Paternity Test – Reinventing Joseph
Any reader of the Bible will know that Joseph didn't need a paternity test to know he wasn’t the father of Jesus, but he devoted his life to his upbringing. Could Joseph be the original model for modern paternity?
When watching a nativity play, you will notice that Joseph doesn’t have a major speaking part. His job is, in fact, to stand by Mary and look after her through her pregnancy, protecting her and the newborn child from Herod. Joseph didn’t have a paternity test to tell him he wasn’t Jesus’ real father, he already knew, but he played the part nonetheless.
Paternity test - what does Joseph teach us?
Paternity tests tell us about the biological relationship between father and child, which may provide the basis for a brand new relationship, or strengthen an existing one, but the real role of fatherhood doesn’t have to be related to that biological connection.
Adopted children are great examples of how real fatherhood can surpass any biological connection, where a relationship is formed from a father's wish to care for, nurture, educate and take responsibility for a child. In many cases, a non-biological relationship can be healthier than a biological one. Sharing the same DNA doesn’t make you a better father to the child.
Paternity test - the surprise
If you have been caring for a child since birth you will have formed a unique bond with them. If you then discover that you are not that child's real father, how might that affect your relationship? It’s bound to have some impact, because it means that there is another father who shares a biological connection with the child. It could also create problems with the child’s mother, who may have been deliberately keeping the real paternity of the child secret for some time.
With all paternity tests, whether for peace of mind or court order, the welfare of the child is always considered to be the most important factor to be considered. A paternity test confirms parentage, and may be used to obtain financial support for the child, but the actions of the father ultimately count, which is why Joseph sets suchy a good example. |
