Fathering, Faith, and Spirituality

Keywords

fatherhood, children, family, religion

Abstract

Many current social and cultural forces discourage father involvement with children. An important, but usually overlooked, positive influence on men and fathering is religion. This article presents some of the findings of the scant social science literature on fathering and religion; discusses the ways that religion encourages and supports responsible, involved fathering; touches on some of the similarities between the men's movement and religion; and addresses some of the concerns expressed about religion and fathering, including possible negative effects of religion, different forms of spirituality, and religion and gender roles. I argue that future scholarship and practice may well show that religion (i.e., a covenant faith community with teachings and narratives that enhance spirituality and encourage morality) is the most powerful, meaningful, and sustained influence for encouraging men to be fully involved in children's lives.

Original Publication Citation

Dollahite, D. C. (Guest Editor). (1998). Special Issue of Journal of Men’s Studies on “Fathering, Faith, and Spirituality.” Volume 7(1), [164 pp.].

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

1998-10-01

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7789

Publisher

The Journal of Men's Studies

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS