FAMILIES OF THE BIBLE: How They Coped With Today's Problems. by Howard Hovde and Louis Moore, published by Hannibal Books.
When I first thought of reading this, I thought it was probably another one of those books on Bible characters and families that simply gave you a Biblical account (which anyone can read in a Bible), and left you to consider the "moral of the story" for yourself.
This is not that kind of book.
Nor is it an attempt to translate and interpret specific passages, or fill one's mind with irrelevant facts. It is written simply and gives simple situations with complex problems we face today. There was not one single chapter in which I did not see myself, or someone I know, at one time or another in life. Alongside Biblical accounts are illustrations of modern-day situations. So many circumstances we deal with today were once dealt with by others.
These circumstances are reflected upon and help place the reader smack dab in the middle of Biblical individuals' turmoil and struggle. Change, change and more change. Moving. Loss. Grief. Marriage. Immediate and extended family influence. Results of emotional, spiritual and physical upheavals. Tests of faith. Consequences. It helps us imagine what they might have faced when they made the choices they made and how much family effects decisions and patterns. The authors write in Chapter Four:
"We do know that much behavior is created, encouraged, and supported by a particular family system. When change does occur, the whole system is affected. But when change occurs, the system will do all it can to nullify the change and bring the family back to its original posture."
Then they offer in Chapter Five:
"...One way to break the cycle of negative history is to learn everything possible about one's family (the family origin) and decide what you want to retain and what you choose to discard."
Authors Howard Hovde and Louis Moore do not claim this to be a work of "precise, historical scholarship". However, I see the evaluations and observations they make from biblical families and relationships as extremely helpful for today's families and individuals--especially those who cannot understand how to fit their square peg into a round hole of extended family interactions. It's seems it is a battle of wills at most all stages in life. It's not easy to do, to be sure. And that speaks more to the purpose of this book. To me, it is examining where we have come from, so we can understand where we are and where we can go to live more productively and in greater harmony with others.
If you want a way to connect dots with today's culture and biblical times, this is a great read. If you want a book to give a young couple who is contemplating engagement or marriage, this is a good one to include. If you know someone who is experiencing difficulties in marriage or family relationships, you'll find a bevy of insight in this little 119-page paperback. If you wonder why you relate to others in life the way you do, then this may shed some light on the way you act and react to folks.
Suggested uses for this book include: 1) a study book for small group, or the basis for a Bible study. 2) assigned chapter reading for Christian mental-health professional dealing with family counseling. 3) a launch pad for Mom and Dad to use with older children in discussing family situations. The authors make this ideal because of their inclusion of a section at the end of each chapter: "Questions to Consider". I see it fitting in perfectly for a Discipleship class on Sunday evenings, or a Ladies book-study, or Single Adults study.
I like it and will recommend it to our Minister of Education, my favorite counselor at the Christian Family Counseling Center, and several of my friends. I may even do what the authors suggest and pass it around among my friends.
A few words of caution, though: Should you decide it is a book you'd like for a small group or discipleship class, I strongly recommend a mature spiritual leader as a facilitator. This book could provoke some deep emotional thoughts and hit some areas of discord within couples, families or individuals within a group. We are all at various stages of Christian growth and some flaws we may see in ourselves or others may need to be weighed carefully in public discussions. selahV
