Is it the person who contributes a child's paternal genes? Or the man who takes responsibility for a child's upbringing, whether biologically related to him or not?
Fatherhood takes a beating
The question about what a father is seems bizarre, but with fertility technology thrown into the mix of broken homes, single parenting, and "alternative" families, it's increasingly become a topic for discussion. Some wonder if fathers are still necessary.
Many men take the role of fatherhood seriously, understanding its importance to the nurturance of a child. Others fail miserably, even to the extent of abandoning their children. A third group seems confused about what place they should occupy in a child's life.
Men and abortion
This confusion is most apparent because abortion is an option. Ambivalent men who want to respond with what passes for sensitivity, support their pregnant partners in "whatever decision they make." They agree to an abortion while secretly wishing to be fathers.
Men who have already abandoned their children in their hearts are grateful for "freedom of choice." They may passively or agressively coerce women to abort. Abortion clinics are full of moms who love such men and feel they have no choice.
Some fathers are devastated when women abort their babies, with or without their consent. They may experience "post-abortion trauma" similar to what many women experience and need to come to grips with the terms of God's forgiveness as described in His Word. Pregnancy care centers are beginning to offer men the counseling and support they need, too.
Wanted: Godly men
Since unborn human life is valuable, and since dads are equal partners with moms in the genetic makeup of their children, men are an important component in the pro-life movement. It's not just a "woman's issue."
What can men do for the pro-life cause? They can use their abilities in countless ways, including:
More than that, they can treasure children and stay married to their mothers -- becoming examples to others of purity and faithfulness by patterning their lives after their Heavenly Father. What is He like?
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He is faithful, keeping His word - Hebrews 10:23
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He is pure and holy, never violating His own standards - 1 Peter 1:15-16
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His love is unconditional and sacrificial - Romans 5:8, 1 John 3:1
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He protects the small and weak - Psalm 68:5, Matthew 18:14
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He provides for those who depend on Him - Matthew 7:11
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He disciplines His children - Proverbs 3:12, Hebrews 12:7
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE RELATED LINKS:
Guys for Life
For Those Who Have Already Aborted
Will God Forgive if I Have an Abortion?
Does God Care about Problem Pregnancies?
Why Do We Celebrate Life?
Treating Life with Care
How Can We Prevent Abortion?