LAF Theme Articles
The War on Fathers
Contempt for male authority � as if to say, "Give me a break, father sure didn't know best in my life" � is everywhere around us. We're swimming in it. You see, men, boys and masculinity itself have been under withering national assault for decades. On today's secular, matrix-like world stage, where God's reality is seen as discredited myth, and alien philosophies and sexual obsession embraced as enlightenment and liberation, we simply have lost sight of who and what we actually are. Men are meant to be Christ-like � righteous, strong, courageous, assertive, butt-kicking, sacrificial doers of what's right. Women are meant to be their righteous, strong, courageous, noble helpers and partners. [This is a fabulous article that clearly states so much of what we stand for here at LAF. Do note that it deals with some serious issues that are not suitable for young readers.]

Jesus promised that it would �be well� with honorable sons and daughters, and that there would be nothing but sorrows and heartaches for dishonorable sons and daughters. [Note: We have been asked time and time again to comment on this or that controversy in the modern church, particularly when it comes to rumors about leaders and/or their families. This article sums up why we do not contribute to the ongoing Internet fracas of gossip, innuendo, and strife. Matthew 18 says it all; sadly, many use the faceless entity of the Internet to mask their unwillingness to confront brothers and sisters personally, privately, and charitably. All of us are guilty of enjoying gossip's "tasty trifles," but we need to repent and behave honorably.]

Four months have never seemed so short. It is hard to believe that I last posted at the beginning of August, then shut things down to take what I felt would be a brief sabbatical to tackle a writing project. But, once started, the sabbatical wasn't something I was in a hurry to bring to a close. I shut down my LAF e-mail account, ignored all but "real" e-mails, and put myself on a media "fast," reading only items that my husband passed along to me. I cannot tell you what an utterly refreshing and wonderful time it has been! [Note: some topics touched on in this editorial are not suitable for very young readers. Moms, read first!]

We are often asked if LAF promotes materialism or believes in middle-class consumerism (the pursuit of things for the sake of having them). The answer is an unequivocal "no." We hope that this article series will help our readers understand the biblical principles of wealth and stewardship as opposed to the unscriptural curses of consumerism.

Real manliness today is a rare gem. Here at LAF, we've promoted and praised Responsible Manhood for years. But ours is a culture that doesn't appreciate the unique and God-given traits of men. Say the word "patriarchy" at a party, and see what happens. Thanks to 150 years of feminism, stereotypes abound: "Caveman." "Tyrant." "Bully." But real manhood has nothing to do with lording it over "inferiors" or demanding slippers and pipe while the "little woman" fawns and flutters. Real manhood is Christlike. It says, "My life for yours." In the spirit of AoM's Man of the Year contest, we'd like to start a new feature here on LAF--the "Men of Virtue" series. Read on for details!