The Ideal Father: Religious Narratives and the Role of Fatherhood

Abstract

Central to any discussion of a new fatherhood is the declaration of the “ideal father.” Authors have emphasized the importance of cultural narratives in shaping a response to this issue. The Christian men's movement has raised its own model informed by religious values and language. This article describes three perspectives that are needed in evaluating the role of religious values in shaping a fatherhood ideal. Identity theory provides a means for identifying value systems intrinsic to a personal expression of fatherhood. Psychological theories of religious imagery are used to illustrate religious beliefs' influence on role identity. Religious narratives provide an essential lens for evaluating the ways that religious values shape an ideal fatherhood. Social discourse theory is used to examine a religiously informed fatherhood. These perspectives are necessary in advancing an understanding of the role religious values play in a social construction of ideal fatherhood.

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