Father’s Embrace

One may regularly encounter contemporary arguments intended to undermine or deny the complementary nature of the mother-and-father parental combination.

There have been analyses, ruminations, and opinions which attempt to reduce the role of fatherhood in terms of mere genetic contribution in the procreative process. Others have contended an alleged ineffectuality or even lack of necessity regarding any paternal function.

In truth, there have been efforts from various sources to modulate, minimize, and even render obsolete the roles and impact of parents in general, both father and mother, to varying degrees. For instance, it is an established and recognized axiom of Marxism that the family unit consisting of parents and children is primarily (even solely) an extension of economic forces which focus on privatization of property, transmission of supposedly imbalanced ideology, and support and promotion of class inequality. As most reasonable individuals can attest, such assumptions are not necessarily the consensus of reality.

Of course, this is not meant to be a discussion of mere sociology or political theory. As believers, we understand that God designed us as human beings in his image, to reflect his nature and character. This quality of divine aspiration extends from our very innermost being through our connections and relationships with others. God gifted humanity with the fusion of family as a means of providing a structured, coordinated, and attentive framework for nourishing and nurturing children to maturity for the benefit of all. The dynamics of the individual family serve as a map or blueprint for the family of God at large, wherein we all share one Heavenly Father (Matthew 23:9).

Within the flow of life in a family and community, fathers can help provide stability and balance in partnership with mothers and other caregivers. The Bible calls fathers to serve as agents and instruments of Godly guidance, counsel, discipline, encouragement, compassion, and correction (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Joshua 24:15; Proverbs 3:11-12; Psalm 103:13; Ephesians 6:4). Admittedly, the Scriptural portrayal of a loving, supportive, protective father represents the ideal design and premise.

Due to some of the complexities and challenges of society and real-world existence, it is not always possible for children to have the benefit of both parents working together in an integral and harmonious fashion. Various factors, including circumstances and personal choices, can result in fatherless environments which can certainly have a defining influence on an individual's perception, expectations, and response regarding fatherhood.

One of the most well-regarded, critically acclaimed, and satisfying films of the entire "Star Trek" franchise is the second movie, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," featuring the crew of the USS Enterprise from the original television series. Its depth of story and character development touch upon various themes such as bonds of family and friendship; challenges of aging and mortality; regret and even revenge and sacrifice. Many people of diverse backgrounds and experiences can find these motifs very realistic and relatable even as they are presented in the creatively imaginary universe of science fiction, whether they are fans or not.

An element of this movie which stands out for me personally is the intriguing (though not altogether surprising) revelation that James T. Kirk, now an Admiral in Starfleet, has a son of which he had no prior knowledge. While it may not be entirely unpredictable that at least one of his past momentary romances would have resulted in offspring, the somewhat abrupt and unanticipated manner in which this is divulged leaves Kirk with many conflicting and overwhelming feelings.

Kirk, his former lover, and his young adult son are hurled together by the most seemingly dire, dangerous, and severe circumstances imaginable. One of the Admiral's most formidable nemeses, the genetically enhanced Khan Noonien Singh, seeks vengeance against Kirk for previously marooning him and his entourage of fellow augmented renegades on an isolated world that became virtually uninhabitable over time. Though he managed to lead his people through adversity in surviving the harsh environment, Khan blames Kirk for their lot in life. (For the sake of those approximately eleven people on our entire planet who have not seen the movie, I will do my best to avoid too many spoilers.)

We come to find that David, Kirk's son, is resentful and hostile towards the renowned Starfleet officer, whose reported exploits have made him seem aloof, arrogant, and driven primarily by military single-mindedness. As it happens, David is unaware of their familial connection, but this inevitably comes to light during their crisis situation.

Through the course of events in the film, David has the opportunity to directly observe his father in action in the role of commanding officer, comrade in arms, and even the target of an unrelenting megalomaniac. David comes to see his father as a flawed but caring and even heroic figure. When the conflict with Khan ends in apparent simultaneous triumph and tragedy, at the cost of perhaps the most extremely grievous personal loss possible for Kirk, David finally sees his father as the truly vulnerable human being he is. Afterwards, David confronts and comforts his father who is struggling to cope with his grief and duty.

KIRK: I've cheated death. I tricked my way out of death and patted myself on the back for my ingenuity. I know nothing.

DAVID: You knew enough to tell Saavik that how we face death is at least as important as how we face life.

KIRK: Just words.

DAVID: But good words. That's where ideas begin. Maybe you should listen to them. I was wrong about you and I'm sorry.

KIRK: Is that what you came here to say?

DAVID: Mainly. And also that I'm proud — very proud — to be your son.

Kirk hesitates, and then warmly embraces his son in a long-overdue display of acknowledgement and appreciation.

Earthly fathers are imperfect by nature. We are sometimes consumed by work to provide for our family, thereby neglecting our family as a consequence. We sometimes fail to fulfill our call to offer discipline, leadership, and guidance. We sometimes disregard our own relationship with the Heavenly Father, thereby disregarding the importance of our own role as father in our family. For all these things and more, we petition for forgiveness, and we pursue repentance.

The harmony and synergy between Jesus and his Father God remain the prime pattern of a healthy and mutual relationship between a father and child. Jesus was loyal, obedient, and dependent upon the Father (Matthew 6:9-13; John 6:38; Philippians 2:8). God was affirming, kind, and willing to give of himself to his Son (Matthew 3:17; John 3:35; Ephesians 1:9-10). On the cross, as he was yielding his life in the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus pined for the Father's embrace as he uttered his final words, "Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit." (Luke 23:46)

Following the resurrection, Jesus ascended back to Heaven, undoubtedly into the waiting embrace of his Father. While some of us may not have been granted the blessing of fatherly affection in this life, for all of us who grasp firmly the gospel of redemption, we can look forward to the Father's embrace when that redemption is ultimately fulfilled.