There’s no denying it: modern men are hungry for purpose, direction, and strength. We live in a world where masculinity is questioned, redefined, and often outright attacked. And into that vacuum step certain loud, opinionated, often conservative, and highly influential voices. Guys like Jocko Willink, Andrew Tate, and Jordan Peterson have all gained massive followings—many of those followers being Christian men. I get it. I’ve listened to them too. I’ve nodded along to some of what they say. But we’ve got to be careful here. We’ve got to think biblically.
Let’s take a look at these figures and what they offer, and then let’s compare it with what God says about being a man.
The Appeal of the Secular Masculinity Influencers
Jocko Willink: Discipline and Ownership
Jocko Willink is a former Navy SEAL who’s built an empire around the phrase “Discipline Equals Freedom.” He’s tough. He’s focused. He teaches men to own their mistakes, to lead from the front, and to do hard things when no one is watching. In a soft culture, that kind of grit resonates.
And as someone who has practiced a hard-hitting fitness lifestyle, I admit that his advice has nuggets of golden wisdom that will get you turbocharged into being fit physically as well as sharp mentally.
Christian men hear Jocko and think, “Yes. That’s what I’m missing. I need to get my act together.” And they’re not wrong to want more discipline. Jocko pushes men toward personal responsibility and away from victimhood. That’s a good thing. But is it enough?
Andrew Tate: Confidence and Conquest
Andrew Tate is more controversial. He’s flashy, aggressive, and brash. His message is part masculinity, part materialism, and part shock value. He appeals to men who feel lost or emasculated by the culture. He talks about strength, power, status, and how to “never let a woman control you.”
Some young Christian guys find Tate appealing because he stands up to cancel culture and promotes male dominance in a world that often celebrates passivity in men. But let’s be honest: there’s much poison in the well. His take on women, relationships, and value is deeply flawed and often degrading. He gives a certain kind of man exactly what his sinful flesh wants to hear.
Jordan Peterson: Meaning and Order
Peterson brings a very different tone. He’s intellectual, calm, and deeply analytical. He talks about responsibility, order, meaning, and hierarchy. He encourages young men to clean their room, take responsibility, speak truth, and resist chaos. In a world addicted to nihilism and victimhood, Peterson’s message hits like a breath of fresh air.
And to his credit, he quotes the Bible more than many pastors do. He defends traditional values and often praises the moral framework that Scripture provides. But while he gives some brilliant cultural and psychological insights, he does so without submitting to the authority of Christ. He uses the Bible but has not yet submitted to the God of the Bible.
Ben Shapiro: Logic and Conservatism
Ben is a sharp debater and clear thinker. He stands up for traditional values, personal responsibility, and conservative political principles. He exposes the inconsistencies of progressive ideology and defends the importance of family, hard work, and discipline.
And let’s face it, there are very few people on planet earth who can debate against liberal ideology as comprehensively and as superbly as Shapiro.
Shapiro’s logic, especially when it aligns with biblical morals, can sound very Christian. But let’s not confuse similarity with lordship. Ben is not coming from a place of Gospel-centered transformation—he’s coming from cultural conservatism and a Jewish worldview. Helpful? Sure. But foundational? Not even close.
Joe Rogan: Curiosity and Counter-Culture
Rogan is kind of the everyman. He’s curious, tough, and doesn’t trust the establishment. He’s open to a lot—physical fitness, a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, philosophy, hunting, ancient history, you name it. And a lot of men appreciate his no-nonsense, anti-censorship approach. And he lets people speak their mind on his podcast.
What draws men to Rogan is the mix of masculine energy, freedom, and challenge to mainstream thought. But at the end of the day, Rogan offers no foundation, no truth, no Savior. It’s just one man’s search for meaning in a sea of opinions.
Where They All Fall Short
Here’s the thing: every one of these men says something helpful. They hit on real issues. They’re bold. They challenge men. They reject the passive, weak, domesticated male stereotype the world often promotes. But if you follow them as your primary guides, you’ll eventually find yourself in a ditch.
Why? Because none of them are rooted in the Gospel. Let’s face it; none of them are Christians or practice Christianity. Tate is a Muslim, Shapiro is a Jew, and the other three are non-religious (not even Peterson, despite his admitting the “usefulness” of God and the Bible).
And none of them can speak to your deepest problem: your sin. None of them can change your heart or promise you eternal life. They can teach you how to be tougher, louder, richer, or more respected by other men—but not how to be more like Jesus.
Paul warned the Colossians about worldly wisdom that “has an appearance of wisdom… but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence” (Colossians 2:23). That’s what a lot of these guys offer. Wisdom that sounds right, feels empowering, but can’t transform your soul.
The modern man doesn’t just need a coach. He needs a Savior. He needs a Shepherd.
What the Bible Actually Says About Being a Man
The Bible doesn’t give us a ten-step program for masculinity. It gives us something far better—it gives us a person to follow: Jesus Christ.
A Real Man Fears the Lord
Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Masculinity starts with humility before God. A man who doesn’t submit to the authority of the Creator is building his house on sand, no matter how strong or successful he looks.
A Real Man Takes Responsibility
Adam failed to speak up and protect his wife in the garden. That failure led to devastation. But Jesus, the second Adam, took full responsibility—bearing the weight of sin He didn’t commit to save the ones He loved.
Godly masculinity means owning your role. Leading with love. Taking initiative even when it costs you.
A Real Man Serves and Sacrifices
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). That flips the script. Real strength is shown in sacrificial love. A godly man lays down his life—for his wife, his kids, his brothers, his church.
A Real Man Fights Sin and Walks in Holiness
The men in our culture fight for status. God calls men to fight their sin. Romans 8:13 proclaims, “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
Masculinity isn’t measured by muscle mass or dollar signs. It’s seen in quiet faithfulness, in resisting temptation, in raising godly children, and in staying committed when things are hard.
A Real Man Honors Women
The world teaches men to chase women, use them, and control them. Scripture teaches us to honor them. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). That’s not domination. That’s devotion.
Paul told Timothy to treat “younger women as sisters, with all purity” (1 Timothy 5:2). A man of God doesn’t manipulate or exploit—he protects and blesses.
Final Thoughts: Who Are You Really Following?
I’m not saying you can’t learn something from Jocko or Jordan or even Tate (with a heavy filter). But we’ve got to be careful where we’re getting our definitions. There’s only one standard for what it means to be a man who pleases God. And it’s not cultural. It’s biblical.
Don’t follow loud men. Follow the risen Lord.
I want to be clear—this isn’t a call to be passive, weak, or silent. We need courage. We need truth. We need toughness. And we as men need to strive be leaders once again.
But it has to be Spirit-powered, Gospel-fueled, and Word-driven. Otherwise, we’re just building a stronger version of our old worldly self. That’s not transformation. That’s polishing the chains.
Jesus doesn’t just want to make you a better man. He wants to make you a new one.
So yes, train hard. Take responsibility. Think deeply. Speak truth. But do it all from a place of surrender to Christ. Let the Word be your guide. Let the cross be your standard. Let the Spirit be your strength.
Because in the end, only one Man is worthy of your full allegiance. And His name is Jesus.
Want to Learn More About Authentic Biblical Manhood?
For a comprehensive men’s ministry book that tackles a wide range of crucial topics, consider my book “Warrior Disciple.” Ideal for church or men’s group studies, this guide covers this and many more heavy-duty topics on becoming fierce followers of Jesus Christ and provides practical advice for being strong and godly leaders in your homes.
Purchase your copy at http://www.warriordisciple.org, and rally your friends, study the book together, and pursue a wholehearted commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.
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