THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION

by Jeanne Stevenson Moessner

In this heart-felt theology of adoption, Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner argues that while the church has long understood the grounding self-concept of a Christian as a "child of God," it has failed to underscore that we all come into the family of faith by adoption. She explores adoption as a central theme in Scripture, as a doctrine of faith, and as a theological metaphor. Further, in using her own experience of adoption to inform her scholarship, Stevenson-Moessner offers help to all those touched by adoption, including adoptive parents. By beginning with chapters on barrenness, conception, and expectant waiting, and moving to discussions of the developing years, the search for identity, and challenges in the adoptive family, her writing begs a wide audience. Including case studies and interviews with adoptive parents, The Spirit of Adoption will be embraced by scholars, counselors, adoptive parents, and adopted children alike.

152 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book would resonate with more than those directly affected by adoption. One part case studies, one part exegesis and theology, it shines light upon the understanding of family we receive from scripture and what that tells us about God and about us.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There are lots of ways I can be a mother, but I can't be a mother if I'm dead." So I told my doctor as we discussed the possibility of saving my fertility when I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer at the age of 35. Standard treatment is a hysterectomy, but it's a cancer that's usually discovered in older women well past their child-bearing years. I was at a research hospital where my doctor consulted with the other physicians and researchers on the team about a less drastic treatment since I was so young.

"We could try a few things," he said, "but we believe the safest option is the standard treatment." Thus, my statement about motherhood and exploration of adoption. I've thought it over off and on, but I've not had the confidence as a single woman that I could raise a child on my own. I know lots of women do, but it hasn't felt right to me yet.

Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner teaches Pastoral Care at SMU's Perkins School of Theology. She writes from the perspective of a Christian theologian, a pastoral therapist, and an adoptive parent, and successfully combines these perspectives in The Spirit of Adoption: At Home in God's Family. Dr. Stevenson-Moessner offers that adoption is the primary biblical model of relationship with God and of our relationships with one another. She writes the book for the Church as well as for adoptive families. Adoption as a theological model, Dr. Stevenson-Moessner says, allows for a healthy acceptance-of-differences and for all of us to image ourselves as beloved adopted sons and daughters.

I don't have the support system I would need to be a single adoptive parent, but I'm beginning to look for ways to develop that system. I'm particularly interested in foster care and providing a loving, if temporary, home for society's most fragile. Dr. Stevenson-Moessner's book has been a helpful reflection as I take my next steps.

[Andy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some helpful insight into spiritual and psychological dynamics as well as the aspect of grief inherent in adoption but overall rather uneven.