The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter IN the popular Christian-dubbed movie "Courageous", filmmakers explore notions of fatherhood and a man's role as leader of the household. In a critique of the film, local minister and psychologist Barrington Brennen shared is own insights on the meaning of fatherhood and parenting. In the film, four male law enforcement officers are faced with the same calling, to serve and protect. The producers say these men consistently give their best on the job, but good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. "When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That's courageous," the movie's website states. According to Pastor Brennen, Courageous was made by a company that believes it is solely the man's responsibility to provide spiritual leadership and guidance in the home. It does not promote partnership in marriage, he said. Fathers in the movie created a resolution to honour God, and ceremonially vowed to follow the guidelines. It was suggested by one of the characters who suffered deeply after his daughter was killed by a drunk driver. "I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children. I will love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home. I will bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength," stated part of the resolution. Pastor Brennen said resolutions for parents are useful tools, but they should incorporate the responsibility of the father and mother together. "Making a life long commitment to being an effective father is important. It could be life-changing and rewarding. It serves as a mission statement or ideal to live up to. This is greatly needed to keep our men on track," said Pastor Brennen. "I would write the resolution this way: I will join their mother in training our children to honor authority and live responsibly. It is true that too many fathers are lazy, absent, irresponsible, but I do not want that to (negate) the fact that fathers and mothers have equal leadership roles in parenting," he said. With his biblical perspective on fatherhood, he said he believes that before God, fathers are just as important as mothers. "I do not believe that fathers share a higher or more important spiritual role in parenting than mothers," he said. Quoting from Ellen G White, Mr Brennen said: "The work of co-operation should begin with the father and mother themselves in the home life. In the training of their children they have a joint responsibility, and it should be their constant endeavor to act together. Let them yield themselves to God, seeking help from him to sustain each other. "Let them teach their children to be true to God, true to principle, and thus true to themselves and to all with whom they are connected. With such training, children when sent to school will not be a cause of disturbance or anxiety. They will be a support to their teachers, and an example and encouragement to their fellow pupils." The kind of joint leadership in parenting promoted by Ms White is not portrayed in the movie "Courageous", said Pastor Brennen. "We have not emphasised the equal responsibilities of both parents in raising healthy, well-balanced children," he said.