Mini Rant: Why are there so many BAD parents in the Bible!?

Little Bible Rant.

There is a stereotype that Pastor’s/Preacher’s kids are, for lack of a better word, the worst. Some people feel as if they mooch off of their parent’s connections, relationships, and even their anointing to cause disruption and flaunt their privilege. I have also heard the stereotype that they leave the church entirely to essentially abandon all morality.

I mean lifetime created an entire show called Preacher’s Daughters surrounding dysfunctional preacher’s kids!

Disclaimers

Now, before I continue, I would like to address any possible spirit of offense that may try to arise. I am, in fact, a pastor’s kid. But, truthfully I never considered myself a Pastor’s kid but related more with the struggles of a preacher’s kid (two different struggles with some similarities). My Dad did not become a fulltime pastor until I was 23!

To me, I’m more like a Pastor’s Adult spawn.

However, as a preacher’s kid and current Pastor’s kid, I do sympathize with some of our struggles. And, although I do not believe all pastor’s/preacher’s kids are problematic, I have seen the stereotypes play out in real time. I have had the privilege of speaking with many pastor’s/preacher’s kids growing up in church and it became apparent that a great man or woman of God does not always translate to a great parent.

Lastly, this article is not here to teach, preach, advise or anything of the nature! I’m not a parent so I have no business giving that kind of advice.

This article came about when I was reading the story about Jacob and Esau (again just rage fuel) and I couldn’t help but think about all of the other bad parents and their consequences that were in the bible. The fact that there were so many people in the faith who were bad parents was so interesting to me I had to write about it.

And what started off as a simple Facebook post became an entire blog rant.

So apologies for my nonsensical rambling but I promise if you stay until the end, you get a prize!

My findings

I write this because as I re-read the Old Testament what stood out to me was a lot of the great men and women of God were also awful parents!

Isaac and Rebecca (That story makes me mad every time because everybody’s in the wrong), Eli and his sons, Jacob and his favoritism, David (if you know you know) and the list goes on. All of these people were used mightily by God and even honored and loved God. Their relationship with Him was indisputable.

But they still failed their kids.

Of course, the blame is not entirely on the parent (the kids still had to make their own choices), but the bible clearly tells or shows us where the problem began.

Rebecca and Isaac had their favorites, and Rebecca encouraged one son to deceive another.

Eli knew like the rest of the people that his sons were dishonoring God, seducing women, and disrespecting their roles as priests. Still, even in his chastisement the Lord clearly says that he gave his sons more honor than he gave God (1 Sam 2:29) and so God put them to death.

Jacob openly favored his youngest son which probably promoted all kinds of daddy issues and heightened the anger between Joseph and his brothers.

And lastly, I always have to question David and his level of involvement with his kids based on the mess that was happening in his household (again if you know you know).

Needless to say, those Old Testament parents could’ve used some instruction on how to raise kids!

The craziest part is their undeniable relationship with God! Jacob, Isaac, Eli, and so many others had a strong relationship with God. The Lord spoke to them, instructed them, and blessed them. God loved them and they loved God and there are so many wonderful lessons that can be learned from these individuals.

I am by no means slandering these individuals as they were flawed and not meant to be seen as perfect figures. They were real people not storybook characters.

Similarly, many pastors and ministers have a genuine relationship with God and are amazing leaders. They serve God, their ministries, and their church with their whole heart. But, based on firsthand account and witness, I notice that the attention given to the church is not always extended to the immediate family.

Again, I am not a parent nor an expert in the subject. So, this is not an article on parenting advice. But I am an observer and as I read the bible, I observed the same mistakes of the spiritual leaders in the bible happening today.

The Stereotype is Not Always True

Finally, I have to say that, although stereotypes are not always wrong, they also are NOT always true. I also know plenty of Preacher’s and Pastor’s kids who are just fine and thriving in their faith. I know ministry leaders who saw their family as their first ministry and raised their kids accordingly. I like to think my parents did a great job balancing their church life with raising a family.

So, I know that a parent having a formal title or position in the church does not mean the children are doomed to fail. In fact, it should be the opposite.

I mean look at me! I think I’m pretty okay (highly debatable).

Anyways thank you for staying with me until the end!

With Love,

The Road Writer

(Here’s your prize! Have a silly doodle <3)

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