Faith Traditions and the Family

by Phyllis Airhart (Editor)

Family life since World War II has undergone dramatic changes. Cultural shifts emphasizing personal needs and fulfillment have transformed traditional understandings of marriage and divorce, gender equality, and sexual behavior, resulting in a marked increase in single-parent homes, dual-income couples, divorce, and blended families. In this book, contributors who represent diverse traditions in North America show how their respective traditions have responded to changes in the family in the last half-century. Exploring the broad range of responses in their traditions--from conservative to progressive--they reflect on the role that theology, Scripture, and the social sciences have played in this transformation. Further, they take a realistic look at the influence of mainstream religion and its role in future discussions of family life. The Family, Culture, and Religion series offers informed and responsible analyses of the state of the American family from a religious perspective and provides practical assistance for the family's revitalization.

188 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[M.J. Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I entered into this book with great anticipation. However, the various contributors made for a book with inconsistencies and approaches. As well, content in some chapters was very limited and in others quite full. Some chapters were incredibly dry while others were quite compelling.

Perhaps, I am finding it lacking because of when it was written. I had to keep reminding myself that this book is almost twenty years old and much has happened to the North American family, to faith groups and coalitions, and the modern understanding of families. This book was written prior to the legalization of same sex marriage, some states' legalization of marijuana, 9/11 and other pivotal events that have had an impact on the traditional family.

I do commend the editors for their inclusion of many various traditions--of two different faiths--but a newer version that would include Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and Hinduism would be more relevent in today's world. Perhpas a new edition with an update would be a good idea for 2016.