When I was originally asked by the publisher to read this manuscript, the timing was not great for me. It was a thick manuscript and I was facing several other deadlines, but I followed through and had no regrets. On this particular topic, it may be most inclusive thing I have read on the subject, and what a timely one at that. The family!
The family is not doing all that well in our society today. This is especially critical because increasing numbers of studies are revealing that more than anything else children want a good relationship with their parents and want to be part of a family support system that enables them to develop a right worldview.
If you are a pastor or a counselor, or a Christian wanting to understand what the Bible says about family and marriage, you will want to read this book and keep it as a reference. I recommend it as the best single source on the topic. It is clear, comprehensive, and consistent with my understanding of Scripture.
It is exhaustive on the topic of the family and seeks to look at the whole of Scripture as the foundation. I would recommend it as a guide and source for sermon material, Sunday school class study, or small group use, as well as personal reading and study. There is both a personal and group study guide at the end of the book that helps make it teachable.
The one thing I would like to have seen expanded, though chapter four deals with marriage as sacrament, marriage as a contract, and marriage as a covenant, is a fuller explanation and application of the covenantal aspect of marriage. God clearly describes marriage as a covenant. There is a good pr