In the Midst of Chaos: Caring for Children As Spiritual Practice

by Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore

Theologian, mother, and writer Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore gives us some answers to this question and shows us how to integrate and strengthen the practice of faith in the everyday (and often mundane) experience of raising children. In the Midst of Chaos reveals what it takes to find the spiritual wisdom in the messy, familial ways of living. By rethinking parenting as an invitation to discover God in the middle of our busy and overstuffed lives, it relieves parents of the burden of being the all-knowing authority figures who impart spiritual knowledge to children. Finding spirituality in family activities such as reading bedtime stories, dividing household chores, and playing games can empower parents to notice what they are already doing as potentially valuable and to practice it more consciously as part of their own faith journey.

Genres: Theology, Parenting, Childrens

242 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Author, co-author, and editor of over sixteen books as well as over a hundred chapters and articles, Miller-McLemore has a particular interest in the person and lived theology in the midst of everyday struggles, such as illness, dying, working, and parenting. Her writing has been translated into several languages, including Korean, Portuguese, and Swedish.

A nationally and internationally recognized leader in pastoral and practical theologies and in women and childhood studies, she has served as president of the International Academy of Practical Theology, president of the Association of Practical Theology, and co-chair of two newly founded program units of the American Academy of Religion, the Consultation on Childhood Studies and Religion and the Group on Practical Theology.

Reviews

[Mark Peters]

A helpful work of practical theology for parents. Worth reading.

I found the first five chapters particularly helpful.

[Holly]

It took a few chapters before I truly bought in to the author's message. Once she moved on from theory to how her family practiced some of their spiritual beliefs in everyday life, I was more engaged. I especially loved the last few chapters where she talks about the on-going mourning/blessing of parenting - the awareness of life's fleeting nature coupled with the blessing and joy of life's precious and mundane moments. This book is a great read for the contemplative, socially minded, environmentally engaged parent who desires encouragement in the spiritual nature of each of these realms.

[Heather Ostendorff]

While some parts of this book were drawn out and hard to read, the overall lesson and message of the book made it well worth reading.

[Alison]

Beautiful! Theology at its best -in the chaos of everyday life.

[Josh Heyes]

I loved this so much and wish so much I could give it to my early parenting self and every other first time parent. God is in the chaos, not just waiting for you in silence and solitude.