Jack O. Balswick - The Family. A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home

Jack Balswick, Judith Balswick, and Thomas Frederick present a Christian perspective on the significance and purpose of the contemporary family. Through a unique blend of biblical theology, systems theory, and the social sciences, they address the many facets of the modern-day family relative to marriage, parenting, sexuality, communication, and the social dynamics of family life. As a teaching professor in the Christian academic setting, I have used the earlier editions of this extraordinary text for both graduate and undergraduate classes in marriage and family studies. In addition, as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have found the biblical and theoretical concepts helpful and applicable. I greatly recommend this book to instructors, students, counselors, or pastors who are seeking to develop an overarching theological and sociological framework for the family.

Brad Overholser , chair of human development, Hope International University

This updated edition of The Family presents recent research to continue the important contribution of this book to our thinking about families from a distinctly Christian viewpoint. Its based on a systemic developmental perspective that captures the reality of our relationships in our families across the life span, with a special focus on the attributes of grace, empowerment, and intimacy within Christian covenantal love that can permeate those relationships and impact the larger social environment.

Mark Stanton , professor of psychology, Azusa Pacific University

The reason for the longevity and influence of Balswick and Balswicks The Family is based in two things: the clarity of their writing on topics of interest to the Christian community and their engagement with recent scholarship . This fifth edition of what is now a standard text on family life continues this pattern of thoughtful Christian scholarship. The result is a stimulating text whose relevance extends beyond the classroom to the front lines of Christian engagement with families, whether it be in a clinical, parachurch, or congregational setting.

Kelvin Mutter , associate professor of counselling and spiritual care, McMaster Divinity College

The Family is a unique resource in the study of marriage and family: it adeptly integrates theology with sociological perspectives and proven family therapy models. I highly recommend this text for marriage and family studies in Christian colleges and universities and can personally attest to how helpful its been to both educators and students alike.

Yvonne Thai , chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and professor of sociology, California Baptist University Online and Professional Studies