The aim of this study was to do research to see whether the father is absent in the South African context and design a practical theory for possible use by a Biblical counsellor to help fathers that can't fulfil their role properly in the family. The role of the father can again be restored through Biblical counselling. This study is done on the basis of the following : a basic theory is set out on which Scriptural perspectives on the subject have been researched; a meta theoretical evaluation is obtained from the three disciplines - Sociology, Psychology and Social Work; empirical research by means of interviews and questionnaires. The empirical research indicated that sampling among women proved that they experience and live through the absent role of the father. According to the questionnaires and interviews it was remarkable that all eight women longed for Biblical counselling. The study further indicates that Scriptural perspectives show how the role of the father must be according to the original Fatherhood of God. Scripture use and prayer are the basis to set practical theoretical perspectives, specific as well as in general, in connection with the absent father figure. The Biblical counsellor, leader, minister and pastor can possibly use the guidelines to explain and set out the role of the father. The greatest responsibility the father carries in his family is the portrayal and modelling of Jesus Christ's attributes and example. The conclusion of this study is that the Fatherhood of God makes it possible for the father to fulfil his role and function within the family and live it out in the community. The father cannot be separated from the family, because the relationship wherein the father, mother and child stand, is indissoluble. / The aim of this study was to do research to see whether the father is absent in the South African context and design a practical theory for possible use by a Biblical counsellor to help fathers that can't fulfil their role properly in the family. The role of the father can again be restored through Biblical counselling. This study is done on the basis of the following : a basic theory is set out on which Scriptural perspectives on the subject have been researched; a meta theoretical evaluation is obtained from the three disciplines - Sociology, Psychology and Social Work; empirical research by means of interviews and questionnaires. The empirical research indicated that sampling among women proved that they experience and live through the absent role of the father. According to the questionnaires and interviews it was remarkable that all eight women longed for Biblical counselling. The study further indicates that Scriptural perspectives show how the role of the father must be according to the original Fatherhood of God. Scripture use and prayer are the basis to set practical theoretical perspectives, specific as well as in general, in connection with the absent father figure. The Biblical counsellor, leader, minister and pastor can possibly use the guidelines to explain and set out the role of the father. The greatest responsibility the father carries in his family is the portrayal and modelling of Jesus Christ's attributes and example. The conclusion of this study is that the Fatherhood of God makes it possible for the father to fulfil his role and function within the family and live it out in the community. The father cannot be separated from the family, because the relationship wherein the father, mother and child stand, is indissoluble. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

The aim of this study was to do research to see whether the father is absent in the South African context and design a practical theory for possible use by a Biblical counsellor to help fathers that can't fulfil their role properly in the family. The role of the father can again be restored through Biblical counselling. This study is done on the basis of the following : a basic theory is set out on which Scriptural perspectives on the subject have been researched; a meta theoretical evaluation is obtained from the three disciplines - Sociology, Psychology and Social Work; empirical research by means of interviews and questionnaires. The empirical research indicated that sampling among women proved that they experience and live through the absent role of the father. According to the questionnaires and interviews it was remarkable that all eight women longed for Biblical counselling. The study further indicates that Scriptural perspectives show how the role of the father must be according to the original Fatherhood of God. Scripture use and prayer are the basis to set practical theoretical perspectives, specific as well as in general, in connection with the absent father figure. The Biblical counsellor, leader, minister and pastor can possibly use the guidelines to explain and set out the role of the father. The greatest responsibility the father carries in his family is the portrayal and modelling of Jesus Christ's attributes and example. The conclusion of this study is that the Fatherhood of God makes it possible for the father to fulfil his role and function within the family and live it out in the community. The father cannot be separated from the family, because the relationship wherein the father, mother and child stand, is indissoluble. / The aim of this study was to do research to see whether the father is absent in the South African context and design a practical theory for possible use by a Biblical counsellor to help fathers that can't fulfil their role properly in the family. The role of the father can again be restored through Biblical counselling. This study is done on the basis of the following : a basic theory is set out on which Scriptural perspectives on the subject have been researched; a meta theoretical evaluation is obtained from the three disciplines - Sociology, Psychology and Social Work; empirical research by means of interviews and questionnaires. The empirical research indicated that sampling among women proved that they experience and live through the absent role of the father. According to the questionnaires and interviews it was remarkable that all eight women longed for Biblical counselling. The study further indicates that Scriptural perspectives show how the role of the father must be according to the original Fatherhood of God. Scripture use and prayer are the basis to set practical theoretical perspectives, specific as well as in general, in connection with the absent father figure. The Biblical counsellor, leader, minister and pastor can possibly use the guidelines to explain and set out the role of the father. The greatest responsibility the father carries in his family is the portrayal and modelling of Jesus Christ's attributes and example. The conclusion of this study is that the Fatherhood of God makes it possible for the father to fulfil his role and function within the family and live it out in the community. The father cannot be separated from the family, because the relationship wherein the father, mother and child stand, is indissoluble. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.