In this episode, author Zachary Wagner recounts his personal journey and explores the irony of the purity culture movement in the white American evangelical subculture, highlighting the need for men to join the conversation about sexual violence and misconduct in church spaces.
In this episode, you will be able to:
• Identify the repercussions of toxic masculinity within the Church and initiate constructive conversations.
• Confront the issues of power abuse and spiritual maltreatment, promoting healthier religious communities.
• Recognize the impact of cultural norms and pornography on men's behaviors and attitudes.
• Advocate for the inclusion of women's input in discussions about harmful male stereotypes.
• Prioritize personal well-being and self-care in pursuit of a mentally and emotionally fulfilling journey.
My special guest is Zachary Wagner
Introducing Zachary Wagner- a writer, researcher, ordained minister––thinker of thoughts and feeler of feelings. Originally from the Chicagoland area, he now lives in Oxford, England, where he is pursuing a DPhil (PhD) in New Testament studies at Keble College, University of Oxford. He also serves as the editorial director of the Center for Pastor Theologians, where he co-hosts the CPT Podcast. His research interests include economics in the ancient world, divine wages in Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity, Pauline epistles, the Gospel of Matthew, and New Testament masculinities. His first book, Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality, was published in 2023 with Intervarsity Press. Zach’s other writing interests include evangelical and “post-vangelical” Christian discipleship, theological formation, and speaking against church-based abuse.
Follow Zachary on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/zacharycwagner
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
• Purchase Nontoxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality by Zachary Wagner. (https://www.ivpress.com/non-toxic-masculinity)
• Check out the Center for Pastor Theologians and listen to their podcast.
• Follow Zachary Wagner on social media for more updates and insights.
• Read more about the #ChurchToo movement and the #MToo movement to stay informed and educated.
• Consider seeking therapy or counseling if you have experienced trauma or shame related to sexuality.
• Speak out against toxic masculinity and actively work to promote healthy and respectful attitudes towards all genders.
• Support organizations and initiatives that work towards ending sexual violence and abuse, both in and outside of religious spaces.
Pornography and Its Effects
Zachary Wagner addresses the impact pornography has on male attitudes and behaviors surrounding sexuality. He notes that this cultural force often influences the formation of compulsive habits and promotes immature expressions of sexuality. Wagner also discusses the male brain's interaction with pornography, potentially shaping attitudes towards women even without direct exposure to explicit content. He encourages men to rethink their sexual responses and move away from the harmful effects of pornography. Instead, he urges them to adopt more humanizing and mature ways of engaging with their sexuality, demonstrating respect and understanding for themselves and others. By doing so, we can foster healthier relationships and a society where individuals are not subjected to the harmful consequences of toxic masculinity.
Harmful Effects of Toxic Masculinity
Toxic masculinity is a prevailing issue with far-reaching consequences beyond perpetuating negative male stereotypes. It has harmful effects on both men and women, hindering the formation of healthy relationships and contributing to a culture of abuse and violence. When discussing his personal experiences growing up within white American evangelical subculture, Zachary Wagner sheds light on the shame he felt surrounding sexuality, exacerbated by his wife's experiences of childhood sexual abuse. Wagner believes that while sexual abuse is not a recent phenomenon, the increasing awareness of its prevalence is noteworthy. For change to happen, it is vital for men to actively engage in conversations about toxic masculinity and to take responsibility in finding solutions to the problem. He calls for an effort to break free from the distorted images of manhood and gender that have persisted for so long.
Toxic Masculinity in Megachurches
The discussion highlights the connection between toxic masculinity and megachurches in the United States. These churches often prioritize pragmatism, measuring success in terms of numbers and financial gains, which can contravene genuine spiritual growth. This culture of accomplishment can lead to the elevation of people with serious character flaws, propagating an alpha male, CEO-like mentality for pastoral ministry. Zachary Wagner asserts that the fruit of such churches often focuses on external metrics rather...
