Understanding fatherlessness

GOOD, BAD, NO DAD?
A Biblical Reflection on the Father
Deficit in Contemporary Society
By John Woods
Grace Publications. 244 pages. £14.99
ISBN 978 1 912 154 975

“What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word ‘father’?” It’s a question that might conjure up a parodic vision of eyes closed, speaking to a Freudian figure from the comfort of an expensive therapist’s couch.

In John Woods’ powerful study, it becomes a serious, revealing, and uncomfortable question from a pastor for whom this issue is far from professional or detached: “This is my story, this is my wound, this is my missing piece” (p.15).