The recent Netflix drama, Adolescence, has reinvigorated the discussion surrounding toxic masculinity.

This limited series presented a complex, nuanced portrayal of adolescent violence, including the impact of social influencers on the young male brain.

For years, many have bemoaned the toxic impact that certain influencers have had upon adolescent males. Seeking to establish their own identity, adolescent males search for role models to imitate.

A dearth of male presence in churches and school teaching faculties, in the Western world, forces many adolescent males to search for role models online.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. –Philippians 3:17

The rise of the manosphere
The resulting demand for male-focussed self-help content and role models has given rise to the “manosphere,” a loosely connected ecosystem of online personalities who specifically target young men.

While the manosphere offers some excellent content, including health and fitness information, parts of it are also littered with selfishness, malice and misogyny, which are currently shaping the minds of tomorrow’s men.

Avoiding root causes
With much hand-wringing and pearl-clutching, the modern Western world denounces misogyny, male-perpetrated violence and toxic masculinity. Politicians and public figures eagerly lament these issues and fund prevention programs without addressing the root cause of the masculinity crisis.

The writer to the Philippians urges his audience to imitate the positive example of others around them. Young men have always sought such role models, but a lack of access has driven them into the arms of less worthy, online influencers.

If we seriously want to address toxic masculinity in our world, men of God must echo the words of the writer to the Philippians. They must invite the next generation to imitate their example and practice what is true, honorable, just and pure.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. — Philippians 4:8-9

• Dr Simon Skidmore is a Brisbane-based biblical scholar and educator. He is the creator of The Mimetic Exegete podcast, which applies mimetic theory to biblical texts, offering unique insights and practical applications. His recent book, Capital Punishment in the Pentateuch, explores ritual killing through René Girard’s mimetic theory.
• Flashes of Insight is an international publication. The editorial policy is that spelling reflects the country of origin.