BAD DADS OF THE BIBLE

Roland C. Warren

Zondervan, Grand Rapids MI, 2013

This book is badly needed in the church. Fatherhood has been one of the most neglected areas in most churches. Warren opens up with some facts that every Pastor needs to know. The importance of Fathers being active in their faith and churches are vital in being good dads. Studies show that Fathers active in their faith and churches greatly increases the chances that their children will remain in the church.

However, there are no perfect dads. This book reminds us clearly of that fact. Warren looks at the problems of fatherhood by giving clear examples of Dads from the Bible that had common problems experienced by families today. This includes such problems as favoritism, being paralyzed by our past, not dealing with sibling rivalry, putting down your children, doing things that destroy, discipline of children and other common problems. He looks at Bible dads that where both well-known (David, Abraham, Lot, etc) as well as mostly unknown ones (Laban, Eli, Manoah, etc).

Positively, this book shows that these problems do not have to paralyze any father. These problems can be overturned. You can move beyond your failures, and improve your relationships with your family. He gives six things a dad can do to become a better father and man. Good fathers are not perfect, but they are affirmative, physically present, being available, involved emotionally and spiritually, love and pursue the prodigal, and reach out to the fatherless.

However, I must admit I am not a father, but this book spoke to me. Every man needs to read this book. It is as much about manhood as it is about fatherhood. It is edifying and uplifting. This would make an ideal book to use in a men's group, Sunday school class, or a preaching series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through theBookbloger.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: