In a suburban CrossFit gym in Texas, James Henderson, a former Marine and now youth pastor, guides a group of young men through more than just a workout. “What we’re building here is character,” he says, wiping sweat from his brow. “Physical strength is just the beginning. These men are learning discipline, perseverance, and what it means to protect and provide.”

Henderson represents a growing movement of traditionalist men working to restore what they see as essential masculine virtues in an increasingly rootless society. Recent data suggests their concerns may have merit. A 2023 Pew Research study shows male church attendance has dropped 34% since 1990, while the American Psychological Association reports that 40% of young men feel “disconnected from traditional male roles.”
“We’re seeing the results of a decades-long shift away from traditional values,” explains Dr. Robert Malcolm, author of “The Masculine Spirit: Restoration in an Age of Chaos.” “When society began dismissing natural differences between men and women, it didn’t create equality – it created confusion.”
The statistics paint a sobering picture. Since 1960, the percentage of children growing up in father-absent homes has quadrupled. The Department of Labor reports male workforce participation at historic lows, while college enrollment among men has dropped to just 40% of undergraduate populations.
But beneath these numbers lies a deeper cultural transformation. The traditional masculine virtues – strength, courage, protection, leadership, and sacrifice – once celebrated, are now often viewed with suspicion. “We’ve forgotten that these traits, properly channeled, built civilizations,” says Malcolm. “A society without strong men isn’t progressive; it’s vulnerable.”

At First Baptist Church in Memphis, Pastor William Carter runs a mentorship program teaching biblical masculinity. “Christ wasn’t weak,” he asserts. “He was a carpenter, a leader who spoke truth to power, who protected the innocent and sacrificed everything for what he believed in. That’s our model.”
The program pairs young men with older mentors who teach practical skills alongside spiritual guidance. “We hunt, we build, we serve our community,” Carter explains. “These activities connect men to timeless traditions while building the confidence to lead their future families.”
This focus on family is crucial. Research from the Heritage Foundation indicates children from father-present homes show significantly better outcomes in education, emotional stability, and future relationship success. Yet marriage rates continue declining, with many young men expressing uncertainty about their role in family formation.
“The feminist movement, while achieving important legal equality, inadvertently contributed to this crisis,” suggests Dr. Sarah Richardson, a family studies researcher. “In rightfully rejecting toxic masculinity, our culture began treating all masculine traits with suspicion. We threw out the warrior with the warmonger.”
But a new generation of men is pushing back against this trend. Groups like Henderson’s combine physical training with spiritual development and community service. “We’re not trying to turn back the clock,” he explains. “We’re showing that traditional masculine virtues – properly understood – are timeless and essential.”

These modern warriors train not just their bodies but their minds and spirits. They study philosophy, theology, and history. They mentor younger men and serve their communities. Most importantly, they’re rediscovering what Henderson calls “the sacred duty of masculinity.”
“A strong man isn’t a threat to society,” he concludes, watching his students master a challenging lift. “He’s its protector. When men embrace their natural role as defenders and builders of civilization, everyone benefits. That’s not toxic – that’s essential.”
In an age of uncertainty, these new warriors might be pointing the way forward – not to the past, but to timeless truths about manhood, service, and sacrifice. As the sun sets over the Texas gym, Henderson’s students gather for a closing prayer. Tomorrow, they’ll return to their roles as fathers, husbands, and community leaders – modern warriors carrying ancient virtues into an uncertain future.