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As we approach Father’s Day, let us draw our attention to fathers. Australia is now suffering a crisis of fatherlessness. One in four children are growing up without their father at home.
This means that those children are three times more likely to engage in criminal activity than those who have dads at home. Those children are more likely to engage in sexual activity earlier, are less likely to go on to higher education are more likely to have emotional and behavioural problems, more likely to struggle academically, are twice as likely to commit suicide, and much more likely to commit violence.
Almost any social good that can be named is dependent on fathers who commit to their families and is at risk when they don’t. This does not mean that a faithful father at home guarantees success for children. Many people squander the amazing inheritance with which they are blessed. What is true in the general in not necessary so in the particular.
At the same time, statistics do predict the future of societies. Though fatherlessness is correlated with almost every major cultural crisis of the 21st century, the importance of fathers remains consistently underestimated and is even undermined.
So-called “same-sex marriage” and adoption by same-sex couples suggest that either mothers or fathers really aren’t that important when it comes to raising children. Legalized abortion has effectively catechised generations of men into believing they are not obligated to take responsibility for children that result from their sexual activity and catechised generations of women into believing they’ve no right to expect that commitment from men. According to the Guttmacher Institute, nearly half of all women who seek abortions do so because they’ve been abandoned by their baby’s father.
The Institute for Family Studies, continues to research and report the statistical importance of fathers. Just as God designed procreation to require one man and one woman, He meant for that man and that woman to raise their children. Fathers love, teach, provide for, and nurture both sons and daughters in ways mothers can’t. The same goes for mothers.
We also know the importance of fathers because God has revealed Himself as a Father. This striking designation should cause every earthly father to tremble. We have an awesome responsibility.
Every person ever created knows in their bones the irreplaceable importance of fathers, either because of the comfort, steadiness, and love we received from an attentive father, or because of the pain of his absence. Committed fathers are essential ingredients for healthy children, healthy families, and healthy societies.
Showing up, sticking around, and discipling and loving children as only a father can, is a powerful witness to the beautiful design and the steadfast love of our own heavenly Father. Every child needs and deserves one. Let’s encourage fathers to do this important job this Father’s Day and into the future.
Peter Downie
National Director