Donald Trump and the Christian obsession with masculinity
Many Christians like Donald Trump because he’s manly. That’s just my theory, of course, but it’s not totally unfounded. Certain sects of American Christianity–particularly conservative evangelicals and “New Calvinists“–are obsessed with strong, male leaders. Pastor John Piper even argues that “God has given Christianity a masculine feel,” an idea which might be traced back to early 20th Century evangelists. So when Trump makes talks about his business successes, makes politically incorrect statements, refuses to apologize, or releases a report from his doctor extolling his impeccable health, some Christians respect him more, not less. No wonder he is more liked among evangelicals than any other Republican candidate. But a new breed of Christians have challenged some of these assumptions about what “masculinity” is. They are raising questions about whether the Bible defines that term and the concept of manhood in the same way we do. One such person is pastor Nate Pyle, author of “Man Enough: How Jesus Redefines Manhood.” In his book, he argues that some males may try to “appear superior to those around them, bolstering their bruised egos through racism, nationalism, sexism, and countless other -isms.” Remind you of anyone?