What the Bible Says about Parenting: Biblical Principles for Raising Godly Children

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

More than ever, Christians need to know what the Bible actually teaches about parenting, and put it into practice. Parents today seek answers from child experts, self-help books, or equally confused friends. But even the experts portray modern-day childbearing as a minefield strewn with psychological dangers and emotional hazards. What the Bible Says About Parenting is not a book on child psychology, nor is it proposing a new parenting method. It is simply presenting the principles of biblical parenting with as much clarity as possible. John MacArthur, a leading expert on the Bible and an experienced pastor, teacher, father, and grandfather goes into depth on such vital biblical parenting subjects as these: "I'm convinced that if Christian parents understand and apply the simple principles Scripture sets forth, they can rise above the trends of secular society and bring up their children in a way that honors Christ, in any culture and under any circumstances." ?John MacArthur

Genres: Parenting, Christian, Nonfiction, Family, Faith, Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 16, 2000

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Karly DeGarmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a parent holds such responsibility and importance!!!! I always valued being a mom but after reading this book I have so much more insight in biblical parenting and how God intends our family unit to function. I think everyone should read this book- whether you have kids or not. MacArthur touches on such pertinent information on parenting and disciplining and the innate sin of our children but also talks about the family unit, how to submit as a wife and how to love sacrificially as a husband. My prayers and how I pray look so much different because of the information in this book! This book was convicting, eye opening, thought provoking and spiritually strengthening!

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars are reserved for something special, but this is very good.

Might be lacking in some practical matters, but touches on everything that we need to keep in mind as we seek to raise Godly children. The focus is the Bible and how the Bible says we should be raising kids. This isn't a how-to book, and in fact warns against those kinds of books, but this is a solid foundation to justify how to raise our kids Biblically.

I liked it because it was a good reminder of all the things parents need to hear, that they won't hear from those other books. Who you are is more important than what you do. Kids struggle because of what parents DON'T do more than what they DO. It is our job to be parents, and it is their job to obey. We are not only right, but are commanded, to control our house and our children.

There is also stark warnings against TV, school, and even "Christian" things that are not one-size fits all solutions to making sure our kids get the Gospel (Sunday School, Camps, VBS programs).

These are good points that are not trying to make cookie-cutter parents, or giving advice we won't follow anyway. These are Biblical foundations on which to rest our parenting.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Macarthur gives some good principles, however, he is too extreme in many areas.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books gives a Biblical perspective on what parenting looks like exploring the roles of the father, mother and child. It is not a list of “how-to’s”, but rather a guide on important lessons children should learn growing up. These are lessons are broad topics, but it gives parents a foundation on the most important things to focus on, based on what the Bible says. I would recommend to any new parent.

[Quarms Adu · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't usually come across parenting books with sound biblical backing as this. I'm a new father and reading this book has really equipped me for what's ahead. This book not only helps in raising Godly children but speaks to the parents as well. I've really been blessed and enlightened.

[Jordan Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title says it all: a walk through using Ephesians 6 on what the Bible says about nurturing, training, and disciplining children, headship/submission, obedience to parents, the priority of the family, etc. And all backed up with Scripture, which I appreciate about MacArthur.

[Micah Lugg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this may be the first official parenting book I've read. I was assigned to read it for a class, but found it to ring true with classic MacArthur flavor. In the book, he majors on his strong point: biblical exposition. He exposits the major passages referring to parenting and marriage.

For those who are familiar with the Scripture passages on God's intention for the family, this book will serve as a good reminder. For those who are in the fog of "Christian" parenting advice and looking for clarity on what God's Word says on the issue will find this work as deeply helpful and refreshingly simple.

[Elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light on "practical" advice, this book is an overview of the Scriptures pertaining to the relationship between parents and children. It's nice to read a parenting book that is truly biblically-focused and that acknowledges that Christian parents don't all have to raise their kids the same way.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Dad gave me this book and it was very good. I have read it 2 or three times. Very practical on how God wants us to parent.

[Stephen Basche]

It was cool

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that gives Biblical direction on raising children according to the word of God. This book is written with many cites from the Bible, so it will help with a Bible study as well.