Christian Agency in a Modern World: Lessons from a Bear Encounter

In a culture increasingly critical of traditional masculinity, the concept of Christian agency—the God-given responsibility of men to act decisively and protectively—has become a topic of vital importance. A recent episode of the Hardman Podcast, featuring guest Marty Combs, brought this issue into sharp focus through a remarkable story: Marty’s encounter with a black bear that invaded his home in Boulder, Colorado. This blog post explores the themes of Christian agency, preparedness, and rejecting passivity, drawing from Marty’s experience and the broader discussion on the podcast Source: Hardman Podcast, YouTube.

The Bear in the Kitchen: A Test of Agency

Marty Combs, a husband, father of six, and elder at The Well Church in Boulder, gained attention after a video went viral showing him confronting and killing a black bear that had broken into his kitchen. The incident began with a “bump in the night” that woke his wife, prompting Marty to grab his AR-15 pistol and investigate. Expecting nothing serious, he was shocked to find a bear rummaging through his trash. When the bear charged, Marty fired seven rounds, neutralizing the threat and protecting his family.

This story is more than just an adrenaline-pumping anecdote; it’s a powerful illustration of Christian agency. As Marty put it, “I was just very thankful that God gave me the tools and the ability to protect my home.” His ability to act calmly and effectively under pressure stemmed from years of preparation, including regular shooting practice and a mindset shaped by responsibility for his family’s safety.

Christian Agency: Rejecting the “Nice Boy” Mentality

The podcast discussion highlighted a troubling trend in modern Christianity: the expectation that men should be passive, compliant, and non-confrontational. Marty described growing up in what he calls “nice boy Christianity,” where upsetting the status quo was seen as sinful, and male energy was confined to safe outlets like sports. This mindset, often reinforced by misinterpretations of scriptures like “turn the other cheek,” can leave men unprepared to act decisively when faced with real threats—whether physical, cultural, or spiritual.

Marty’s journey away from this ideology was shaped by key experiences, including surviving natural disasters like Superstorm Sandy and the 2013 Boulder floods. These events underscored the fragility of societal stability and the need for men to be ready to protect and provide. He also cited theological influences, such as reading about David’s mighty men and Phineas in the Old Testament, which revealed a biblical model of masculinity that embraces strength and action.

Preparedness: Tools, Training, and Mindset

Marty’s encounter with the bear wasn’t a fluke; it was the result of intentional preparation. He emphasized the importance of training with firearms, particularly the AR-15, which he considers the best tool for home defense due to its accuracy, low recoil, and high capacity. His regular practice—ranging from “bear drills” (rapid, close-range shooting) to long-range precision—ensured he could act effectively when the moment came.

Beyond firearms, Marty’s commitment to physical fitness, rooted in his background as a college baseball player, also played a role. He noted that strength deters threats passively, signaling capability without needing to act. This holistic approach to preparedness—mental, physical, and spiritual—reflects a broader understanding of agency as a man’s duty to be ready for any challenge.

Pushback and the Cost of Agency

Exercising Christian agency often comes with pushback, both from within the church and from the broader culture. Marty shared how his church faced community backlash for its stance on biblical sexuality, even being evicted from a rented building. Similarly, men who reject passivity may encounter resistance from those accustomed to Christians as “doormats.” Within the home, Marty noted a common issue: wives who, influenced by cultural narratives, may resist their husbands’ efforts to embrace protective roles, such as owning or using firearms.

This resistance often stems from a deeper issue: disordered households where egalitarian or feminized dynamics undermine male leadership. Marty’s advice? Men must take responsibility for their “department” of family security, respectfully asserting their role without seeking permission from those who oppose it. As he put it, “Don’t let your wife kneecap your agency.”

A Call to Action

The Hardman Podcast episode with Marty Combs is a clarion call for Christian men to reclaim their God-given agency. Whether facing a bear in the kitchen or cultural pressures to conform, men are called to act with courage, competence, and conviction. This means preparing practically—through training, fitness, and community—and theologically, by grounding their actions in the whole counsel of Scripture.

Marty’s story reminds us that safety is not guaranteed, and passivity is not a virtue. As he reflected, “It’s hard to leave safety… but you have to take the whole Bible, not just the parts that make you feel comfortable.” For Christian men, the path forward involves embracing responsibility, rejecting the “nice boy” mentality, and cultivating the tools and mindset to protect and lead.

To hear more about Marty’s bear encounter, his home defense setup, and practical tips for cultivating agency, check out the full episode of the Hardman Podcast Source: Hardman Podcast, YouTube and the exclusive after-hours content on their Patreon.

Understanding and Managing Insulin Resistance: 15 Evidence-Based Strategies

Insulin resistance is a metabolic condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, impairing glucose uptake and leading to symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and joint pain. This article outlines 15 evidence-based strategies to manage and potentially reverse insulin resistance, focusing on practical, science-backed approaches.

1. Address Inflammation as the Root Cause

Insulin resistance is primarily an inflammatory condition. Chronic inflammation disrupts insulin signaling, hindering the body’s ability to process carbohydrates. Reducing inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes is critical for improving insulin sensitivity.

2. Use Carnosine to Combat Glycation

Carnosine, a compound found in certain foods, inhibits advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation. Supplementing with 4–6 grams of carnosine daily may reduce symptoms like brain fog and joint pain by addressing glycation.

3. Focus on Muscle Health

Insulin resistance often originates in skeletal muscles, which serve as a metabolic signaling organ. Resistance training creates a feedback loop that enhances insulin sensitivity. Incorporating strength exercises, rather than relying solely on cardio, is essential for addressing this condition.

4. Correct Nutrient Deficiencies

Deficiencies in key nutrients, such as calcium, can exacerbate insulin resistance. Consuming nutrient-dense foods like aged cheeses or heavy cream (in moderation) provides calcium and beneficial compounds like conjugated linoleic acid, which may improve insulin sensitivity and appetite regulation.

5. Time Fats and Carbohydrates Strategically

Combining high amounts of fats (particularly trans or saturated fats) with carbohydrates can overload mitochondria, worsening insulin resistance. Separating fats and carbs in meals, avoiding high-sugar, high-fat combinations, helps prevent mitochondrial dysfunction.

6. Stimulate GLP-1 with Specific Foods

Foods like allulose promote the release of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates glucose and appetite. GLP-1 agonists were initially developed for glucose control, not appetite suppression. Including allulose, high-protein foods, and soluble fiber in the diet can enhance insulin dynamics.

7. Support the Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in glucose metabolism by producing short-chain fatty acids. A healthy microbiome supports insulin sensitivity. High-quality probiotics, such as those with advanced delivery systems, can improve gut health and glucose control.

8. Leverage the Second Meal Effect

The glycemic impact of a meal influences subsequent meals. A high-glycemic meal can elevate glucose responses later in the day. Starting the day with low-glycemic, high-protein, high-fiber meals can reduce glucose spikes by 30–40% for subsequent meals.

9. Address Visceral Fat and Fatty Liver

Insulin resistance, fatty liver, and visceral fat are interconnected, each driving inflammation. Strategies like time-restricted feeding, fermented foods, and high-intensity interval training (e.g., sprints) can reduce visceral fat and improve insulin sensitivity, while long-duration cardio may add stress.

10. Optimize Magnesium Levels

Magnesium supports insulin receptor function by aiding autophosphorylation. Deficiency can impair glucose control. Supplementing with magnesium or consuming magnesium-rich foods enhances insulin sensitivity, improving carbohydrate metabolism.

11. Embrace Time-Restricted Feeding

Time-restricted feeding or intermittent fasting can improve insulin sensitivity in as little as 4–5 days. These approaches allow the pancreas to rest, resetting glucose regulation independent of calorie restriction.

12. Prioritize Sleep

Poor sleep can worsen insulin resistance by 20–40% the following day. To improve sleep quality, consider supplements like magnesium (200–400 mg), glycine (3–5 g) to promote relaxation, or saffron extract (20–30 mg) to boost serotonin and calmness.

13. Explore Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy enhances mitochondrial function by stimulating cytochrome c oxidase, improving energy production. It also aids glucose uptake by supporting GLUT4 translocation, making it a valuable tool for managing insulin resistance.

14. Consider Methylene Blue

Methylene blue acts as an electron carrier, supporting mitochondrial function in metabolically impaired cells. By facilitating energy production, it may help “jumpstart” mitochondria, improving fuel utilization and insulin sensitivity.

15. Train the Body to Handle Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are often a symptom, not the cause, of insulin resistance. Prolonged carbohydrate avoidance can reduce the body’s ability to process them, perpetuating insulin resistance. Gradually reintroducing carbs can train the body to handle them efficiently, reducing symptoms during occasional consumption.

Conclusion

Managing insulin resistance requires a multifaceted approach targeting inflammation, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle. These 15 strategies offer practical, evidence-based ways to improve insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health. By implementing these changes, individuals can take control of their glucose regulation and enhance their well-being.