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Flawed Families of the Bible: How God's Grace Works through Imperfect Relationships
Most Christians believe that the Bible holds the answers to their questions about daily living, and that reading the Scriptures will show them good examples to follow for their own lives. Think for a moment and try to list a few examples of healthy families in the Bible who are ideals worth emulating. Having trouble? The families of the Bible were far from perfect, and not so different in that regard from our imperfect families today.
In Flawed Families of the Bible, a New Testament scholar (David) and a professor of social work (Diana) take a real and close look at the actual families of the Bible. This honest book will inspire and encourage readers with its focus on the overarching theme of hope and grace for families, showing that it is in the "imperfect places" that we can catch a glimpse of grace. Perfect for pastors, counselors, and anyone in a flawed family.
In Flawed Families of the Bible, a New Testament scholar (David) and a professor of social work (Diana) take a real and close look at the actual families of the Bible. This honest book will inspire and encourage readers with its focus on the overarching theme of hope and grace for families, showing that it is in the "imperfect places" that we can catch a glimpse of grace. Perfect for pastors, counselors, and anyone in a flawed family.
236 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2007
41 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
David E. Garland
77 books12 followersDavid Ellsworth Garland (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate dean for academic affairs and William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University. He is the author of numerous books, including award-winning commentaries on 1 Corinthians and Mark.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 23, 2009
Finally finished! This book is an excellent choice for anyone in the counseling field, especially those coming from a biblical perspective. In using stories from biblical characters, the authors provide insight regarding experiences like rape, mistreatment from a spouse, and societal rejection. Each chapter is like a case study of real issues we face today.
Two favorite quotes from the book:
"victim describes a specific moment in time, not permanent self-definition." p.100
"An old Cherokee once passed on wisdom to his grandson about the battle that goes on inside people...He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves. One is evil. It is Anger, Sorrow, Regret, Greed, Arrogance, Self-pity, Guilt, Resentment, Inferiority, Dishonesty, False pride, Superiority and Ego.....The other is good. It is Joy, Peace, Love, Hope, Serenity, Humility, Kindness, Benevolence, Empathy, Generosity, Truth, Compassion, and Faith." The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?" The grandfather replied, "The one you feed.""
So far so good... I really like how this book brings the characters of the Bible to life, specifically the women of the Bible. Though every word is based on the Bible stories there is a lot of speculation into the emotions and experiences of the women because the Bible just does not say how these women felt. However, I think raising the awareness that these women may have been expereincing any number of emotions makes them human. The book provides a means to relating to the individuals in the Bible. The important thing is, though the book may be speculating, the fact is these women were having everday thoughts, emotions, and worries that we have today. I do commend the authors for making these women approachable.
Two favorite quotes from the book:
"victim describes a specific moment in time, not permanent self-definition." p.100
"An old Cherokee once passed on wisdom to his grandson about the battle that goes on inside people...He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves. One is evil. It is Anger, Sorrow, Regret, Greed, Arrogance, Self-pity, Guilt, Resentment, Inferiority, Dishonesty, False pride, Superiority and Ego.....The other is good. It is Joy, Peace, Love, Hope, Serenity, Humility, Kindness, Benevolence, Empathy, Generosity, Truth, Compassion, and Faith." The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?" The grandfather replied, "The one you feed.""
So far so good... I really like how this book brings the characters of the Bible to life, specifically the women of the Bible. Though every word is based on the Bible stories there is a lot of speculation into the emotions and experiences of the women because the Bible just does not say how these women felt. However, I think raising the awareness that these women may have been expereincing any number of emotions makes them human. The book provides a means to relating to the individuals in the Bible. The important thing is, though the book may be speculating, the fact is these women were having everday thoughts, emotions, and worries that we have today. I do commend the authors for making these women approachable.
June 25, 2020
Great for individuals or as a group study!
Garland takes families of the Bible and gives a fresh perspective of what it means to belong to a family and how God uses all of us to spread the good news.
Garland takes families of the Bible and gives a fresh perspective of what it means to belong to a family and how God uses all of us to spread the good news.
January 7, 2023
3.5/5 This book is readable and includes nice overviews of stories with specific attention on the subject of family. It’s worth reading but could include more depth as to what it means to process brokenness in family.
July 19, 2018
Every person who serves in pastoral ministry of any capacity needs to read this book. A beautiful collection of the redemptive work of God In the lives of the least likely.
March 12, 2019
Not as dry as I would have expected
Presents this in a human perspective
Decent read
Presents this in a human perspective
Decent read
June 30, 2021
I loved this book and would highly recommend.
March 23, 2016
This book was highly readable and informative. It covers mostly OT accounts of dysfunctional families and highlights sexual misconduct as the leading issue. The Garlands have certainly produced a helpful volume for tackling these stories. The chapters on Sarah and Hagar, Leah and Rachel are excellent and highlight some excellent biblical themes about love, faithfulness and moral family conduct.
My chief complaint is that a glaring majority of stories focus on sexual misconduct where a male is at fault and excludes other family stories or stories in which female infidelity is at play (50% of all the chapters deal with rape and the perpetrators are always male). What of Lot and his daughters? What of Gomer? Are males always ravenous wolves preying on unsuspecting women? The clear imbalance of story types reveals an underlying feminist agenda that may read too much back onto the biblical accounts. I don't deny the complicity of the male characters in these stories, nor do I seek to blame the victim, but there's more to OT family flaws than rape and sex: Aaron and sons, Joseph and brothers, Hannah's infertility, etc. I appreciate what this book is trying to do but feel as if there were some missed opportunities to include a more diverse story set of family troubles.
The close of the book makes some good strides with Jesus's examples and the Ethiopian eunuch but there could have been more balance overall!
My chief complaint is that a glaring majority of stories focus on sexual misconduct where a male is at fault and excludes other family stories or stories in which female infidelity is at play (50% of all the chapters deal with rape and the perpetrators are always male). What of Lot and his daughters? What of Gomer? Are males always ravenous wolves preying on unsuspecting women? The clear imbalance of story types reveals an underlying feminist agenda that may read too much back onto the biblical accounts. I don't deny the complicity of the male characters in these stories, nor do I seek to blame the victim, but there's more to OT family flaws than rape and sex: Aaron and sons, Joseph and brothers, Hannah's infertility, etc. I appreciate what this book is trying to do but feel as if there were some missed opportunities to include a more diverse story set of family troubles.
The close of the book makes some good strides with Jesus's examples and the Ethiopian eunuch but there could have been more balance overall!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2008
This book examines a number of Old Testament Biblical families for the lessons that they teach. The focus is on women's experiences within the family. The book concentrates on highly disfunctional families, and shows God's faithfulness throughout difficult circumstances. I would have prefered some more practical application information, but found the book informative and interesting overall.
August 3, 2012
Some good insight into some well-known and not-so-well-known Bible stories. It's comforting to know that families have struggled with issues for ages and God still uses those situations. I'm not sure I agree with all of the interpretations and insights, but it is still interesting to think about.
November 6, 2011
Really good read! So many practical lessons on how God is at work in the reality of family life.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews