Black Fatherhood, Adoption, and Theology

Michael Lee Cook received his Th.D. in Pastoral Counseling from Columbia Theological Seminary and his M. Div. from Duke University Divinity School. In addition, he has completed extensive clinical training in pastoral care and psychotherapy at the Care and Counseling Center of Georgia and the Atlanta VA Medical Center. Cook is a licensed marriage and family therapist/pastoral counselor in private practice in the greater Atlanta area. He is also an adjunct professor at Emory University Candler School of Theology and Columbia Theological Seminary teaching in the area of pastoral theology, care, and counseling.

Contents: Introduction – Black Fatherhood, Adoption, and Theology: A Contexual Analysis and Response – Literature Review – Black Adoptive Fathers: Three Unfolding Narratives – Black Fathers and Adoption: A Social-Contextual Analysis – Fatherhood and Identity Formation: Psychologically Considered – Adoption: A Significant Theological Metaphor and Christian Practice – Caring for Black Adoptive Fathers: A Pastoral Theology of Adoption.

«Michael Lee Cook’s book provides significant research needed to add additional understanding of some Black men who adopt children. It helped me recall the period of time when I was a visiting parent along with my wife of a young Black child who visited us on weekends throughout high school and college. We were recruited to this role by a church related Children’s Home. Since we had no children, this added an additional dimension to our lives. I did experience myself as a significant Black male whose presence was essential if our visiting son was to grow up into a productive adult male. Indeed, my voice and presence were essential for him to thrive and develop. I recommend this book for those who need to know what the rewards as well as the potential pitfalls of becoming adoptive parents are.» (Edward P. Wimberly, Interdenominational Theological Center)