This is a book that provides history, data and facts about the factors that have most contributed to the dilemma of Black father absence in America. The book also discusses current ideas that are counterintuitive to rebuilding the nuclear family in the black community while at the same time offering solutions for strengthening the black family, namely, getting back to the foundational truths of the Bible and God's prescribed plan for the family.
With the onset of ideas in our culture like toxic masculinity, the redefinition of what is a man and woman, gender roles, sexual liberation and the redefinition of marriage, there appears to be an assault on the role of fathers . These things are not new by any stretch, but as they have been reintroduced under the guise of social justice and freedom with each successive generation, they have served as fuel to an already raging fire in the communities of our nation and more specifically in America's Black Community.
There was a time in our country where our culture promoted ideas like "Father knows best" sadly, that has evolved into images of dads that equate more to Homer Simpson, "dad doesn't know anything" or more like dad isn't really necessary. As TV commercials and marketing campaigns pitch their products, many of their scripts seem to have been written in such a way as to make fathers appear insignificant or to erase them out of the picture altogether when it comes to the structure of the family.
It is no secret that there has been a pervasive issue within many black homes in our nation, the issue of far too few fathers that are present, active and consistent. However, history and current day statistics has shown us that the father dilemma is bigger than the black community and while there are some unique variables that have impacted the black family, many of the same social and spiritual ills plague America at large. The fall out has had a catastrophic effect on our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and our country as a whole. There are many theories and assertions about why this is the case.
Author, pastor and former educator, Brian Shannon provides a compelling perspective on topic by delving into the following; 1. The factors that have most impacted the presence of fathers in the black community 2. The biggest impacting influences in his own life that helped him get over growing up in a fatherless home 3. The institutions that currently have the potential to positively impact the current state of fathers in the black community. 4. What are the main socio-political and spiritual ideas and influences that are currently working against the effort to build healthy families in the black community 5. And finally, what does the Word of God have to say on the issue.