Number 4: Father Figure
“The absence of a father in the home or lack of strong participation in the family.”
The dissolution of the nuclear family has occurred for a number of reasons. The rise in frequency of divorce, and the recent increase in alternative family structures has left many children, some from the time of birth, deprived of a male role model.
Besides Biblical norms or traditional values, there are significant repercussions. These include developmental issues such as a lack of self-control and can be an indicator of likelihood to abuse drugs.
The number 4 topic facing today’s family, as expressed by individuals from a range of backgrounds, is the lack of a “Father Figure.”
Comments from survey participants
If the fathers in our families do not take the spiritual leadership how will our children learn to follow God, their heavenly father’s, leadership?
Ranita K.
Woodward, OK
The father plays a most important role in the stability of the family, and when he is missing (from divorce, etc.), the family structure is unbalanced and void of the male figure God intended to lead and grow the family. Children are growing up with trust issues, along with bitterness toward the male role from the feeling of abandonment.
Pam N.
Brooks, GA
A large percentage of families do not have a father living at home (for many reasons). This negatively impacts all involved.
Gary M.
Brentwood, TN
