Toxic Behavior Versus Toxic Masculinity

New Book by Tim Clinton, ‘Take It Back,’ Explains That ‘Men Can Change by the Power of God’

LYNCHBURG, VA.— No doubt, men’s behavior can be toxic, or sinful if you want to put it another way. Society’s answer to this dilemma has been to label masculinity as toxic and to emasculate and feminize men. Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, said that he is raising his children, including his two sons, as feminists “to change our culture of sexism.”

In their new book, “Take It Back: Reclaiming Biblical Masculinity – The Heart and Strength of Being a Man,” Dr. Tim Clinton and Max Davis write that while this is the world’s solution, it is not working. “Instead it’s destroying men. While much of the behavior of many (not all) men is toxic, their masculinity is not. Men can change—and are changing—by the power of God. And that starts by dealing with our sin problem.

“Make no mistake about it—there is a culture of sexism and toxic behavior, even in the church. Women have been experiencing hurtful behavior by men for years. If you feel a sense of injustice to women, that’s the Spirit of God rising up in you. Jesus treated women with dignity and respect. The Word of God commands it. The good news is, men, you have a choice. You do not have to be ruled by toxic behavior, which is sin. Your masculinity is not sinful; it is good. Embrace it. The strength that can be used to mistreat women is the same strength and power that can be used to protect them, stand up for them (when you see wrongdoing by other males), and cherish them.

“Harness your masculinity for good. Strength under control is a strength that can be used for good. [Remember] that negative labels and statistics do not have to define what a man is or what a man can become—even if he has messed up or has exhibited toxic behavior.”

In “Take It Back,” Clinton, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), challenges readers to reject the culture’s redefinition and seek biblical examples of true manhood. Fast-paced, filled with relevant, biblical stories of godly men like David and Nehemiah, and contemporary stories of godly men like George Foreman and Tim Tebow, “Take It Back” empowers men to be who God created them to be and to impact the culture that is in desperate need of their influence. Study and discussion questions at the end of each chapter make “Take It Back” a perfect resource for men’s Bible studies and small groups.

Dr. Tim Clinton, EdD, LPC, LMFT, is president of AACC, the largest and most diverse Christian counseling association in the world. Dr. Clinton also serves as co-host of “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk,” heard on nearly 1400 radio outlets daily. Licensed as a Professional Counselor and as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Dr. Clinton is recognized as a world leader in mental health and relationship issues and spends much of his time working with Christian leaders and professional athletes. He has authored or edited nearly 30 books. Dr. Clinton and his wife, Julie, have two children, and a granddaughter.

Max Davis is the author of over 30 books that have been featured in USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, Bible Gateway, and on The Today Show and The 700 Club. He holds degrees in journalism and biblical studies. In addition to his own works, he’s done a variety of collaboration projects with highly notable leaders.

“Take It Back” was released on April 6, by Charisma House, which publishes books that challenge, encourage, teach and equip Christians.

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To book Tim Clinton for interviews or to request a review copy of “Take It Back,” contact Media@HamiltonStrategies.comJeff Tolson, 610.584.1096, ext. 108, or Deborah Hamilton, ext. 102.