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The Secret of Family Happiness
watchtower bible
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
16 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
892 books692 followersThe Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1884 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. It is used by Jehovah’s Witnesses to support their worldwide work, which includes publishing Bibles and Bible-based literature.
According to its charter, the corporation’s purposes are “religious, educational, and charitable,” in particular, to “preach and teach the gospel of God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus.” Membership in the corporation is by invitation only and is not based on how much a person has donated. The corporation members and directors assist the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
According to its charter, the corporation’s purposes are “religious, educational, and charitable,” in particular, to “preach and teach the gospel of God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus.” Membership in the corporation is by invitation only and is not based on how much a person has donated. The corporation members and directors assist the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 11, 2008
first i would like to express my deep disappointment that someone has listed the author of this book (and quite a few more) as "jehovah god". the author of this book was a couple of upper level jehovah's witnesses working for the 'watchtower bible and tract society' somewhere in the new york headquarters known to the witnesses as "bethel". these are the beliefs of jehovah's witnesses sprinkled with scriptures from their own personal translation of the bible, appropriately chosen to back their ideas. what they have done here is completely insulting to the literary community, and has no place on this website.
as for the title of this book, it needs a disclaimer. jehovah's witnesses practice strict shunning. this means that if you were a member and have done something wrong (according to their rules) or left the organization, you have acquired the stigmatic title of "disfellowshipped" or "excommunicated" and members can no longer speak to you. this includes FAMILY. if you are a witness and are caught in an elevator with an EX member you are expected to remain silent and say nothing to them. this includes FAMILY. if you are a witness and pass an EX member on the street you are expected to pretend you don't see them. this includes FAMILY. their theory behind this is that if they make you lonely and miserable enough you will see the error of your ways and come back to the fold. this is the "secret" of family happiness according to the "watchtower bible and tract society".
i have read this book. the head in the sand pollyanna approach to issues doesn't really address the real problems of the 'worldly' modern family. it addresses problems of jehovah's witness families, as far as it pertains to maintaining a 'good standing' in the church and thereby saving mommy and daddy the trouble of shunning you, after publicly announcing your fate to the congregation first of course. these are people who consult the watchtower magazine before buying a cellphone, just in case it's against church policy. i do not exaggerate, there's an article on the perils of cellphone ownership, complete with scriptures, on their website.
there are no chapters on what to do if your teen is gay and having trouble fitting into the world. (because gay is always wrong and if you come out in a witness family you'll be shunned). there is no chapter on how to handle it if daddy is sleeping with the secretary or uncle george is in rehab or molesting you again (google "silent lambs") or little sister got knocked up or mommy has gone off the deep end and punched you in the face. these things don't happen to good people and if they do you are expected to think less of the person, shun them, and pray enough so it doesn't happen to you. "protect the family from destructive influences" is how they put it.
i won't be completely negative so i'll give them a few kudos for advocating respect for the elderly, spending time together as a family (unless you are the bad apple) and there's even a chapter on budgeting and single parenting. there is also some stuff on respecting the head of the family, which should always be daddy and then mommy 2nd. there's a bunch of stuff on love, which is a misnomer when held to light of the shunning policy.
i would not recommend this book to anyone with a real family with intelligent members who really love each other and intend to tough it out together even through the really scary and rough spots. which is what a real family does. i mean REALLY!
as for the title of this book, it needs a disclaimer. jehovah's witnesses practice strict shunning. this means that if you were a member and have done something wrong (according to their rules) or left the organization, you have acquired the stigmatic title of "disfellowshipped" or "excommunicated" and members can no longer speak to you. this includes FAMILY. if you are a witness and are caught in an elevator with an EX member you are expected to remain silent and say nothing to them. this includes FAMILY. if you are a witness and pass an EX member on the street you are expected to pretend you don't see them. this includes FAMILY. their theory behind this is that if they make you lonely and miserable enough you will see the error of your ways and come back to the fold. this is the "secret" of family happiness according to the "watchtower bible and tract society".
i have read this book. the head in the sand pollyanna approach to issues doesn't really address the real problems of the 'worldly' modern family. it addresses problems of jehovah's witness families, as far as it pertains to maintaining a 'good standing' in the church and thereby saving mommy and daddy the trouble of shunning you, after publicly announcing your fate to the congregation first of course. these are people who consult the watchtower magazine before buying a cellphone, just in case it's against church policy. i do not exaggerate, there's an article on the perils of cellphone ownership, complete with scriptures, on their website.
there are no chapters on what to do if your teen is gay and having trouble fitting into the world. (because gay is always wrong and if you come out in a witness family you'll be shunned). there is no chapter on how to handle it if daddy is sleeping with the secretary or uncle george is in rehab or molesting you again (google "silent lambs") or little sister got knocked up or mommy has gone off the deep end and punched you in the face. these things don't happen to good people and if they do you are expected to think less of the person, shun them, and pray enough so it doesn't happen to you. "protect the family from destructive influences" is how they put it.
i won't be completely negative so i'll give them a few kudos for advocating respect for the elderly, spending time together as a family (unless you are the bad apple) and there's even a chapter on budgeting and single parenting. there is also some stuff on respecting the head of the family, which should always be daddy and then mommy 2nd. there's a bunch of stuff on love, which is a misnomer when held to light of the shunning policy.
i would not recommend this book to anyone with a real family with intelligent members who really love each other and intend to tough it out together even through the really scary and rough spots. which is what a real family does. i mean REALLY!
August 10, 2008
If ever you had a question about how to create a peaceful marriage and home life with your children, this is the book to find the answers. Although no marriage or child is perfect, the information in this book has certainly helped our family to become more focused on the things that matter and to work together as we were intended.
January 10, 2010
I believe that an objective balanced review would deal with the content of the book, the technique used by the author to discuss its contents, how timely the book is to its readers, its practicality (if it is self-help and advisory) and its positive (and negative) impact to its readers.
Based on these criteria, my objective opinion is that the contents are quite informative, the manner it was presented is logical and Bible-based, very timely and appropriate considering the rampant breakdown of family values common today, and as I apply its principles really led me and my family journeying to the path of family happiness.
It covers a lot of ground on how to achieve familial success and providing tips grounded on Bible passages make it very authoritative and practical.
I do not normally expect it as a compendium dealing exhaustively with all types family situations/scenarios. I read it as a masterful work that generally discusses the touch points and elements that successful typical normal families use to have a nurturing caring family arrangement and environment that every mature family member will undoubtedly appreciate.
Some might discriminate the book being from Jehovah's Witnesses but I keep an open mind to all perspectives and if the ideas presented are based on time-honored principles of the Bible on headship, family arrangement, and building faith within the family, then I am all for it.
Based on these criteria, my objective opinion is that the contents are quite informative, the manner it was presented is logical and Bible-based, very timely and appropriate considering the rampant breakdown of family values common today, and as I apply its principles really led me and my family journeying to the path of family happiness.
It covers a lot of ground on how to achieve familial success and providing tips grounded on Bible passages make it very authoritative and practical.
I do not normally expect it as a compendium dealing exhaustively with all types family situations/scenarios. I read it as a masterful work that generally discusses the touch points and elements that successful typical normal families use to have a nurturing caring family arrangement and environment that every mature family member will undoubtedly appreciate.
Some might discriminate the book being from Jehovah's Witnesses but I keep an open mind to all perspectives and if the ideas presented are based on time-honored principles of the Bible on headship, family arrangement, and building faith within the family, then I am all for it.
November 16, 2013
This book is very practical and will help everyone that reads it. The advice for every family member and situation does work. You will not be disappointed if you read and apply the advice in this book. Give it a go.
January 14, 2008
An invaluable guide for gaining and maintaining happiness within the family.
September 28, 2011
We read this book on family night and it changes the way you and your family are. it's a great book especially in families that aren't so close. You get to discuss your thoughts within the questions.
February 15, 2014
If you loved this book, you will love other of our books. If u want to know more, go to jw.org
March 14, 2024
Hay muchas familias que viven en constante conflicto por las diferencias de personalidad y por el común hábito de decir “yo tengo la razón”.
Este libro tiene principios muy prácticos que pueden ayudarles, pues se basan en la comprensión, el autodominio, el amor y la paciencia, para darle su debido lugar a cada miembro y que se sientan amados. Además enseña a no quitar los problemas, sino a resolverlos.
Estoy segura que lo volveré a leer en el futuro.
Este libro tiene principios muy prácticos que pueden ayudarles, pues se basan en la comprensión, el autodominio, el amor y la paciencia, para darle su debido lugar a cada miembro y que se sientan amados. Además enseña a no quitar los problemas, sino a resolverlos.
Estoy segura que lo volveré a leer en el futuro.
April 1, 2012
We loved going over this book before we were married. It was so much fun learning more about each other. Laughing and answering the questions about each other and our expectations. We love reading it as a family too.
October 14, 2011
need book where the secret of family happiness ??????
May 23, 2013
Happy family...shun and show them what conditional love really is.
September 28, 2014
very good
February 13, 2017
a load of cult crap
January 16, 2018
IF you want true family happiness, don't read this book and don't go near the imbecile witnesses.
August 27, 2020
Again, another publication that is just such a well composed informative and guiding aid book. The book refers to the Bible as basically the leading life map in such areas as this one with family matters, and it avoids being based on philosophical viewpoints. It stands grounded that as human beings our greatest source of guidance comes from God who created us to start with and who so also knows what is the most beneficial for us and can instruct each of us along a course that enables individuals, including children to benefit themselves and one another within the family unit, hence resulting in greater harmony, unity, successful and peaceful relations.
In a world where divorce is all too often noted on the menu, this guide actually assists readers to develop self qualities so needed in finding balance in the family home. It is very concise, reasonable, fair and constructive, utilising scriptural guidelines without it feeling particularly religious. Instead it takes into consideration the very fundamental needs of all humans. Their need for love, safety, trust and loyalty on the home front, which in turn contributes to successful communities as a whole, lower crime rates, decreased cases of depression and anxiety and homelessness of troubled youths, including lower rates of divorce and broken families altogether. A must read.! 5 stars
In a world where divorce is all too often noted on the menu, this guide actually assists readers to develop self qualities so needed in finding balance in the family home. It is very concise, reasonable, fair and constructive, utilising scriptural guidelines without it feeling particularly religious. Instead it takes into consideration the very fundamental needs of all humans. Their need for love, safety, trust and loyalty on the home front, which in turn contributes to successful communities as a whole, lower crime rates, decreased cases of depression and anxiety and homelessness of troubled youths, including lower rates of divorce and broken families altogether. A must read.! 5 stars
January 31, 2018
The Secret of Family Happiness is nothing that any man has invented. This is not one of those “self help” books, or books about child psychology.
This book is based on God’s Word the Bible. There are many scriptures quoted, referred to and explained. Besides helping you in tour daily family life, this book will build up your faith in the author of the Bible as you see how are loving creator knows us, his creation so well. He knows our needs and our weaknesses.
This is the kind of wisdom that we need in advance. In advance to getting married, in advance to deciding to have children. Then we can read this book and understand our new roles as marriage mates or as new parents.
I have personally been using this book for over twenty years, and now with three grown children and with over forty years of marriage, I can say that applying God’s Word in daily family life is “The Secret of Family Happiness.”
This book is based on God’s Word the Bible. There are many scriptures quoted, referred to and explained. Besides helping you in tour daily family life, this book will build up your faith in the author of the Bible as you see how are loving creator knows us, his creation so well. He knows our needs and our weaknesses.
This is the kind of wisdom that we need in advance. In advance to getting married, in advance to deciding to have children. Then we can read this book and understand our new roles as marriage mates or as new parents.
I have personally been using this book for over twenty years, and now with three grown children and with over forty years of marriage, I can say that applying God’s Word in daily family life is “The Secret of Family Happiness.”
January 7, 2022
A very practical book, clearly written by people who care about other people and not money or ego.
May 2, 2023
Where is the negative star button?
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May 20, 2011i think that this book may not work for all of us.. but to some like me who doesn't have a knowledge on where to begin.. this book may lead to a good path.. this book may not 100% be accurate.. but it has a deep meaning that can inspire some people who needs a little guidance towards this subject..
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March 7, 2013I respect the writer of this book. It was a good resource book for my research
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2013
Has been helpful in my marriage. 26 years and still going!
May 11, 2013
:) Happiness is a blessing.
March 6, 2015
The teachings of the Bible shows clearly the importance of the family as the first constitution on earth human being made.
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June 7, 2015nice truth on family life.
June 2, 2016
Wonderful book. Excellent to turn to when facing unsure situations in the home.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews