Can we discuss... MGTOW?

Hi All,
This thread is inspired partly by SeoulSearch's recent threads (kudos!) and partly by some YouTube videos I've seen. I would like some feedback on a present cultural phenomenon.

I happened to watch a couple of videos on feminism and anti-feminism which led me to the idea of “MGTOW” - Men Going Their Own Way. I am NOT avowing MGTOW (some of these men are very cynical!); I just would like to discuss it.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, allow me to summarize and generalize: MGTOW men are disgusted by the (perceived) gynocentric legal and cultural systems which make men the victim/slave providers for women who take what they want in relationships and leave the men holding the bill, in some cases for life (permanent alimony after 10 years of marriage in some states, 20 in Canada). So many men are tired of being manipulated by women, verbally or even physically abused, and liberated of their assets (and even their children) in divorce courts, with little legal protection and much cultural shaming, that they are simply choosing to avoid marriage, and even long-term relationships, completely. Hence, “going their own way”. They aren't turning to other men, but they are turning away from the idea of marriage. Their numbers are growing rapidly; at least one such person has frequented this forum.

I have been pondering this for a few months, wondering how Scripture applies to this movement. The answer came in this morning's sermon: Matthew 24:12 “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”

So, here are a bunch of biblically-aware Christian singles, some of whom are looking for connections. What a perfect group from which to invite feedback on this subject. So let me invite you all to respond to these questions:

• Do you know any MGTOW men (or women who are pro-men's rights)? Have they discussed their views?
• How do you interpret their views?
• Even if you would not choose their practice, do you “get” where they are coming from?
• What is a reasonable Christian response to MGTOW? To extreme feminism?
• For the gals especially, how do (might) you assure your man that you wouldn't treat him “that” way if things were to go badly in your relationship?

Any related thoughts or questions are welcome. Thanks!

About the guy having to pay child support for a child that isn't his... why didn't he have a paternity test? That's crazy!

Texas has very fair laws for divorce. Alimony is non-existent except perhaps in very extreme circumstances, and all debts and assets accrued during the marriage are divided 50/50 among both parties. (Whatever was owned before the marriage stays with it's original owner.) It's pretty clear-cut and very fair for men.

Co-parenting is quite common now too, with many men co-raising or completely raising their children after divorce. This is a huge improvement for men over 20 or even 10 years ago.

In my case, it is very obvious the child is not mine as it is a completely different ethnicity. Hows that for awkward?

I'm very curious how you got stuck with the bill, if you don't mind sharing... did you have a lawyer? Did the judge realize that the child wasn't yours? I'm just baffled here.

She was on my insurance. Theres a lot more to the whole thing but I start seeing red when I reflect on it. LOL

Hi Dino, thanks for the nod!

I agree with much of what has been said here so I don't want to repeat the great points that have already been made. I am definitely for fair treatment of both genders and I often think about the fact that now days many men have been raised in households with mothers who blamed them for what another man did in the past.

I personally see movements like this as "maninism" (the male answer to feminism), but here's a question I never see answered:

If Christian men subscribe to this lifestyle, it means they never plan on marrying. How then, do they cope with thought of never experiencing sexual expression, AT ALL, for the rest of their lives?

I'm always curious about this because there have been a few males here who've said they'd never marry because of how unfair society is to men in the court systems. I understand this line of thinking. But I also always wonder if they've thought about the fact that this also means as a Christian, they will go through a lifetime of never having sex?

I'm not saying it's not possible or that men haven't thought of this--I'm just curious as to what their conclusion is, especially when we have so many "I'm Trying to Break Away from Porn" threads in the forums.

And of course, I am NOT, in any way, shape, or form, advocating the thought of marrying for the sake of sex, but with so much emphasis in our culture being placed on how important sexuality is to men, is the Christian man perfectly ok with the thought of lifelong celibacy in order to avoid marriage?

I'm also not saying that women are somehow exempt. But since this thread is about men, I felt it was important to ask, because if one wants to adhere to this lifestyle, dealing with this issue is unavoidable.

Ohhhh man!! I'm all over this one!! The guys who's wife cheated and had a kid before the divorce was final.... That's me! Minus the gunfire. LOL I'm not sure where to even begin. Well, actually, I wont get into that mess. But anywho, as a result you have already read a rather jaded and cynical post from me on another thread. Simply put, I have now chosen to remain single for the rest of my life. In my time alone I have realized that I am not emotionally co-dependent and can certainly do without a female companion. I'll hang out with one on a friend only basis but I am quite content not having anyone around. Only when you have tasted the splendor of sleeping diagonal across a queen sized bed do you respect being single. Im 33 years old. I am not in the business of interviewing perspective partners and possibly having to adjust anything about me they may or may not like. Its just good business!

And I certainly will not go through a mess like a have already gone through again. Men go their own way??? Absolutely!!

It seems the world tends to blame and complain. My advice is to slow down in life and know God's word for us correctly.

I'm not trying to sound rude or sound like I'm talking about believers on this thread, but I just do t understand how people expect justice and fairness when they reject the only one who can give it to them.