledge the real harms of misandry while pointing people to the freedom, healing, and wholeness available in Christ. He alone has power to transform hearts and repair broken relationships. By His Spirit at work within us, we can move toward mutual understanding, forgiveness, and honor between men and women.
Old Testament Examples and Principles Regarding Misandry
The Old Testament provides some examples and principles that reveal God’s perspective on gender relationships:
- God created Eve as a “helper” and companion to Adam, showing His design of mutual interdependence between men and women (Genesis 2:18,20).
- Deborah was a respected judge and prophetess in Israel, demonstrating that God used and honored women in positions of leadership (Judges 4:4).
- Ruth was portrayed as a woman of noble character and integrity, contrary to negative stereotypes (Ruth 3:11).
- The Proverbs 31 woman is described as a competent, entrepreneurial contributor to her family and community, not belittled for her femininity.
- The Law called for impartiality and warned against perverting justice based on personal biases against others (Exodus 23:3, Leviticus 19:15).
Overall, we see God’s appreciation for both men and women throughout the Old Testament. Though different roles existed between genders, personal worth and dignity was inherent to all by virtue of being made in God’s image. While misogyny was present in cultures of that day, the revealed principles of scripture subtly undermined prejudices against women that were commonplace in the surrounding societies.
New Testament Examples and Teachings About Gender Prejudice
Jesus provided a powerful example of uplifting women and defending their worth in a patriarchal culture that often marginalized them:
- He engaged in theological discussions with women like the Samaritan woman, contrary to cultural gender barriers (John 4:7-30).
- He honored women like Mary who eagerly learned at his feet (Luke 10:38-42).
- He elevated the status of widows by highlighting their true poverty in society (Mark 12:41-44).
- He tenderly forgave and liberated women caught in sexual sin, defending them against condemnation (John 8:2-11).
- He commissioned women like Mary Magdalene to be the first witnesses of His resurrection (John 20:10-18).
The apostles continued Jesus’ example by teaching principles of mutual honor and service between men and women. For example:
- Husbands are called to sacrificially love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25).
- Wives are urged to respect their husbands and cultivate a gentle spirit (1 Peter 3:1-4).
- Paul affirmed the interdependence between men and women (1 Corinthians 11:11-12).
- Believers are to relate as brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Timothy 5:1-2).
These teachings undermine prejudice by emphasizing the intrinsic worth and spiritual equality of all in Christ. Christians are to live out a new community shaped by redemption, not cultural gender biases.
Practical Ways Christians Can Combat Misandry
As Christians seeking to apply biblical principles to this issue, here are some practical ways we can help combat misandry in our spheres of influence:
- Examine our own hearts and repent of any misandrist biases or stereotypes (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Listen well to men’s experiences and seek to genuinely understand their perspective.
- Advocate for policies and practices that safeguard against discrimination of men.
- Refuse to indulge in misandrist humor or attitudes when present in culture.
- Promote examples of admirable, godly men who use their gifts to serve others.
- Speak out to defend the dignity and worth of boys and men when it is being denigrated.
- Highlight examples of healthy, interdependent gender relations from scripture and the church.
- Focus criticism on harmful behaviors or ideas, not on masculinity itself.
- Offer grace and forgiveness when encountering misandry, while still speaking truth.
- Pray for healing of wounds affecting both men and women.
Of course, misogyny remains pervasive globally and must be addressed as well. Christians should pursue true justice and reconciliation that recognizes the image of God in every person, female or male. We have a unique opportunity to model redeemed manhood and womanhood that points to God’s glory and loving design.
Addressing Pain and Confusion Driving Misandry
Seeking to understand the roots of misandry, Christians should acknowledge that many women have endured very real abuse or mistreatment from men. The anger fueling misandry may come from legitimate pain. Ways Christians can help address this include:
- Lamenting and grieving with victims of abuse.
- Advocating for better protections and justice for the abused.
- Providing counseling/support groups for women recovering from mistreatment.
- Calling on men to repent of misogyny and mistreatment of women.
- Fostering safe spaces for women to process hurts without judgment.
- Providing biblical teaching on true masculinity and femininity.
- Listening well to women’s stories and frustrations.
- Encouraging development of identity in Christ above other identities.
- Speaking against beliefs or systems that demean womanhood.
- Highlighting examples of healthy gender dynamics within the church.
Confused cultural messages about gender also contribute to the rise of misandry. The church can help by articulating a biblical vision of manhood and womanhood that highlights the beauty of God’s design. Teaching a redemptive understanding of identity in Christ provides security and belonging beyond tribal gender mentalities. With patient grace, truth, and empathy, Christians can aid healing for both men and women struggling with gender-related wounds and confusion.
Cautions and Misperceptions to Avoid
When discussing misandry, Christians should be aware of certain missteps or overreactions that can inadvertently foster more confusion and harm:
- Failing to listen well or have compassion for the real pain that many women carry due to abuse or oppression.
- Dismissing all critiques of men’s behaviors as manifestations of misandry.
- Portraying misandry as just as serious a problem as misogyny in society.
- Focusing on isolated incidents of misandry while ignoring widespread realities of injustice or violence toward women globally.
- Equating legitimate advocacy for women’s rights and dignity with misandry.
- Falling into an ‘oppression olympics’ mentality that seeks to quantify whether men or women have it worse overall.
- Responding to misandry with more anger or hatred rather than grace and understanding.
- Failing to see where some gender norms and expectations have caused harm to men as well.
Care is needed to avoid these extremes. Christians can acknowledge misandry as wrong while recognizing it requires different contextual understanding and responses than misogyny. The goal is redeeming the God-given dignity and design of both manhood and womanhood for the flourishing of all.
Grace and Redemption for All
The gospel provides hope for healing gender brokenness. Jesus died to redeem both men and women. He reconciles us to God and each other across gender barriers (Galatians 3:28). By submitting all relationships under His loving Lordship, sinful dynamics that feed prejudice and discrimination can change.
As we grow in grace, Scripture urges us to “behold the man” – first by looking to Christ as the model of godly character (John 19:5). But also by honoring His image in every human being. Misandry will be overcome as women see beloved sons, brothers, fathers, and friends through Christ’s eyes – and as men look humbly to Him as the true exemplar of masculine excellence.
May we love one another across gender with humility, empathy and grace. And may God’s Spirit continually enlighten us regarding His wise and nurturing design for manhood and womanhood.