The Family: A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home

by Jack O. Balswick, Judith K. Balswick

Covering every issue that affects family life--marriage, parenting, sexuality, communication, social dynamics, and family life in modern society-- The Family is a proven comprehensive resource for studying this most established of human institutions. The authors encourage readers to dig deep into Scripture, ever mindful of context, in order to develop a theological basis for family relationships. In considering the meaning of human relationships and family life, the Balswicks integrate a Christian perspective with insights from psychological and sociological studies to provide a standard textbook for use in college and seminary classes.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Christian, Family, Nonfiction, Parenting, Marriage

400 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1988

About the author

Jack Balswick (MA, PhD) is senior professor of sociology and family development at the Department of Marriage and Family School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, California).

Reviews

[Taija · Rating 2 out of 5]

Considering that this book is supposed to be written from a Christian perspective, I was disappointed with the authors not taking a firm stand on biblical truths, and The bibles strict teaching on certain issues (ex: homosexuality, cohabitation prior to marriage, oral sex). Just because some people are okay with partaking in those, doesn't mean we should encourage them, or turn an eye when that happens.

This felt like an extremely watered down attempt to expound biblical truths, without trying to offend anyone who is currently living in sin.

[Savvy Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides so many helpful reminders and calls to action for the American family. It really enlightened me to the problems that are present in our society and how we can work to mend so many broken areas of society through working in our own families.

[Bailey Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers the different ways that we can classify and create families, along with their structure and how those structures affect us.

Recommended 15+ for life topics.

Used with Liberty University Online's CCOU 301.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Forced to read. Blatantly sexist at times. Condescending to gay couples/families.

[Joshua Baxstrom · Rating 1 out of 5]

A Christian perspective is probably the only thing I have against this. Take that out and it will be like any other self-proclaimed wise-man's view on the world. To say this was in any way a perspective from Christianity (i.e., founded on the Bible) would be like saying Richard Dawkins held a Christian perspective on most things. From believing masturbation is biblical, to saying universalism is the ultimate stage of spirituality, seriously this book ticks all the boxes for modernist thinking with a "Christian" spin.

[Connor Yonkers · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are much more relevant books out there that have a better theological framework and better research to back their claims. There are some good points made, but for being such a large book on a specific topic, I was left with feeling I received nothing new.

The section on sexuality and gender was tone-deaf to current issues.

I don’t know… at least the visuals looked nice.

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very comprehensive and balanced treatment of the family. It didn't simply offer proof texts but interacted well with secular theories. I appreciated the respectful attitude toward controversial subjects.

[Gary Belhomme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative Book on the Family

I found the book a bit tedious and repetitive. The book inspires hope that families can be restored according to the Biblical model, adjust and escape the pressures of modernity.

[Mark Youngkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a comprehensive academic text that I'll be using for a new course this fall. While I will need an additional text to effectively teach the course, this is an excellent biblical perspective on family life that does not skimp on academic references.

[Jessica Richards · Rating 2 out of 5]

Used for a marriage & family course. I felt that it had a limited perspective.

[Esther Louw · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very informative read in the way that encyclopedias are informative. But also very heavy and difficult to follow the authors' flow of thought.

[Belle Schaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read. I read this book for a college course and will continue to reference back to this book.

[Tomo Holm · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Thoughts]

Brilliant book covering a full range of aspects.
I feel informed.
I paired this book with:
Sexual Understanding Before Marriage
Miles, Herbert J.

It was a good journey to read a contemporary book paired with an older book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book for school, but surprisingly there was a lot that was relevant to where I am in life right now. This is a fantastic book for if you want to know how the family functions and why family exists from a Christian perspective. Given this is a textbook, it goes into detail about different aspects of family, and is therefore a comprehensive and well-written text.

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading a book that I have read before. This is a wonderful book and gives great perspective into the social, psychological, and spiritual aspects within the family. I foundbook specifically helpful when considering the affect my familial the environment has impacted my spiritual development.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Balswick, Jack O., and Judith K. Balswick. The Family: A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007.

E.g. Since 'relationality' is the primary way human beings reflect God's image, it makes sense that the Trinitarian relationship of the Godhead becomes the model of relating as a team. (p18)

[Jonathan Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely the best book I've read on family and theology. The work the authors do to lay out a theological framework for family relationships is bar none. I truly believe every family would do well to read this book. If you're going into any kind of ministry, you need to read this book.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Balanced; helpful book, but only as an overview of families. Touches on theological frameworks for understanding families while incorporating an understanding of both systems and developmental perspectives of family life.

[Ann Gemmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of our primary texts for a class in pastoral counseling for marriage and family. Strong sociological perspective from a Christian worldview and a family systems perspective. Very informative. I will keep it and no doubt refer to it often!

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, comprehensive book. I liked the perspective of the married couple as authors. First book read for masters class on marriage and family and was a good overview of the topic. The chapter on the intersection of adolescence and midlife anxiety in the parents in the family spoke to me.

[April]

from spring '09 Women, Development, and the Journey Seminar

[Patty Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long winded, but informative

[Jamie Bates]

This was a heavy read, a couple sections of a couple chapters were disturbing from a Christian worldview but otherwise it was a very intriguing and engaging.