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Family Revision: How Ancient Wisdom Can Heal the Modern Family
Prepare to hear ideas you've never considered. This ancient vision is new again and adopting it today will take a complete family revision. But few are able to locate the root of the problem. This book offers a surprising perspective. Maybe the way forward for the family can be found in the past. The Bible provides a lost family blueprint that is almost entirely unknown by modern Christians.
198 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2019
91 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 29, 2020
This is a great exploration of the Family’s purpose and well-being contrasted with that of the individual’s. Jeremy Pryor points out how far western civilization has permeated our home culture with individualistic ideas that have negative effects on the family such as not taking care of our elderly and hindering further kingdom ministry as a family. He teaches with many biblical examples and offers practical advise (with additional resources if you want to dig deeper). From clear instruction on parenting God’s way, to shifting your perspective on finances, the author challenges the reader to nurture their family the way God designed it. If you’re seeking biblical instruction on leading/contributing to your family, then this is for you.
*Honorable mention: I share his view regarding the biblical feasts of the Lord and appreciate this articulation: “The year is the canvas through which a family expresses and celebrates the most important things about who they believe God is, man is and what life is really all about.”
*Honorable mention: I share his view regarding the biblical feasts of the Lord and appreciate this articulation: “The year is the canvas through which a family expresses and celebrates the most important things about who they believe God is, man is and what life is really all about.”
July 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to others who either have already begun to start a family or who are considering that step. The book will challenge the modern western narrative of why we have families and will pull you up to see the beauty of multi-generational family mindsets.
It began for me as rather uninspiring, the early portion of the book is a call to a more involved parenting mindset which I think for most millennial dads is a no-brainer. But as the book progressed my excitement in the content grew. This is not about just being at more soccer games, this is about recapturing the full beauty of what it means to be a family. I particularly enjoy the second half of the book as the author gets into the ideas of asset stewardship and rhythms of family life. Both are concepts I hope to implement more in my family.
It began for me as rather uninspiring, the early portion of the book is a call to a more involved parenting mindset which I think for most millennial dads is a no-brainer. But as the book progressed my excitement in the content grew. This is not about just being at more soccer games, this is about recapturing the full beauty of what it means to be a family. I particularly enjoy the second half of the book as the author gets into the ideas of asset stewardship and rhythms of family life. Both are concepts I hope to implement more in my family.
June 1, 2020
I’m thankful to this author for presenting an example of parenting and family leadership that is intentional, scriptural, and practical.
We live in an incredibly persuasive society, so any decisions we don’t thoughtfully make for families will be made for us by someone or something with different motives. This kind of parenting looks strange to the outside world, but it (hopefully) yields families that work together, care for each other, live on mission, and create a family culture that can last generations.
We live in an incredibly persuasive society, so any decisions we don’t thoughtfully make for families will be made for us by someone or something with different motives. This kind of parenting looks strange to the outside world, but it (hopefully) yields families that work together, care for each other, live on mission, and create a family culture that can last generations.
May 13, 2020
I love when books introduce me to new information that I haven’t considered or even known about. Family Revision did that for me. This book gives many different philosophical and tangible ways to express a biblical family in our Western World. I’ll definitely have to refer back to it as our family grows and changes to get ideas for how to tweak our family mission and rhythms.
Super useful book. I almost feel guilty about giving it a 4 star rating but it just didn’t hit me in the feels the way a 5 star book does.
Super useful book. I almost feel guilty about giving it a 4 star rating but it just didn’t hit me in the feels the way a 5 star book does.
August 18, 2025
This is a good book! I think it's good to get outside of our culture and challenge how western society has defined the family and promoting individualistic success. My only critique is in the section talking about the Resources of the Family; I think that it's not terribly attainable for every single family to look towards attaining assets instead of working as an employee especially for those who could be living at or below the poverty line.
Regardless, an easy read and would recommend to many.
Regardless, an easy read and would recommend to many.
July 6, 2023
It’s hard to escape the western concept of family. A path outside of cultural normalcy is difficult. However, Jeremy Pryor presents a great book on the family unit (how it should function and what it should value).
It’s biblically based and he utilizes lots of passages to support families in business (and the preservation of wealth generationally). He also values family rythym to at put the collective above the individual.
Worth the read, and I’ll be employing a bit of this!
It’s biblically based and he utilizes lots of passages to support families in business (and the preservation of wealth generationally). He also values family rythym to at put the collective above the individual.
Worth the read, and I’ll be employing a bit of this!
February 27, 2025
“We are called to be fruitful, multiply, subdue, rule and make disciples. These callings are given to families in general and must be accomplished regardless of our unique callings.”
“God has already given the family a mission, and it is not to pamper children. Children exist to contribute to the family mission, not to subvert - and certainly not to redefine - that mission”
Many other profound and jarring statements about families being multigenerational teams on mission. Extremely helpful book! Highly recommend.
“God has already given the family a mission, and it is not to pamper children. Children exist to contribute to the family mission, not to subvert - and certainly not to redefine - that mission”
Many other profound and jarring statements about families being multigenerational teams on mission. Extremely helpful book! Highly recommend.
December 13, 2024
Great book, incredible perspective.
Loved the beginning part about how a Jewish child would identify himself as, and the chapter on asset creation over career advancement.
Loved the beginning part about how a Jewish child would identify himself as, and the chapter on asset creation over career advancement.
January 12, 2023
Loved. More my style than some of the other books on the topic. Comprehensive, slightly academic, and tied so much together. Some of the viewpoints on male and female roles in the family are maybe not 100% the way we operate in our family, as Ryan and I tend to partner in business and in the household. But I understand he’s just writing from his experiences and his family dynamics.
Still 5 out of 5. Superb!
Still 5 out of 5. Superb!
January 3, 2023
A must read for every family man
If you want to be serious about family, about being a good father, husband, son, brother, read this book and implement it into your life.
If you want to be serious about family, about being a good father, husband, son, brother, read this book and implement it into your life.
December 30, 2022
Jeremy P. lends language to the disconnect most parents feel but have no words to articulate. The way forward, as prescribed by Jeremy is not new and inventive but one of ancient times and noble paths. Challenging but if you read it, you will not be able to see your family the same again. He writes in a way where you see your past, present and what could be your future.
April 21, 2020
Best book I’ve read about family
This book has already helped to change my life. Jeremy helps reframe the idea of idea to what God intended it to be. I don’t agree with everything he writes, and I think that makes me enjoy the book even more. Loved it!
This book has already helped to change my life. Jeremy helps reframe the idea of idea to what God intended it to be. I don’t agree with everything he writes, and I think that makes me enjoy the book even more. Loved it!
June 25, 2020
Mindbomb
As a father of 8, this made me rethink a lot of concepts we’ve taken for granted. I can say my life has changed from reading this book.
As a father of 8, this made me rethink a lot of concepts we’ve taken for granted. I can say my life has changed from reading this book.
February 6, 2021
Top 5 most influential books of my life. For no other reason than the message it carries alone.
January 1, 2024
This is in my top 5 of favorite books of 2023. If you have kids you should read this book and all other books from Jeremy Pryor and the Family Teams movement.
January 10, 2025
One of the best, most challenging books I have read in a long time. The author lays out a convincing argument for thinking about families differently than we typically do in the modern Western world, turning back to a more ancient wisdom.
The books is organized around 7 'tools' that can help you with this family revision.
Tool #1 - The Value of Family: A convincing argument on how the identity of the family should trump the identity of any individual member. The Western world argues that each person is a 'blank slate,' but traditionally the family you come from plays a large part of who you are.
Tool #2 - The Scope of Family: Family in our day has come to mean the people within the walls of your own house and not much more. This chapter argues for a wider vision of family, encompassing multiple generations and people and why it matters.
Tool #3 - The Misson of Family: Every Christian family has the same mission, but each has a different vision. This chapter helps explain how having a long-term vision for your family that is communicated well can have an impact far beyond your own life. Could your kids articulate the mission and vision of your family?
Tool #4 - The Roles of Family: This chapter goes over in detail what the roles in ancient families looked like, from father to mother to son to daughter. Some really good insight here, especially the sections on mothers and daughters.
Tool #5 - The Training of Family: How should children be raised? This is a very challenging chapter and will push you on things you have never thought about before (such as, is it a good idea that education is the primary goal of children from 5-18?) Great ideas here on training.
Tool #6 - The Resources of the Family: This was the most interesting chapter to me. The author argues that the idea of having a job where you trade your time for money should only be a means to an end. That end should be working towards building producing assets. Excellent ideas here on family stewardship, the value of business ownership, building real estate assets, and a lot more. Worth buying the book just for this chapter alone.
Tool #7 - The Rhythms of the Family: An argument for thinking differently about time. Instead of thinking linearly, think weekly, annually, and around holidays. Really good thoughts here on building traditions and rituals in your own families.
Loved this one, actually already read it twice - listened to it first but then wanted to read through. Highly Recommended.
The books is organized around 7 'tools' that can help you with this family revision.
Tool #1 - The Value of Family: A convincing argument on how the identity of the family should trump the identity of any individual member. The Western world argues that each person is a 'blank slate,' but traditionally the family you come from plays a large part of who you are.
Tool #2 - The Scope of Family: Family in our day has come to mean the people within the walls of your own house and not much more. This chapter argues for a wider vision of family, encompassing multiple generations and people and why it matters.
Tool #3 - The Misson of Family: Every Christian family has the same mission, but each has a different vision. This chapter helps explain how having a long-term vision for your family that is communicated well can have an impact far beyond your own life. Could your kids articulate the mission and vision of your family?
Tool #4 - The Roles of Family: This chapter goes over in detail what the roles in ancient families looked like, from father to mother to son to daughter. Some really good insight here, especially the sections on mothers and daughters.
Tool #5 - The Training of Family: How should children be raised? This is a very challenging chapter and will push you on things you have never thought about before (such as, is it a good idea that education is the primary goal of children from 5-18?) Great ideas here on training.
Tool #6 - The Resources of the Family: This was the most interesting chapter to me. The author argues that the idea of having a job where you trade your time for money should only be a means to an end. That end should be working towards building producing assets. Excellent ideas here on family stewardship, the value of business ownership, building real estate assets, and a lot more. Worth buying the book just for this chapter alone.
Tool #7 - The Rhythms of the Family: An argument for thinking differently about time. Instead of thinking linearly, think weekly, annually, and around holidays. Really good thoughts here on building traditions and rituals in your own families.
Loved this one, actually already read it twice - listened to it first but then wanted to read through. Highly Recommended.
August 30, 2025
I really enjoyed Family Revision. Jeremy Pryor does a great job helping us step outside of the default idea that we work hard, build up wealth, and then cash out for an endless retirement of cruises at 65. He challenges that vision and instead points us back to family, legacy, and multi-generational thinking. It’s not just about “me and my bucket list,” but about shaping a household that thrives and blesses the generations to come.
I especially loved how he draws attention to the simple but profound practices—like gathering around the dinner table. In an age of busyness and distraction, he reminds us that home, unity, and shared rhythms of life are where true richness lies. I also loved the way he distinguished each role of the family member (including daughter and son).
If you've read guys like C.R. Wiley, Michael Foster, Douglas Wilson, and the like, this is that same vibe.
If I had one critique, it would be Pryor’s occasional swipe at “Western” ideas. He sometimes blames the West as if it’s the root of our family disintegration, when in reality, the best of the Western tradition—its virtues, its vision of ordered households, its emphasis on duty and honor—are part of the solution (his comments on the American Founding and the Constitution really made me roll my eyes a bit). But that aside, his call to rethink the purpose of family is a much-needed corrective to our individualistic age.
Highly recommend this one.
I especially loved how he draws attention to the simple but profound practices—like gathering around the dinner table. In an age of busyness and distraction, he reminds us that home, unity, and shared rhythms of life are where true richness lies. I also loved the way he distinguished each role of the family member (including daughter and son).
If you've read guys like C.R. Wiley, Michael Foster, Douglas Wilson, and the like, this is that same vibe.
If I had one critique, it would be Pryor’s occasional swipe at “Western” ideas. He sometimes blames the West as if it’s the root of our family disintegration, when in reality, the best of the Western tradition—its virtues, its vision of ordered households, its emphasis on duty and honor—are part of the solution (his comments on the American Founding and the Constitution really made me roll my eyes a bit). But that aside, his call to rethink the purpose of family is a much-needed corrective to our individualistic age.
Highly recommend this one.
May 14, 2021
What was God’s original plan for families? That’s what this book is all about, correcting a Western individual-centric family model into what Jeremy Pryor calls “Family Teams,” based more on an Eastern, Biblical model. This one is a mind-changer when it comes to families. The author argues and illuminates scripture that challenges the cultural narrative of families that I (and many western Christians) have accepted whole heartedly.
The introductions all the way to the fifth tool chapter (he outlines seven tools) are page after page of helpful and expansive ways of building a multi-generational godly family.
Why four stars? The sixth tool, “The Resources of the Family,” is great but only if you are middle to upper middle class in the USA or some of the Western European cultures. In the longest chapter of the book, Pryor challenges the employee mindset of many Christians and urges us to become asset stewards instead. This works if you are in a position to accumulate assets, but is not-practical for anyone in living paycheck-to-paycheck situation. His recommendation is that many are living above their means, which is true for many, but doesn’t take into account those living at or above their means below the poverty line.
But other than that, this is an amazing book which can help not only families but anyone aspiring to have and lead their own family.
The introductions all the way to the fifth tool chapter (he outlines seven tools) are page after page of helpful and expansive ways of building a multi-generational godly family.
Why four stars? The sixth tool, “The Resources of the Family,” is great but only if you are middle to upper middle class in the USA or some of the Western European cultures. In the longest chapter of the book, Pryor challenges the employee mindset of many Christians and urges us to become asset stewards instead. This works if you are in a position to accumulate assets, but is not-practical for anyone in living paycheck-to-paycheck situation. His recommendation is that many are living above their means, which is true for many, but doesn’t take into account those living at or above their means below the poverty line.
But other than that, this is an amazing book which can help not only families but anyone aspiring to have and lead their own family.
June 9, 2022
I found this book to be extremely valuable in casting a new vision for what a Christ-following family can look like. In combination with other resources Jeremy Pryor has graciously put it into the works, this book helped stretch my imagination for how we can better integrate our faith into our lifestyle as a family.
There are a handful of points in the book that I found debatable, mostly surrounding classic gender role issues, but for me these did not subtract from the overall value and vision of the book, and even gave me some new things to think about.
There are a handful of points in the book that I found debatable, mostly surrounding classic gender role issues, but for me these did not subtract from the overall value and vision of the book, and even gave me some new things to think about.
October 6, 2025
Very well written! As Christians who question societal norms and Christendom traditions, it’s refreshing to find some of my thoughts explained by the writer. This book is worth reading and reinforces my existing ideas about family. It also motivates me to continue challenging societal norms. I particularly appreciated the writer’s emphasis on bringing children to worship with us instead of attending Bible classes, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork. There are so many valuable topics covered in this book.
October 18, 2025
This book is to family what systematic theology is to faith, clearly laying out the pillars of Biblical truth to operate under. It reinforced what I already believed and it will help strengthen my choices to intentionally develop a generational family moving forward.
One of the best books I’ve read on a philosophy of family, I will revisit this book again and again as well as make it required reading for my family members.
One of the best books I’ve read on a philosophy of family, I will revisit this book again and again as well as make it required reading for my family members.
March 22, 2020
This is a great book focusing on the family and building the family up as a team rather than a group of individuals.
I recommend this book to all who have a family and want to grow into and as a multi-generational family team who’s traditions,rhythms, resources and faith are passed down to each generation.
I recommend this book to all who have a family and want to grow into and as a multi-generational family team who’s traditions,rhythms, resources and faith are passed down to each generation.
December 11, 2023
Self-published, which means you have to dodge poor design and a series of grammatical and punctuation errors. But I still gave it four stars because I think his message is extremely important and timely. Or at least it was for me. Has me thinking/dreaming/planning about the “family team” I lead with Janell.
June 11, 2024
An excellent read for fathers and families on leading families well and creating a family team. I especially enjoyed the last third focused on business, building wealth and creating generational success. Will be sharing this book with many friends as an encouragement to God’s plan for our life as fathers and families.
June 26, 2025
Once I was introduced to this biblical idea of a family unit, it was hard for me to unsee it. It is so beautiful, so inspiring. Makes life and all the things we have been called to so much more beautiful and meaningful. Work more worthy. This calls for a big vision. For strong faith. For commitment and unity. I have never been so excited!
July 10, 2025
A great perspective shift for modern Christian parents. Especially individualistic--> multigenerational mindset. Some advice felt dated. Particularly the call for fathers to be more involved in their family. My generation already seems more involved than prior generations. This book has a reputation as father-focused, but it is still beneficial for women to read.
June 21, 2025
A lot of good stuff in here but it gets a bit jumbled and jumps all over the place. Each section has "digging deeper" links (eBook) and while it's obviously not the author's fault, it was annoying that the one link I tried to follow was broken.
February 26, 2023
Such a great biblical book that compares how I Jesse times the family unit worked, versus now how family works in this modern world. Gave me some great perspective on things to improve upon.
September 16, 2023
Incredible perspective on reclaiming ancient wisdom on the role of the family. Highly recommend, even if you aren't a Christian.
December 12, 2023
Absolutely worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews