What do you think?
Rate this book
BeDADitudes: 8 Ways to Be an Awesome Dad
Internationally known marriage and family expert Greg Popcak draws on more than twenty years as a counselor as well as his own experience as a father to show how the Beatitudes can be viewed as a practical guide to understanding the love of God and applying that love to being a better father.
In the first book to uniquely focus on the Beatitudes and fatherhood, Greg Popcak helps you stop focusing on yourself and instead focus on God, learning how to be the father God wants you to be by becoming a servant leader in your home.
As a father of three children, Popcak realized that Jesus' call to be humble in the first Beatitude-- Blessed are the poor in spirit --stands in direct opposition to what modern men learn growing up. Instead, they are taught they should live a life of unbroken success, defined by promotions at work and beautiful wives and honor students at home.
The Catholic author, speaker, counselor, and radio host will show that when you practice meekness, you will connect with your family by asking them questions and listening closely to their responses. By practicing mercy, you come to know your own sins, the difficulties that lie on the path to sainthood, and how your family needs to hear about God's grace in their lives.
In BeDADitudes , you discover the profound love of God found in the Beatitudes and understand how that love can transform you into being an awesome dad.
In the first book to uniquely focus on the Beatitudes and fatherhood, Greg Popcak helps you stop focusing on yourself and instead focus on God, learning how to be the father God wants you to be by becoming a servant leader in your home.
As a father of three children, Popcak realized that Jesus' call to be humble in the first Beatitude-- Blessed are the poor in spirit --stands in direct opposition to what modern men learn growing up. Instead, they are taught they should live a life of unbroken success, defined by promotions at work and beautiful wives and honor students at home.
The Catholic author, speaker, counselor, and radio host will show that when you practice meekness, you will connect with your family by asking them questions and listening closely to their responses. By practicing mercy, you come to know your own sins, the difficulties that lie on the path to sainthood, and how your family needs to hear about God's grace in their lives.
In BeDADitudes , you discover the profound love of God found in the Beatitudes and understand how that love can transform you into being an awesome dad.
- GenresParenting
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2017
23 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Gregory K. Popcak
35 books66 followersDr. Gregory Popcak is the Executive Director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute, an organization dedicated to helping Catholics find faith-filled solutions to tough marriage, family, and personal problems. The author of over a dozen popular books integrating solid Catholic theology and counseling psychology (including; For Better…FOREVER!, Holy Sex!, Parenting with Grace, Beyond the Birds and the Bees), Dr. Popcak is an expert on the practical applications of the Theology of the Body. Through the Pastoral Solutions Institute, he directs a group pastoral tele-counseling practice that provides ongoing pastoral psychotherapy services to Catholic couples, individuals and families around the world. Since 2001, he and his wife and co-author, Lisa Popcak, have hosted several nationally-syndicated, call-in radio advice programs including Heart, Mind and Strength (Ave Maria Radio 2001-2010), Fully Alive! (Sirius/XM-The Catholic Channel 2007-2010), and most recently, More2Life (Ave Maria Radio–Airing M-F, Noon-1pm Eastern– 2010-Present). They have also hosted two for EWTN (For Better…FOREVER! & God Help Me!). Dr. Popcak’s articles appear regularly in Catholic periodicals such as Catholic Digest, Family Foundations, and others. Dr. Greg Popcak and Lisa Popcak are sought after public speakers and trainers and have been honored to address audiences across North America, Australia, and Hong Kong.
In addition to his ministry work, Dr. Popcak serves as adjunct faculty for the Franciscan University of Steubenville in both the sociology and graduate theology departments where he teaches Christianity & Society and Pastoral & Spiritual Direction respectively. He also serves on the faculty of the doctor of social work program for the Harold Abel School of Behavioral Health at Capella University.
In addition to his ministry work, Dr. Popcak serves as adjunct faculty for the Franciscan University of Steubenville in both the sociology and graduate theology departments where he teaches Christianity & Society and Pastoral & Spiritual Direction respectively. He also serves on the faculty of the doctor of social work program for the Harold Abel School of Behavioral Health at Capella University.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 10, 2017
As a father of four children, my perception of this book based on the title was a self-help approach to being a better parent to my kids. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised when Greg focused on intentionally being a better father in your relationship to God, a better husband to your wife AND how to improve on setting your kids up for success by relying on you as their father.
I absolutely loved this book. Recently, I have been asking myself how I can get better at being a good father. Too many times I have entered into the confessional and expressed my sorrow for unjust anger and no mercy for my children. I was also in a bad place in my marriage which shocked me because I thought I was above-average as a husband. I felt myself longing for communion with my wife and a deeper relationship with God.
I knew it was going to take work to turn around these areas in my life. The BeDADitudes gave me tools that I can work on to help me strengthen my relationship when it comes to God, my wife and my kids. Don't get me wrong, it is going to be difficult. And some of the concepts Greg spoke on had me flipping back through the pages for a better understanding of what he meant and how to best implement his advice into my life. But this book really helped me start the process of moving closer to God, strengthening my relationship with my wife and developing better habits and approaches in raising my kids.
This book has a universal approach to fatherhood that includes words like vices, chastity, authentic, objectifying, self-donative love that you do not see in secular self-help books. Having a resource to turn to that is a Catholic approach to fatherhood is invaluable and much needed in this world.
I recommend this book to men out there who are ready to put more effort into their faith, marriage and home life with the kids. If you are someone who only wants to rely on yourself to get through this life, then this book is not for you. I would also say this book is helpful for women who are working on putting together an image of the man they want to marry or for those wives out there who are looking for some help with their husband and need ideas.
*Arc provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I absolutely loved this book. Recently, I have been asking myself how I can get better at being a good father. Too many times I have entered into the confessional and expressed my sorrow for unjust anger and no mercy for my children. I was also in a bad place in my marriage which shocked me because I thought I was above-average as a husband. I felt myself longing for communion with my wife and a deeper relationship with God.
I knew it was going to take work to turn around these areas in my life. The BeDADitudes gave me tools that I can work on to help me strengthen my relationship when it comes to God, my wife and my kids. Don't get me wrong, it is going to be difficult. And some of the concepts Greg spoke on had me flipping back through the pages for a better understanding of what he meant and how to best implement his advice into my life. But this book really helped me start the process of moving closer to God, strengthening my relationship with my wife and developing better habits and approaches in raising my kids.
This book has a universal approach to fatherhood that includes words like vices, chastity, authentic, objectifying, self-donative love that you do not see in secular self-help books. Having a resource to turn to that is a Catholic approach to fatherhood is invaluable and much needed in this world.
I recommend this book to men out there who are ready to put more effort into their faith, marriage and home life with the kids. If you are someone who only wants to rely on yourself to get through this life, then this book is not for you. I would also say this book is helpful for women who are working on putting together an image of the man they want to marry or for those wives out there who are looking for some help with their husband and need ideas.
*Arc provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 20, 2017
How relieving to read a book that finally takes the role of male leadership within the family both seriously, and sensitively!
Reading this book from the perspective of a wife and mother of two boys, I was very pleased with the kindness and charity used in Dr. Popcak's approach toward problem solving and care-taking in the family. I often read personal help books and think, "Wow... now if I only lived in THAT UTOPIA!" However, his insights are spot on, and loaded with practical wisdom for both personal and spiritual growth.
Also, while I generally dislike many authors' takes on Ephesians 5, feeling that the tone or interpretation (or both) are extremely condescending toward women, this is not AT ALL the case with Dr. Popcak's approach. He instead emphasizes, through many examples, how to truly LOVE your wife and children in a way that helps them all become the best versions of themselves; and that the essence of true leadership is to serve and love others.
I felt that Dr. Popcak's thoroughness and determination to pin point issues that many father's deal with also was eye-opening and humbling for me to read. It helped me reflect upon, and forgive, not only my own husband for things I'd found myself consistently taking issue with, but also my father, and other men in my life. As a result, I felt able to heal past wounds that I'd been unintelligibly keeping open, and pouring salt into.
I would share this book with anyone! A fantastic read!
Reading this book from the perspective of a wife and mother of two boys, I was very pleased with the kindness and charity used in Dr. Popcak's approach toward problem solving and care-taking in the family. I often read personal help books and think, "Wow... now if I only lived in THAT UTOPIA!" However, his insights are spot on, and loaded with practical wisdom for both personal and spiritual growth.
Also, while I generally dislike many authors' takes on Ephesians 5, feeling that the tone or interpretation (or both) are extremely condescending toward women, this is not AT ALL the case with Dr. Popcak's approach. He instead emphasizes, through many examples, how to truly LOVE your wife and children in a way that helps them all become the best versions of themselves; and that the essence of true leadership is to serve and love others.
I felt that Dr. Popcak's thoroughness and determination to pin point issues that many father's deal with also was eye-opening and humbling for me to read. It helped me reflect upon, and forgive, not only my own husband for things I'd found myself consistently taking issue with, but also my father, and other men in my life. As a result, I felt able to heal past wounds that I'd been unintelligibly keeping open, and pouring salt into.
I would share this book with anyone! A fantastic read!
April 4, 2017
I cannot recommend this book enough to all Christian husbands and fathers. If husbands and fathers read this book and took its guidance seriously, it would revolutionize marriage and family life. Dr. Popcak once again gives clear and concise advice for living the spiritual and family life in an engaging way. Using the Beatitudes as his framework, he teaches men to be effective leaders in their family. For each Beatitude, he lays out its spiritual meaning, and then shows the reader how to apply it practically, first in his relationship with his wife, and then with his children. Questions for reflection at the end of each section help him to see how to apply the guidance to his individual circumstance, and a prayer for each section helps him begin to make the application with God's help.
January 9, 2018
I was given this book as a Father's Day gift by my wife (I had wanted to get it already, so a plus there). Dr. Popcak has a great layout here, covering all 8 beatitudes with a focus for each on relationships with God, your wife, and your children. Each section left me wanting more. I read it slowly over about six months, one section at a time. And I plan on reading it again. I have also begun reading through it with other men in a weekly men's group, and we are having great discussions and reflections on the content he discusses in each section.
Each section could be read on its own, but they also build upon one another to form a complex and complete formula for growing as a son of God, a husband, and a father. Whether you are struggling or doing well as a father and husband, this book has much to offer you to allow you to grow.
Each section could be read on its own, but they also build upon one another to form a complex and complete formula for growing as a son of God, a husband, and a father. Whether you are struggling or doing well as a father and husband, this book has much to offer you to allow you to grow.
July 10, 2017
As a relatively new father (14 month old daughter) I found this to be a very good book. It not only focused on my relationship with my daughter but also with my wife and with God. I really enjoyed the way the book was organized and it held my attention throughout. Dr. Popcak is a great author and this book is on par with all of his other works. I'd definitely recommend this book to any/all christian (especially Catholic) fathers who are looking to develop themselves and their relationship with their children. You can't underestimate the power of a book and the need to continually learn and be intentional about developing yourself.
Can't wait to see what Dr. Popcak has in store next!
Can't wait to see what Dr. Popcak has in store next!
December 5, 2018
RATING 2.274 STARS
I see what Popcak was trying for here, I just don't think it landed the way he wanted. It's not a bad book per se, I just had a really difficult time staying on track while reading through it due to a lot of repetition and a lack of really engaging content. Hopefully, I can still be an awesome dad anyway.
I see what Popcak was trying for here, I just don't think it landed the way he wanted. It's not a bad book per se, I just had a really difficult time staying on track while reading through it due to a lot of repetition and a lack of really engaging content. Hopefully, I can still be an awesome dad anyway.
July 20, 2019
Awesome book. A great read for every father. As a Catholic, it was refreshing to read a parenting book that was written by a Catholic, but you don't need to be one to get something out of it. I will be keeping this one for future reference when my girls get a bit older!
April 6, 2024
Love this book. I used it as a devotional each morning while my daughter was a newborn, and I can't be more grateful. It was so uplifting and encouraging, leading me to God's grace and reminding me of both my own and my daughter's individual purposes, both worth loving and honoring.
Read
June 4, 2019Great book! Highly recommended. This will be a go-to book for me through the years. Provides a great framework for always improving your relationship with God, spouse, and children.
August 6, 2021
A beautiful book about how to integrate the beatitudes into the daily life of fatherhood. Very practical and powerful. This book strikes me as very prayerfully written and profound.
April 4, 2017
BeDADitudes would make a Great Father's Day gift or gift for new dads. It is broken down into easily digestible sections, which would be great for private daily reflections or for a weekly men's group.
At first I thought "BeDADitudes: 8 Ways to Be and Awesome Dad" was going to be corny, but it was actually really insightful. This book was full of great reminders of how life-changing being a good father can be- for yourself, your family, and even your community. He stresses that being a good dad comes from a foundation of having a strong marriage and a strong faith life, and he gives you tools in the book to help you practice that. One part that stuck out to me was his advice to create a "marital mission" with your spouse. It's a good way to focus your family on leading a holy, fulfilled life.
BeDADitudes feels like a cross between a spiritual read and one of Popcack's other books, "Parenting with Grace: The Catholic Parents' Guide to Raising Almost Perfect Kids." I recommend that book if you're looking for a more "conventional" book on parenting, but BeDADitudes is a wonderful book in its own right.
At first I thought "BeDADitudes: 8 Ways to Be and Awesome Dad" was going to be corny, but it was actually really insightful. This book was full of great reminders of how life-changing being a good father can be- for yourself, your family, and even your community. He stresses that being a good dad comes from a foundation of having a strong marriage and a strong faith life, and he gives you tools in the book to help you practice that. One part that stuck out to me was his advice to create a "marital mission" with your spouse. It's a good way to focus your family on leading a holy, fulfilled life.
BeDADitudes feels like a cross between a spiritual read and one of Popcack's other books, "Parenting with Grace: The Catholic Parents' Guide to Raising Almost Perfect Kids." I recommend that book if you're looking for a more "conventional" book on parenting, but BeDADitudes is a wonderful book in its own right.
April 17, 2017
Note: I received a copy of this book from Ave Maria Press and was asked to provide my review.
The book while focused on dads (which I am not) has perspective on faith that can benefit anyone. The book is broken down into chapters with messages from each beatitude. What I especially liked about the book was that it had questions for reflection with each section. These allow readers to not just read the content, but think about how this relates to their prayer, spouse, and/or family. I found myself marking many passages, and I loved the messaging around what the beatitudes truly teach us about relationships.
The book while focused on dads (which I am not) has perspective on faith that can benefit anyone. The book is broken down into chapters with messages from each beatitude. What I especially liked about the book was that it had questions for reflection with each section. These allow readers to not just read the content, but think about how this relates to their prayer, spouse, and/or family. I found myself marking many passages, and I loved the messaging around what the beatitudes truly teach us about relationships.
April 21, 2017
I have a challenge for you. Get out a sheet of paper and make two columns. In the first column, I want you to make a list of the top three things that you are good at. Now, on the other side of paper make a list of the top three things that are most important in your life. Compare the two lists, and see how much overlap there is, if any. I won't tell you both of my lists, but I will tell you that being a good dad was in my top three of things most important in my life. Sadly, if I am honest with myself, I don't think it would fall in the top three of things I am good at. I try to be, but I don't always take as much time with my son as I should, and I don't always have the patience with him that I should. I think a lot of dads might agree with me on wanting to be better dads. I believe that is why Greg Popcak wrote BeDADitudes: 8 Ways to be an Awesome Dad!
The book is divided into eight chapters with each chapter taking on a traditional beatitude from the Gospel of Matthew. For example, Chapter One is titled "Blessed are the dads who are poor in spirit. Theirs is the kingdom of heaven!" At the beginning of every chapter, Dr. Popcak puts into layman's terms exactly what the beatitude means, because let's be honest, these sayings never made a lot of sense with a superficial reading of the Gospel. I mean, what does it really mean to be poor in spirit? It's such an odd phrasing. After explaining the beatitude, each chapter is divided into three parts - 1. Your relationship with God, 2. Your relationship with your wife, and 3. Your relationship with your children. In addition to giving practical advice in each section, he also provides multiple questions for reflection that will not only make you think, but challenge you to be a better husband and father.
In this book, Dr. Popcak takes a Scriptural passage we are all familiar with and finds a way to focus the message to men. He shows us that the Beatitudes are not only a model for Christian life, but they can also help us to be better husbands and fathers. I recommend this book for any man, new father, experienced father, or even someone who is newly married and is going to be a father one day. It is a very valuable resource and one I plan to visit again and again.
This book was provided to me for free by Ave Maria Press in exchange for an honest review.
The book is divided into eight chapters with each chapter taking on a traditional beatitude from the Gospel of Matthew. For example, Chapter One is titled "Blessed are the dads who are poor in spirit. Theirs is the kingdom of heaven!" At the beginning of every chapter, Dr. Popcak puts into layman's terms exactly what the beatitude means, because let's be honest, these sayings never made a lot of sense with a superficial reading of the Gospel. I mean, what does it really mean to be poor in spirit? It's such an odd phrasing. After explaining the beatitude, each chapter is divided into three parts - 1. Your relationship with God, 2. Your relationship with your wife, and 3. Your relationship with your children. In addition to giving practical advice in each section, he also provides multiple questions for reflection that will not only make you think, but challenge you to be a better husband and father.
In this book, Dr. Popcak takes a Scriptural passage we are all familiar with and finds a way to focus the message to men. He shows us that the Beatitudes are not only a model for Christian life, but they can also help us to be better husbands and fathers. I recommend this book for any man, new father, experienced father, or even someone who is newly married and is going to be a father one day. It is a very valuable resource and one I plan to visit again and again.
This book was provided to me for free by Ave Maria Press in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews