A pastoral study about parenting style with special reference to David

MTh (Pastoral), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2016In this study, which is approached according to the research method of Richard Osmer (2008:4-29), focus will be on a pastoral parenting style with special reference to the Biblical figure, David. The question around parenting as based on Biblical principles, has come under attack during the past number of decades. Questions are especially asked out of certain areas if a father, for example, is still necessary at all. As far as the situation in South Africa is concerned, the crisis is especially related to the 3.7million orphans. On global scale parenting styles also seem to have changed the last number of decades due to aspects like changes around family structures, career requirements and exchanging of roles between fathers and mothers. As far as Scriptural approaches are concerned, it seems that there, as far as David is concerned, despite his enormous contribution in all areas, as well as his tremendous strong character, has possibly been a bit of some weakness in the armour of his parenting style. Especially passages like 1 Kings 1:5-6a and 2 Samuel 13:21 are very clearly indicated in this regard by commentators. The conclusion is that David’s strong characteristics can eventually be part of a recommended pastoral parenting style, but that they will have to be complemented by Scriptural detail relating, amongst others, to passages Scripture like the following: Proverbs 13:24; 22:6; Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21. Further the role of parenting in Biblical times will also be of importance. The above-mentioned facts can contribute towards a very sturdy Scriptural-founded basis around a parenting style which can then be complemented by detail from an empiric research, as well as facts from the neighbouring sciences. A pre-ultimate chapter is also planned around the current events and issues regarding the theme of father wounds, father hunger and father need. [In the case of this M-Thesis it will be included by means of an article]. In conclusion it will be attempted to unite all the lines in a final chapter where guidelines will be formulated for a pastoral parenting style based on the interaction between normative perspectives, interpreting perspectives and findings of a qualitative research, which hopefully will eventually form a meaningful contribution as a whole for Christian parents in the twenty-first centuryMaster