724: The Problem with Pagan Masculinity with Zach Wagner

The Holy Post podcast confronts a growing crisis in Christian masculinity, arguing that a reactionary backlash against feminism has led to a dangerous fusion of pagan ideals with Christian identity. Host Phil Vischer and guest Zach Wagner dissect how the 'manosphere'—from online influencers to political movements—has weaponized grievance, replacing biblical virtue with a hyper-masculine, might-makes-right ethos reminiscent of Roman gladiatorial culture. Wagner's book, *Men of Virtue*, challenges this narrative by recentering Christian masculinity on the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—not strength, dominance, or violence. The episode reveals how this re-paganized masculinity, exemplified by the planned UFC fight on the White House lawn, contradicts the crucified Christ who embodies sacrificial, non-violent power. The hosts argue that both extreme feminism and masculinism distort God’s design by unmooring power from love, while true Christian virtue requires men and women to steward their embodied differences—not to dominate or erase them—but to serve one another in mutual flourishing.