Publisher's Synopsis
The book's thesis is clearly presented: fathers will be most effective and of greatest benefit to their children when they understand and embrace the idea that human fatherhood is a vocation and should be a reflection of divine Fatherhood.------ Exploring the challenges faced by millions of our children in this modern and post-modern world due to father-deprivation or father-absence and lack of true father presence, Faustinus passionately unveil the neglected truth of the psychological pain and trauma in the lives of so many children as an aftereffect. Growing up in dysfunctional families, some children suffer the adverse effects of separation or divorce and/or from the profound misunderstanding of the role and true concept of human fatherhood as a divine vocation that nurtures new human life. Many children have been denied their inalienable right to a true father presence even in a presumed functional family. The purpose of this book is to guide fathers back to the true and original purpose of their fatherhood so that they may recapture once more the essence of true fatherhood as a vocation. Fatherhood is presented in the context of a Christian perspective and understood as complementary to motherhood in nurturing new life, which is a gift of God. --------- ENDORSEMENTS: "Faustinus Anyamele has set forth some of the best sentiments about human fatherhood. He has done so through a lens of the universal desire for the leadership of that one man whom generations have found singular with nourishing direction and counsel within an abiding relation- ship of affection and care. "This book will enlighten the reader of yet untapped sources of inspiration for human fatherhood in the Christian tradition." -Bishop Joseph Perry J.C.L., Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago A Canonist and Author of numerous articles. --------- "This book provides encouraging and important insights into what it really means to undertake the vocation of being a father or father figure. It offers unique and profound Christian perspectives on fatherhood that are inspirational and hopeful. Fr. Faustinus offers a sound Christian vision of positive fatherhood and the book is a superb treatise on the positive and unconditional love of God that needs to shine forth in the human acts of being a father. Fr. Faustinus also does not ignore the painful reality of separation and divorce but writes passionately about why divorced fathers must continue to work hard at living out their vocational call for the emotional health and well being of their children. I highly recommend this book to be read by all Christian fathers (and mothers) and all pastoral staff who work with families and fathers." Gerry Doran, PhD., Licensed Psychologist. --------- "Fr. Anyamele's groundbreaking book addresses the issue of true fatherhood and one of the great tragedies of our time: that of countless millions of children who grow up essentially fatherless. He clearly articulates why no government program or community intervention can ever adequately address the consequences of absent fathers; rather, we must understand the root of the problem before we can possibly hope to bring about authentic change and renewal. Full of profound theological insights and practical applications, The Father They Wish to Have is a must-read for parents, clergy, mental health professionals, and all who seek to bring about healing and wholeness in children." ---Elizabeth Walker, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist. --------
