Yeah, social media can be hard. You can never really tell what somebody's tone of voice would be if they'd said something to you in person, and it's so easy to assume the worst, and we get caught up in the ubiquitous algorithmic insanity of trying to come up with the best snarky retort in less than 140 characters or whatever. I hate it. It's why Tumblr is basically the only one I use. I understand the defensive instinct, but it's not necessary here; I mean you no harm. I prefer logical arguments and open discussions rather than the popular internet game of Dueling Callouts. 🙂
My original response was never meant to be a 'gotcha;" just a "whoa whoa whoa," like I said, because the harsh implication I heard in what you wrote was what caught my attention. I was curious if and how you might respond if you thought about it from another POV.
I hope my very first paragraph made it perfectly clear that when it comes to "inherent virtues" both sexes are equally guilty before God, and that if any of us got what we truly deserved, we'd all receive only damnation. Simultaneously, one of the truths we hold in tension with that is that while law-obedience doesn't save our souls, it does nevertheless 'domesticate' the world and rein in the harmful effects of the sinful nature - even when unbelievers do it. The truth is, even the haters of God have been given the gift of conscience, and are aware of God's existence and fear Him on at least a subconscious level. Which is why there's not a person on earth who's never tempted to justify themselves; fear of Impending Judgment is a (correct) survival instinct. In any case, I think among all people and cultures, the concept of Law has reined in much of the worst depravity of the vast majority of humanity. Certainly not all, but I didn't say that, nor did I mean it.
The historical pendulum always swings back and forth between too far this way and too far that way. That imbalance is, again, likely part of the unbalancing of the universe because of the sinful nature. At this particular moment in history, I think we should both be able to agree, the group that is recording the biggest majority of unearned haters is in fact men, especially Western men, especially white or European-descended, especially Christian. Since we've already established that no human being, male or female, is without sin, we've therefore established that that's not what I'm talking about. What I've been referring to is the fact that even as sinners, in a world populated exclusively by sinners, men are commonly being treated far worse than they deserve. Not by God - every second we are spared damnation is more than any of us deserve. I'm talking about by other people, and frequently by women in particular.
Women, especially Western women, especially Western Christian women, are supposed to be the allies and supporters of their brothers, fathers, leaders, and mentors in The Faith. Sinless Perfection on the part of men is not a requirement first. But buying uncritically into the centuries-old lies of Feminism is the exact opposite of that support (see the contents outlined in the book below). Men writ large are currently under unjustifed and frankly unscrupulous amounts of attack and scrutiny (which none of us survive when you get close enough)... while women are currently under unjustified and frankly unscrupulous levels of insufficient accountability and unearned and uncritical worship.
Where's the societal pressure over that contradiction? There's a reason it rarely exists. Generally speaking women are naturally more community-oriented than men, and as such they face immense pressure to Conform or Shut Up, lest they face terrible reputational damage and character assassinations. A Godly Christian woman will stand up against that, in the courage the Spirit of God gives her. Won't she? If not, why?
Our Western Christian sisters have become derelict in their duties to guard both their beloved brothers and their own minds and hearts - but you see no widespread cultural outrage. If not, why? Likely because Godly men prefer not to demand it of them, hoping that Godly women will fulfill their duties... and the rest of men (whether due to or in spite of their sinful nature) are still not naturally inclined to do so, because it's not primary to their desires. Some men are predatory and abusive in masculine-coded ways, some women are predatory and abusive in feminine-coded ways. It is not inaccurate to observe, however, that far more often than not, what men tend to choose (despite their sinful nature) is to protect women rather than harm them. I think that speaks to the power of the Image of God that shines through in the world despite the darkness, just as the beauty of nature still awes us despite its current corruption. If this is what creation looks like fallen, how much more glorious will it be once its redeemed??
As far as tone policing, though... I think it's kinda the opposite of what I was doing. I'm not trying to manipulate anybody. I was trying to say "hey, let's actually think about the truth or falsity of the 'lots of men would kill women and children' idea." But again - I'm not trying to score points. If you heard it differently, again, social media sucks. Assuming we're both Christians, let's be charitable to each other and not assume the worst here; I'm willing.
