The Family: A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home

by Balswick, Jack O.

• ISBN13: 9780801032493
• ISBN10: 0801032490
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-06-01
• Publisher: Baker Academic

Summary

A popular resource among college and seminary faculty, pastors, and counselors, the Balswicks' guide is now updated to reflect current research. Generously illustrated, their insightful and comprehensive text analyzes theological and social perspectives on family life, including marriage, parenting, sexuality, communication, social dynamics, and more from a strong Christian perspective. (Practical Life)

Author Biography

Jack O. Balswick (PhD, University of Iowa) is director of marriage and family research and professor of sociology and family development at Fuller Theological Seminary. Judith K. Balswick (EdD, University of Georgia) is director of clinical training and senior professor of marital and family therapy at Fuller.

Table of Contents

Illustrations	p. 9
Preface	p. 11
Theological and Social Perspectives on Family Life	p. 15
A Theological Foundation for Family Relationships: The Use of Scripture in Developing a Theology of the Family	p. 17
The Family as a Developing System	p. 37
Marriage: The Foundation of Family Life	p. 55
Mate Selection: Romance and Reality	p. 57
Establishing a Strong Marriage: A Differentiated Unity	p. 73
Christian Marriage: A Model for Postmodern Society	p. 87
The Expansion of Family Life: Parenting and Beyond	p. 101
Parenting: The Process of Relationship Empowerment	p. 103
Developing a Mature Reciprocating Self	p. 123
Family Spirituality: Nurturing Christian Beliefs, Morals, and Values	p. 145
Adolescence and Midlife: Challenging Changes	p. 157
The Joys and Challenges of Family in Later Life	p. 171
Gender and Sexuality: Identity in Family Life	p. 187
Changing Gender Roles: The Impact on Family Life	p. 189
Becoming an Authentic Sexual Self	p. 213
Communication: The Heart of Family Life	p. 237
Expressing Love-Achieving Intimacy	p. 239
Expressing Anger-Negotiating the Inevitable Conflicts	p. 251
The Social Dynamics of Family Life	p. 269
Becoming Powerful through Empowerment	p. 271
Through the Stress and Strain of Family Life	p. 285
Divorce and Single-Parent Families	p. 299
Complex Families in Contemporary Society	p. 319
Family Life in Postmodern Society	p. 335
The Erosion of Biblical Truth in a Postmodern World	p. 337
Creating a Family-Friendly Society	p. 353
Bibliography	p. 369
Index	p. 391
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