The False Promise of Modern Masculinity: Peterson, Rogan, Tate, and the Call of Christ

Men today are searching for answers. In a culture that often mocks or pathologizes manhood, it’s no wonder that millions are flocking to voices like Jordan Peterson, Joe Rogan, and Andrew Tate. These men promise clarity, strength, and a way out of the fog of passivity and confusion. But as compelling as their messages may be, they ultimately fall short of the glory and purpose God calls men to in Scripture.

The Appeal of Modern “Manfluencers”

Jordan Peterson has become a guru for men feeling lost or threatened by shifting cultural norms. He calls for a return to “naturally masculine” traits like responsibility, self-discipline, and individual courage, offering life rules and self-help advice to men desperate to reclaim their sense of worth. Peterson’s message resonates with those who feel that masculinity is under attack, assuring them that their suffering is part of the “master plan of manhood” and that reclaiming a lost order will restore meaning and respect.

Joe Rogan creates a “red-blooded” masculine space—celebrating toughness, curiosity, and unapologetic male energy. His podcast is a refuge for men who feel alienated by mainstream culture, offering camaraderie and a sense of belonging. Rogan’s blend of physicality, humor, and open conversation appeals to men who want to be strong, independent, and respected.

Andrew Tate takes things further, preaching a gospel of dominance, wealth, and unapologetic aggression. Tate’s message is simple and seductive: “Reject passivity, embrace discipline, and take control of your life”. He tells men to be strong, rich, and dominant—promising that these traits will bring fulfillment and respect in a world that supposedly wants them weak and compliant.

What’s Missing? The Emptiness of the World’s Masculinity

While Peterson, Rogan, and Tate tap into real frustrations and longings, their visions of manhood are ultimately hollow. They offer a veneer of strength but lack the substance of true, lasting purpose. Their solutions are rooted in self-assertion, individualism, and, at times, a thinly veiled contempt for humility, kindness, and self-sacrifice.

• Peterson’s call to “reclaim masculinity” often leads men to rigid molds that stifle emotional growth and foster alienation—even from themselves.
• Rogan’s celebration of toughness and independence, while appealing, can drift into a caricature of manhood that leaves little room for vulnerability, service, or spiritual depth.
• Tate’s brand of masculinity is all style and little substance—a flashy promise of power and pleasure that, in reality, feeds the ego but starves the soul.

God’s Vision: Biblical Masculinity

God’s call to men is radically different. From the very beginning, God gave Adam a mandate:

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” —Genesis 2:15, ESV

This is the masculine mandate: to cultivate and protect—to build up, nurture, and guard what God has entrusted to us. Biblical manhood is not about self-glorification, but about self-giving service. It is not about dominating others, but about leading with humility, courage, and sacrificial love.

Rejecting Passivity

Adam’s failure was not that he acted, but that he stood by in silence, abdicating his God-given responsibility (Genesis 3:6). True manhood rejects passivity.

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” —1 Corinthians 16:13-14, ESV

Accepting Responsibility

God calls men to bear the weight of responsibility in every sphere—home, church, and society.

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” —1 Timothy 5:8, ESV[12]

Leading Courageously

Biblical leadership is servant leadership. Jesus, the perfect man, led by laying down His life for others (Ephesians 5:25). He washed His disciples’ feet, defended the vulnerable, and confronted injustice—not with violence, but with truth and grace.

Practicing Discipline

Discipline is not about earning status, but about reflecting our identity as sons of God.

“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” —Hebrews 12:6, ESV

Strength for Service

Strength is not for self-indulgence or domination, but for bearing burdens and protecting the weak.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9, ESV

The Contrast: God’s Reward vs. the World’s

Peterson, Rogan, and Tate promise rewards—respect, status, pleasure, even a sense of belonging. But these rewards are fleeting. God offers something far greater:

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” —Galatians 6:9, ESV

The world’s vision of manhood is ultimately self-centered and empty. God’s vision is Christ-centered and life-giving. Jesus is the perfect model of manhood—strong, yet gentle; courageous, yet humble; a leader who serves, a warrior who sacrifices, a brother who loves[8].

Brothers, Choose the Better Way

The world is desperate for men who will reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously, and expect God’s reward—not the world’s applause. Men, you were made for more than self-assertion and fleeting pleasure. You were made to reflect the glory of Christ, to serve, to protect, to build up, and to lay down your life for others.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —Mark 10:45, ESV

Reject the hollow promises of modern manhood. Embrace the high calling of biblical masculinity. Stand firm, act like men, and let all that you do be done in love—for the King, for His kingdom, and for the flourishing of all entrusted to your care.