The Family: A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home by Balswick, Jack O., Balswick, Judith K.(May 6, 2014) Paperback

by Jack O. Balswick

Like new condition

Unknown Binding

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

[Emily Funkhouser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the research presented and the exploration of how healthy family relationships picture the gospel through covenant love, intimacy, grace, and servant leadership/empowerment. There really is no effective alternative to God’s design, and it’s good to know that you can get to that understanding from moral/religious ground or from academic research. Also brought up good points about how a healthy family must be adaptable and eager to evolve over time as family needs change, and emphasized that family culture must be created proactively through family rituals and shared time that goes beyond mutual consumption activities.

Some of the takes were extremely stupid (in the sexuality chapter in particular) and it was more egalitarian-marriage leaning than I am. Also had some societal discourse that was a little untethered in my opinion.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author does not believe in male headship. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, I thought that how they book addressed this was dishonest. They quoted Eph 5:21 which says that people should mutually submit to one another, but does not even address or acknowledge Eph 5:22 that says that wives should submit to their husbands. Seemed dishonest to me. The conversation about family enmeshment was very helpful and enlightening.

[Emma Quinto · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I read the 5th edition of this book, but I don’t think it’s on here. I had to read this for a marriage and family counseling class and liked it, but there were a few contradictions and positions the authors took that I didn’t necessarily agree with. I have to write a 5 page book review on it, so more thoughts to come🤪

[Sydni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough one because I love the concept of the book; however, this book blatantly ignores scripture on very important truths. It is also not an easy read. Definitely more of a text book feel. Wasn't the best execution of what could have been a beautiful way of looking at families through a Christian worldview.

[Priscilla Strauss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some helpful concepts dryly packaged, without sufficient biblical foundation. Let’s see more authors writing on this subject.