A TCF reader sent me the following email:

My question is about patriarchy. How exactly does a man life as a patriarch. I see about provider, protector, etc. But I guess I’m asking specially about fatherhood. What should their roles as a father look like especially in regard to our faith. How do they lead the entire family including the children?

This is a great question!

The term ‘Patriarch’ and ‘Patriarchy’ means ‘ruling father’ or ‘rule of the father’ and in ancient Biblical times, ‘Patriarch’ was a term given to illustrious men who were leaders and fathers.

Abraham was the original patriarch and is recognised as such by Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

Patriarchy and what a true patriarch is supposed to look like has been twisted and perverted by modern society.

Those abusive, controlling, and dominating men are NOT patriarchs and do not represent the patriarchy, and feminists need to stop referring to these types of men as ‘patriarchy’ – they are not.

So what is a true patriarch supposed to look like?

The answer is really simple – St Joseph is the ultimate model of what a patriarch is supposed to look like.

It is right there in one of his titles: Light of Patriarchs

This means that St. Joseph is the one, the Light, that aspiring patriarchs should look to as a guide of what a patriarch is supposed to look like and how a patriarch is meant to function.

By birth he is a prince of the royal house of David; his ancestors are the patriarchs, the kings of Juda, the great captains of the people of God, the most illustrious among the sons of men.

In Scripture, St Joseph is a figure of discernment, wisdom, patience, obedience, protection, duty and services.

He led through support and protection, NOT domination.

Under true patriarchal rule, women are loved, supported and protected; they are not abused, dominated or subjugated.

These qualities make him the Light of Patriarch – a model for all men in positions of authority or leadership.

Calling St Joseph the Light of Patriarchs indicates that those in the natural role of patriarchal authority (husbands, fathers, priests etc) are to look to him as a guide for using that authority properly.

Men who are husbands, fathers or priests should foster a devotion to St. Joseph and meditate on his life – this is a great starting point on embodying and portraying the role of a patriarch.

Any form of power can be misused resulting in abuse and neglect, and it is no surprise that the term ‘patriarchy’ has been misused.

And it is time that the term is reclaimed and used properly.

Every man or boy who aspires to be a patriarch someday – a future husband, or father or future priest – should start today on working on the qualities of being a patriarch.

View resources on St. Joseph HERE.

See why the Patriarchy is Biblical HERE.

The video below is a guide on what a modern-day patriarch should look like, their qualities and how he should act.