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 Combmes, 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 Combmes, 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 Combmes 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.
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