Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Theology (MTh)

Department

Theology

Faculty/School

Martin Luther University College

First Advisor

Thomas O'Connor

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

Though trends are slowly changing, fathers in our society continue to be considerably less involved than mothers in the care and nurturing of their children. Samuel Osherson's theory about the negative effect of father uninvolvement on the self-concept of sons once they become adult men is used as a starting point for discussion between the social sciences and Christianity. The discussion is limited to the effect on gender role identity and self-esteem, two elements of self—concept which can be isolated in Osherson's publication Finding Our Fathers. With a few exceptions, research and scholarly writing in the field of social science is found to support Osherson's theory, but no empirical validation can be found. Christian scripture and theology is found to be silent on the issue. Though Osherson's theory remains unproven, a valuable outcome of this discussion is generated by applying Osherson's theory to the Christian context. It. is proposed that father uninvolvement might have an important effect on a Christian adult son's relationship with God, his style of love, his motivation for ministry, and his self-esteem as a Christian man.

Convocation Year

1998

Convocation Season

Fall

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