Jon Tyson
What is it?
This book is exactly what it claims to be. Author Jon Tyson utilizes insights from Barna Research to explain the problems that plague our culture. Our society despises all forms of masculinity and labels any expression of manliness as toxic. How do we raise a son in this antagonistic atmosphere? Jon shares his experience of developing a plan to raise his son to become a man of courage and character. This book is a quick read, but implementing its teachings will require substantial effort. At the end of each chapter, intentional steps are provided for men to take on their journey. Some steps are straightforward, while others demand considerable contemplation.
Who’s it for?
The author describes five types of fathers in the book:
1. Irresponsible father – a father who is absent entirely.
2. Ignorant father – a father who has no idea what he is doing and causes chaos and destruction in his children’s lives.
3. Inconsistent father – a father who prioritizes other aspects of his life over his children.
4. Involved Father – does a lot of things right, “but because of the business of life and the failure to ask the right questions, he never seeks to understand specifically who his children are and why God gave them to him. This is a noble dad, but one haunted by the sense that there is something more, another layer or level in his parenting.”
5. Intentional Father – he is “deeply invested in discovering who his children are and how he can help them reach their redemptive potential. He seeks to understand the children God has given him and wants to form them into persons who can fulfill their purpose. He sees parenting as central to his call before God and does it with all his might. This kind of father leaves multigenerational blessing in the lives of his children.”
Clearly, this book is intended for fathers with sons. Examine the list of fathers and identify where you fall. If you desire to embrace your calling and experience multigenerational blessings, then this book is a must-read.
How’d it go?
“My oldest son is rapidly approaching the age of 13. I feel like I have been operating as an involved father, but I recognized the need to develop a plan. Currently, I am working on formulating a plan for my son, and having a guiding resource like this book has been immensely helpful. I recommend reading it with a group of men to foster motivation and support in creating your plan. The illusion of urgency may try to convince you that you can put it off, but that is a lie. This is of utmost importance! Just look at the state of our culture. Do not leave the development of your son up to chance.” – Forrest Dawkins
“As a father to a son I face the high calling of initiating him into manhood. How will my son know when he is no longer a boy, but a man? Even at 41 years of age, I sometimes doubt my own station as “a man.” Life is a gauntlet of risky and daunting undertakings. How does a boy become ready for them? How does a boy know when the man-sized burden is his to carry? How does a father offer a rite of passage to a son so that he doesn’t stumble his own way into manhood—or worse, get discipled into it by worldly fools? “The Intentional Father” offered me practical ideas and steps for how to walk with my boy along this journey. With God’s help, and a brotherhood of men, I look forward to seeing my son, as a man, taking dominion of his surroundings, prepared to continue the work of an intentional man and father.” -Mark Mulnix