This is a decent introduction to a biblical study of the family. 

 

Synopsis

Adams writes to tells us that though a home is filled with sinners, it can still be a Christ-centered home.  Christians recognize their sin, they know what to do about their sin, and they overcome their sin by the help of the Spirit through His Word (chapter 1).  Because God’s Word tells us all we need to know for life and godliness, every family can be hopeful about their growth (chapter 2).  With that foundation laid Adams discusses aspects of a Christ centered home.

 

The chapter on communication comes from Ephesians 4.  Family members must be open, honest, and edifying.  When disagreements arise, each must focus on the problem rather than attacking the individual.

 

Chapter 4 speaks of fundamental truths about the family: God created marriage; Marriage is good; Marriage is for companionship, procreation, exemplification of the relationship between Christ and His church. Chapter 5 speaks to singles.  Singles, unless they have the gift of celibacy, should pray, prepare themselves for marriage, and seek a husband/wife by enjoying fellowship with other godly singles.  Adams closes the chapter by dispelling the myth of compatibility and tells singles to pursue a mate who is (1) a Christian and (2) able to solve problems biblically.

 

Chapters 6 and 7 speak to wives and husbands respectively.  Wives are to submit to their husbands as their head, and husbands are to lovingly lead their wives as Christ lovingly leads his bride. Chapter 8 discusses parenting.  Adams warns against underdisciplining and overdisciplining and encourages nurturing and admonishing.  Nurturing speaks of structured discipline which at some point will involve the use of the “rod.”  Admonishing involves verbal confrontation which challenges a child to honor Christ with his attitude and actions.

 

Chapter 9 gives counsel to women who live with an unbelieving husband.  First Peter 3:1-7 says they are to win their husbands by their Christian behavior and ‘without a word.”  Chapter 10 concludes by calling the reader to evaluate his live and take practical steps toward biblical change for the glory of God.

 

Strengths

Adams is biblical.  He sticks to the text of Scripture.  Any book that does this should be respected.

 

Adams is to the point.  He doesn’t waste a lot of time when making his points.  This makes the book easy to read, and so it is a good use of time.

 

Weaknesses

Adams’ work is only introductory.  I suppose this isn’t a weakness if this is what the book aims to accomplish.  It lays a decent foundation, but the issues definitely need some elaboration.  The chapter on communication especially needs to be developed.  Conflict resolution is so difficult for folks these days. 

 

Adams recommends that singles take advantage of Christian dating services.  I wouldn’t recommend this.  Is there really such a think as a Christian dating service?  Everyone claims to be a Christian.  Though God has used this type of thing to direct people to marriage, it doesn’t seem like a wise choice (God often blesses in spite of choices that are less than wise).

 

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