They need help too....

On my way to the grocery store this evening, I heard the promo for tomorrow's Hallerin Hilton Hill show referencing Rick Warren's Fathers Day. Rick Warren is the author of The Purpose Driven Life and founder of the Saddleback (Mega) Church in California. Being a new father, and having recently started this blog, I skipped ahead to learn what the fuss was about.

It turns out that Rick Warren is inviting a group of gay fathers to Saddleback Church to spend Fathers Day... which, of course, makes it excellent fodder for a morning radio talk show in the Bible Belt.

Clearly, Triple-H is looking for some people to get up in arms over this event, and I am certain that the "thumpers" will come out of the woodwork. However, I would like to counter those who will be upset upon hearing this.

First, let's start with the fact that we need more active, involved, positive role model fathers in this country. Studies have shown repeatedly that a strong, positive male influence in the life of both boys and girls speaks very strongly in the statistical sense in areas such as avoiding drug use, work ethic, and especially in future relationships and marriage.

Secondly, for those who have an issue with the "gay" part of gay fathers, I offer you two rebuttals. First, if you don't like it, stay away. This is pretty easy to do. No one is forcing you to be a member of the Saddleback Church or making you listen to Rick Warren. Secondly, ask yourself if their sexual orientation is any more egregious a sin than being an unapologetic drunk, stoned or violent father... since I am certain that members of those groups will be celebrating Fathers Day and no one is going to be up in arms the way they are about this. In fact, I would estimate that holding an event for them would be a much better turn out, if only for the fact that people would say things like "look, they're getting the help they need."

As for myself, I am going to enjoy my first Fathers Day as a new dad and am hoping to avoid my quota of ties, socks and underwear. I actually was able to order my Fathers Day gift a couple weeks ago, but due to a comedy of errors, I still don't have it. However, that whole chestnut is worth at least two posts (one for the story, and one for the review of the item I got once I've had time to play with it).

Happy Fathers Day everyone!