In certain corners of Western Civilization, being male is itself considered toxic. Nancy Pearcey addresses this perspective on masculinity in The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Pearcey takes a broad view of societal trends, carefully examines Scripture, and provides a constructive way forward for the church.

Autumn and Hunter highlight portions of Pearcey’s argument and use her paradigm of the “good man” vs. the “real man” to answer a listener’s question.

In the wake of the recent election, journalists, sociologists, political party leaders, and all of us are looking at the voting data, examining what ballot initiatives passed and where, and asking, “What does this data tell us about the people and culture in our country?” Autumn and Hunter discuss four themes that emerged from the election trends. 1) Legacy Media vs. Alternative Media 2) The Broad “Trump Voting Coalition” 3) The Abortion Issue, and 4) The Return to Political Norms.

Autumn and Hunter respond to two articles, We Need Good Protestant Ethicists by Carl Trueman and The need for Protestant Ethicists: A Response to Carl Trueman by Matthew Arbo, at the suggestion of a listener. We all have a way of viewing the world, the nature of the physical world, the nature of humanity, and deity. We call this our “worldview.” Ethics addresses how our worldview should be lived out, particularly regarding all the practical questions of life. For Christians, the discipline of ethics helps us apply a biblical framework to the practical matters that aren’t directly addressed in the Bible. Trueman and Arbo discuss the need within Protestantism for theologically rooted ethicists whose comprehensive approach to matters such as in-vitro fertilization and artificial intelligence can help Christians navigate these complex issues.

In this episode of Vision for Life, Autumn and Hunter respond to three listener questions:

Question 1: Trueman's book traces the ideas and technologies that have led to a cultural moment in which the statement "I'm a man trapped in a woman's body" can make sense. This is helpful on a macro level, but what about the individual, personal level? What pastoral response would you offer to a person who says, "I think I might be a man trapped in a woman's body?" How is the gospel of the kingdom and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus good news for someone experiencing great pain around their gender identity?

Question 2: This is a question about desire and identity. It has been my way of thinking that there is a huge difference between having same-sex desire (Not sinful) and committing acts of homosexual intimacy (sinful). I still think so.

But In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of lust as adultery in the heart and of continuous anger as paramount to murder. As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.

I would appreciate your thoughts on the separation of desire and identity in light of these passages.

Question 3: Could you please comment on the use of the terms “Imagination” and “Imaginary”? I have heard these terms used in the VFL podcast on Carl Trueman’s book “Strange New World”, also Autumn, I think I remember you used the “imagination” concept in your recent podcast “Women, Work and Calling.” And Hunter has used the terms in sermons when relating to Christian faith and thought.

However, I have always thought of “imagination” and “imaginary” as relating to fantasy or dreaming and having no basis in reality.

Michael Goldstein joins Autumn on the podcast to discuss an article he recently wrote for Rooted Ministry about prioritizing long-term fruit in life and ministry. Michael writes, “It’s tempting for youth ministers to want to cultivate a ministry that is defined by a gifted preacher, good friends, and a fun, cool event that students can’t wait to attend each week. However, youth ministers must wisely assess the central, driving motivation of their ministries. . . . Only the gospel, applied through the power of the Holy Spirit, creates disciples of Jesus who persevere until they reach glory (Rom. 8:30).”