Parents have the greatest privilege of their lives literally in front of them everyday: their children. Pointing their children to Christ, modeling faith, encouraging with words, and showing unfailing love isn t a burden. It s a privilege. Apparent Privilege will arm parents with biblical understanding and up-to-the-minute research to show them the unparalleled opportunity they have to be the primary influence of their children. It will give parents a biblical view of parenting, answer questions and concerns we all have, and help them understand how Christian parenting must become more than taking your children to church. In short, this book will equip a parent live a life where the difference is apparent.
Apparent Privilege provides practical advice for how parents can step into their biblical role as spiritual leaders of their children. For example, Steve Wright does not simply say: “Parents should have some kind of regular family worship in their home.” Rather, he maintains this idea while providing practical advice for how to actually make it happen. “Start small,” he says, “Don’t be extreme by setting a standard of an hour each day for family worship. This will set you up for failure. Be realistic on what time and how much time works best for everyone” (119). He also has advice on praying as a family, serving as a family, passage trips, journaling, journey days and family dinnertime. While parents may not be able to implement all of these suggestions at once, Apparent Privilege is a book that has a biblical perspective on parenting, the church and spiritual leadership that actually provides practical tips for how to transition biblical parenting truths into the specific culture of their own home. This is a helpful read for learning how to be the primary spiritual influence in your home.
Apparent Privilege is a great little book that encourages parents to get serious about the discipleship of their children. The author does a great job bringing out statistical facts and reasons to be engaged and intentional. He skillfully shows that spiritual growth doesn't happen automatically... and the party primarily responsible for the spiritual development of children is not the church, but the parent. Church attendance won't cut it, youth group involvement won't do it, but godly instruction from a loving father or mother is the way the family was designed.
Apparent Privilege is a fairly short, easy to read, and concise read. The only criticism of the book I have is its lack of application. While the author did a great job of showing the need for family discipleship... I would've liked to see more concrete examples of how to walk this out the day to day. Either way, this book is perfect for seeing the need and creating the desire for family discipleship... and I can think of five or six fathers I personally know who would benefit from reading this book! Quite simply...every Christian parent should read it...and do it.
Who is responsible for the spiritual growth of children? Far too often, Wright suggests, parents have assumed that churches or Christian schools are the primary spiritual care-givers, when the reality is that parents have the primary responsibility. He points out that, despite common belief, most teenagers cite their parents as the greatest active influence in their lives and he challenges parents (along with the church) to reclaim their God-given roles in the lives of their children.
A great encouragement. Concise and to the point, not belaboring it's points. This is a welcome addition to the "Christian Parenting" genre. The chapter on the "theology of family" makes this book worth the read all by itself, laying out seven foundations of God's intent with families. Christian parents (especially dads), read and be encouraged.
Steve combines scripture which stands alone telling our job as parents. He also combines research that is heart- breaking and challenging to me personally as a parents.
Captivated by Jesus. What a great way to describe our goal as parents for our children. Life is eternal.
I really enjoyed this book. Very Biblical full of great truths. The words written in this book can be applied to any household. Love the fact that it is about raising godly kids and not just good kids.
This book gives good reasons why christian parents should take responsibility for the spritual growth of their children,and helpful suggestions how to do so.
Excellent insight into parenting and raising children. Practical tips, powerful statistics, and biblical expertise make this book a great read for parents.