Weekly Top Five Articles
Progressive gender norms lead to toxic masculinity, why Christians don't have to vote, and more...
Here’s what stood out this week. . .
(1) The Lesser of Two Evils, by Alfred Poirier, Westminster Magazine (Fall 2024)
Does Scripture command or require Christians to vote? The answer is no. Scripture does not command or obligate us to vote either by expressed precept or by good and necessary inference deduced from Scripture (WCF 1.6).
Amen! Christian are not obligated to vote!
The 2024 United States presidential election, held on November 5, 2024, concluded with former President Donald Trump securing a return to the White House, defeating Democratic nominee and incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump, alongside his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, was inaugurated as the 47th President on January 20, 2025.
As citizens reflect on the election's outcome, many are considering their voting decisions and the broader implications of civic participation. Questions arise about the moral and ethical responsibilities of voting, especially from a Christian perspective. While the Bible does not explicitly command believers to vote, it emphasizes actions done in faith, alignment with God's word, and for His glory. Christians are encouraged to vote in ways that uphold God's moral law and restrain evil, always seeking to act in faith and for God's glory.
The concept of choosing the "lesser of two evils" often emerges during elections. Theologian Herman Bavinck advises against selecting any option deemed evil, suggesting that if a candidate is perceived as such, one should refrain from voting for them. However, in practice, voters often face choices between imperfect options. In such cases, if the decision is made in faith and aligns with biblical principles, voting for the less objectionable candidate can be justified.
Single-issue voting, where a voter prioritizes one foundational concern such as the sanctity of life or the definition of marriage, is another approach some Christians adopt. While this method simplifies decision-making, it's essential to consider the broader implications and ensure that the chosen issue aligns with promoting God's moral law.
Beyond voting, Christians are biblically mandated to pray for their leaders and submit to governing authorities, as emphasized in 1 Timothy 2:1–2 and 1 Peter 2:13. This holds true regardless of the election's outcome, reminding believers of their duty to uphold peace and godliness in society.
Reflecting on the 2024 election, it's crucial for Christians to evaluate their participation in the democratic process, ensuring that their actions, whether voting or abstaining, are rooted in faith, align with Scripture, and seek to glorify God. As the nation moves forward under new leadership, the call remains to pray for those in authority and to live out one's faith in the public square.
(2) “That Shape Am I” by Patricia Lockwood, London Review of Books (January 23, 2025)
(Book Review: On Mysticism: The Experience of Ecstasy by Simon Critchley)
Patricia Lockwood dives into Simon Critchley’s exploration of mysticism in his book On Mysticism: The Experience of Ecstasy. Critchley examines historical mystics such as Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, and Marguerite Porete, weaving their ecstatic experiences with literary insights from figures like William James and Annie Dillard. However, Lockwood critiques the book’s philosophical density and meandering style, which she finds overwhelming and, at times, self-indulgent.
Critchley’s focus is the transformative power of mysticism, both for the individual mystic and their influence on others. He argues that mysticism is best understood through its ability to inspire others, though Lockwood challenges whether external validation should determine its authenticity. While Critchley aligns himself with mystics through his writing, Lockwood contends that his dense language and overuse of repetition obscure the embodied nature of mystical experiences.
Lockwood contrasts Critchley’s abstract approach with the visceral immediacy of mystics like Julian of Norwich, whose descriptions of divine encounters capture the physical and emotional depths of their revelations. She praises William James for his pragmatic yet poetic reflections on religious experiences, which she finds more accessible and grounded than Critchley’s.
Despite her frustrations, Lockwood acknowledges the book’s aesthetic appeal, including its vivid depictions of illuminated manuscripts and historical mystics. She appreciates Critchley’s moments of personal vulnerability, such as his account of a mystical experience in Canterbury Cathedral, and argues for more such moments to bridge the intellectual and the experiential. Ultimately, Lockwood reflects on the enduring allure of mysticism as a timeless pursuit of meaning and transcendence, a quest that remains deeply human and profoundly mysterious.
(3) "Strategic Disinvestment from Masculinity Linked to Poor Psychosocial Outcomes," by Mane Kara-Yakoubian, PsyPost (January 24, 2025)
Progressive gender norms create “toxic men” and worsen men’s mental health.
"Strategic Disinvestment from Masculinity Linked to Poor Psychosocial Outcomes: Implications for Raising Boys"
A study published in Sex Roles examines the impact of "strategic masculine disinvestment," where men intentionally distance themselves from traditional masculine ideals, on their mental health. Researchers Jessica Pfaffendorf and Terrence Hill found that this distancing is associated with poorer psychosocial functioning, including higher levels of anxiety, depression, anger, and a diminished sense of control over one’s life.
The research analyzed data from the 2021 Crime, Health, and Politics Survey (CHAPS), with 803 men aged 18-91. Younger, college-educated men were more likely to disinvest from traditional masculine traits such as stoicism and assertiveness, influenced by progressive gender norms in educational settings. However, the study also revealed that men experiencing economic hardship were more likely to distance themselves from traditional masculinity, highlighting how financial precarity can shape identity shifts.
Men who reported strategic masculine disinvestment experienced higher levels of emotional distress, potentially due to identity conflicts and cognitive dissonance. This raises important questions for parents raising boys in today’s cultural landscape. As societal norms shift away from traditional masculinity, how can parents guide their sons toward healthy identity formation without the negative psychosocial effects highlighted in the study?
What Parents Should Not Do
Avoid Demonizing Traditional Masculinity
While certain traditional masculine traits like stoicism or assertiveness may be outdated in some contexts, these traits can also foster resilience, leadership, and emotional regulation. Labeling traditional masculinity as inherently toxic can leave boys feeling conflicted or ashamed about their natural tendencies, potentially leading to the identity conflicts described in the study.Don’t Erase Masculine Identity Altogether
Pushing boys to completely reject masculinity may create cognitive dissonance as they struggle to reconcile societal expectations with their own identity. Instead of forcing boys to conform to rigid alternatives, parents should encourage exploration of a balanced identity that embraces positive aspects of both traditional and progressive ideals.Avoid Overemphasizing Gender Neutrality
While inclusivity is important, erasing any discussion of gender differences altogether can leave boys without clear role models or a framework for understanding what healthy masculinity looks like. Boys benefit from seeing positive examples of masculinity that include empathy, responsibility, and emotional strength.
What Parents Should Do
Celebrate Healthy Masculinity
Parents should highlight examples of masculinity that prioritize integrity, compassion, and courage while rejecting harmful traits like aggression or dominance. This approach gives boys a sense of pride in their identity without endorsing outdated stereotypes.Foster Emotional Expression
Teach boys that it’s okay to express emotions in healthy ways without fear of judgment. Emotional regulation is a critical skill that bridges traditional masculine traits with modern expectations of emotional openness.Provide Role Models
Expose boys to men who demonstrate balanced masculinity—those who are strong yet empathetic, assertive yet humble. Role models can help boys navigate the complexities of modern masculinity.Encourage Autonomy and Mastery
The study showed that men who disinvested from traditional masculinity often felt a lack of control over their lives. Parents can counteract this by fostering independence and a sense of mastery in boys, encouraging them to take ownership of their actions and develop confidence in their abilities.
Final Thoughts
As societal expectations around masculinity evolve, parents play a pivotal role in helping boys navigate these shifts without succumbing to the mental health challenges associated with strategic masculine disinvestment. Rather than forcing boys to reject masculinity outright, parents should aim to guide them toward a healthy, well-rounded identity that incorporates both traditional strengths and modern values. By doing so, boys can grow into men who are emotionally resilient, confident, and capable of thriving in today’s world.
(4) "Adolescents with Authoritarian Leanings Show Weaker Cognitive and Emotional Abilities,” by Eric Nolan, PsyPost, January 23, 2025
A study in The Journal of Personality reveals that adolescents with lower cognitive and emotional abilities are more likely to hold authoritarian attitudes, whether leaning left or right. Conducted by researchers at Ghent University, the study highlights how limited reasoning and emotional regulation influence authoritarian beliefs, challenging assumptions about the origins of political ideologies.
The study analyzed data from 507 participants aged 15-22, examining their cognitive abilities through standardized intelligence tests and their emotional abilities using performance-based tests. Ideological attitudes were measured across three dimensions: right-wing authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, and left-wing authoritarianism.
Key findings include:
Lower Cognitive Abilities and Authoritarianism: Adolescents with lower cognitive scores were more likely to exhibit authoritarian attitudes, aligning with patterns seen in adult populations. However, cognitive abilities had a weaker link to hierarchical preferences (social dominance orientation) compared to right-wing authoritarianism.
Emotional Abilities as Stronger Predictors: Emotional abilities, such as understanding and regulating emotions, were even stronger predictors of authoritarian attitudes. Lower emotional intelligence was consistently linked to authoritarian beliefs across all ideological dimensions, suggesting emotional abilities mediate the cognitive connection to authoritarianism.
Common Traits Across Ideologies: Both right- and left-wing authoritarian attitudes shared psychological roots, such as a preference for conformity and authority, driven by deficits in cognitive and emotional abilities.
Developmental Insights: The relationships between abilities and attitudes were consistent across middle and late adolescence, indicating that ideological roots develop earlier than previously assumed.
Implications for Parents and Educators
The study underscores the importance of fostering both reasoning and emotional intelligence in adolescents to reduce the likelihood of authoritarian attitudes. Parents and educators can focus on:
Promoting Critical Thinking: Encourage open dialogue and critical evaluation of ideas to help adolescents develop reasoning skills that challenge rigid beliefs.
Developing Emotional Intelligence: Teach emotional regulation, empathy, and interpersonal skills to navigate social complexities and resist authoritarian tendencies.
Avoiding Polarization: Recognize that authoritarianism spans the political spectrum, emphasizing the need for balanced, values-based discussions that prioritize understanding over rigid conformity.
This research invites further exploration into how cognitive and emotional abilities shape political attitudes and highlights the importance of early socialization in shaping open-minded, critical thinkers.
(5) "Adverse Childhood Experiences Linked to Defensive Gun Use via Heightened Threat Sensitivity," by Eric Nolan, PsyPost (January 22, 2025)
A study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research reveals that adults with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction—are more likely to engage in defensive gun use (DGU) due to heightened sensitivity to perceived threats. This suggests that early trauma shapes a worldview where danger feels omnipresent, potentially influencing firearm use later in life.
Key findings include:
ACEs and Defensive Gun Use: Each additional ACE increased the likelihood of DGU by 17%. Participants with higher ACE scores reported more instances of displaying or using a firearm in perceived defensive scenarios.
Role of Threat Sensitivity: Heightened threat sensitivity—characterized by distrust and hypervigilance—partially explained the link between ACEs and DGU, accounting for 11% of the association. This highlights how trauma may amplify perceptions of danger, prompting firearm use.
Depression Not a Factor: While ACEs were associated with depressive symptoms, these symptoms did not predict defensive gun use. Instead, externalizing behaviors like heightened threat sensitivity were the primary drivers.
Other Predictors: Men and those with direct or indirect firearm victimization were more likely to report defensive gun use, while factors like income, education, and marital status were not significant.
Implications for Interventions
The study underscores the need for early interventions to prevent ACEs and mitigate their long-term effects. For adults already shaped by these experiences, strategies to address threat sensitivity—such as trauma-informed therapy—could reduce reliance on firearms in perceived defensive situations.
This research highlights the complex pathways connecting childhood trauma to adult behaviors and offers actionable insights for reducing harm through targeted interventions.