What do you think?
Rate this book
What My Parents Did Right
Teacher, guardian, and friend are just a few of the many roles that parents play each day in the lives of their children. And it is the wisdom they impart and the values they hold dear that transform these children into men and women of character and integrity. In this delightful collection of memories from Christian leaders, readers will discover the impact a parent can have.
263 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1991
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 3, 2021
If you are American you will probably know more of the name mentioned. I found enough to make me enjoy the stories of good but not perfect parents.
December 2, 2014
I first read about this book, originally published as What My Parents Did Right – Discover How the Nurturing and Vital Role of Parenting Molded the Lives of Over 50 Renowned Christian Leaders, back in 2003 when John Clayton recommended it in the Sept./Oct. issue of his Does God Exist? magazine. Therefore, when I recently saw it on the sale shelf of a college bookstore for $1.00, I snatched it up. Gloria Gaither is perhaps best known as a singer and songwriter of gospel music along with her husband Bill, but in this book, she puts together articles by 55 well known personalities about important lessons which they learned from their parents and wish to pass on to others.
Some of the writers are generally famous people, such as Senator Richard Lugar, Janette Oke, James Dobson, and Frank Peretti. Others will be recognized primarily by those who are interested in modern Evangelical theology and especially Contemporary Christian Music. As one might imagine, there are minor references to various denominational concepts with which not all believers will agree, such as receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, modern-day miracles, “Biblical feminism,” and the rapture. One of the writers, Dr. Anthony (Tony) Campolo, though supposedly an “evangelical,” is a former spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton and has associated himself with the Democratic Party and several “left wing” groups and causes. Also, we recognize that every person’s upbringing and family life are different so that some of these “tips” may not apply in all cases, but there are many good, general Biblical principles that tie all these stories together.
One of the biggest objections I saw was that John MacArthur writes, “I was never abused by either parent–only loved, affirmed, encouraged, and trusted,” yet goes on to say that he was “spanked hard and often with belts, wooden coat hangers, spoons, sticks, and hands,” and once “tied to the clothesline pole with a long rope” because he kept getting into dangerous situations. The reviewer noted, “Everything he’s describing here sounds like child abuse, and possibly neglect.” When I read his piece, I saw nothing that implied any actual abuse or neglect. Of course, there are those who think that any spanking whatever or even saying a firm no to a child is abuse. The thrust of this book is explained in the Epilogue. “Through the life profiles represented in the pages of this book, you’ve been introduced to imperfect parents who have raised successful men and women with love and a fierce commitment to family. The good news of these stories is that you don’t have to be a perfect person to be a good parent.” I enjoyed reading the book, and concerned parents who want to raise godly children should find it useful.
Some of the writers are generally famous people, such as Senator Richard Lugar, Janette Oke, James Dobson, and Frank Peretti. Others will be recognized primarily by those who are interested in modern Evangelical theology and especially Contemporary Christian Music. As one might imagine, there are minor references to various denominational concepts with which not all believers will agree, such as receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, modern-day miracles, “Biblical feminism,” and the rapture. One of the writers, Dr. Anthony (Tony) Campolo, though supposedly an “evangelical,” is a former spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton and has associated himself with the Democratic Party and several “left wing” groups and causes. Also, we recognize that every person’s upbringing and family life are different so that some of these “tips” may not apply in all cases, but there are many good, general Biblical principles that tie all these stories together.
One of the biggest objections I saw was that John MacArthur writes, “I was never abused by either parent–only loved, affirmed, encouraged, and trusted,” yet goes on to say that he was “spanked hard and often with belts, wooden coat hangers, spoons, sticks, and hands,” and once “tied to the clothesline pole with a long rope” because he kept getting into dangerous situations. The reviewer noted, “Everything he’s describing here sounds like child abuse, and possibly neglect.” When I read his piece, I saw nothing that implied any actual abuse or neglect. Of course, there are those who think that any spanking whatever or even saying a firm no to a child is abuse. The thrust of this book is explained in the Epilogue. “Through the life profiles represented in the pages of this book, you’ve been introduced to imperfect parents who have raised successful men and women with love and a fierce commitment to family. The good news of these stories is that you don’t have to be a perfect person to be a good parent.” I enjoyed reading the book, and concerned parents who want to raise godly children should find it useful.
March 15, 2015
I bought this book at a book sale but didn't really think I was going to be much interested in it. I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. People like Chuck Colson, Sandi Patti, James Dobson as well as Gloria Gaither shared things they had gleaned from their parents while growing up. Reverence for the Lord's Day, being an example by having faith in God for everything, always telling the absolute truth, appreciate life and do what you do with excellence are just some of the wise upbringings these people of God shared.
August 7, 2011
Short chapters by various authors about their parents. Several are included which I skipped over. Not all are excellent or well written, but several are good for reference later.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews