Dark Glass Ponderings

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. -1 Corinthians 13:12




Title: Family-Driven Faith: Doing what it takes to raise sons and daughters who walk with God
Author: Voddie Baucham
Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: Crossway Books


Rating: 4.5/5

**Special thanks to Amy Stephanson at Crossway Books for providing a review copy as part of the Homeschool Book Review Program.**

Simply stated Baucham's thesis is: "Our children are falling away because we are asking the church to do what God designed the family to accomplish" (7).  I've been reading Family-Driven Faith for a few weeks, because quite frankly this isn't a book to rush through.

After reading this book I would love to be able to hear Mr. Baucham in person.  His tone is unapologetic, honest, bold.  Although I haven't heard him speak this is a book to be preached from the pulpit.  At times that would turn me off, but in this case its very appropriate. 

Mr. Baucham boldly asks us, "Do you know where your children are spiritually?" Baucham has some opinions that are very unpopular in the culture and even at times among the church.

On dating: "Unless your child is wiser than Solomon, stronger than Samson, and more godly than David (all of whom sinned sexually), they are susceptible to sexual sin, and these premature relationships serve as open invitations." (21)

On idolatry: "We do marriage according to Dr. Phil, raise our children according to Dr. Spock, govern our sex lives according to Dr. Ruth, and only run to Dr. Jesus when things have gotten so bad we can't find another doctor to help us." (33)

On Christian homes: "Those who visit us should notice immediately that they have left the world of self-serving egocentric narcissism and have entered a safe harbor where people value and esteem others above themselves" (51).

Mr. Baucham begins the book by describing the problem.  More and more of our young people are walking away from their faith.  Why?  He argues parents are to blame.  We are the ones who should be discipling our children, not the pastors and youth leaders.  The church should merely be supporting parents in their role.  I am in resounding agreement with Mr. Baucham. 

He issues a fighting call to the church.  We cannot accept defeat, we cannot sit idly by as our children leave the church.  We must fight for our children!  We must live out an example for them.  We must teach our children worldview, so they can answer why they believe what they believe.

Mr. Baucham ends each chapter with a call to action, several suggestions for how to implement the chapter's teachings.  I leave you with a few of them to consider:

-Make a list of potential idols in your life.  Determine what you need to get out of your house and out of your schedule.

-Consider your relationship with your spouse from your child's perspective.  As they watch you and listen to you do they see a picture of biblical love?

-Try to carve out a time when your family can read the Bible together daily.  (We are currently reading the book of Matthew, with a five year old most of the time is spent answering questions...but I wish we all
had the curious minds of five-year-olds when it comes to God's word).

-Think about a weekly meal that will mark Sunday as the Lord's Day. (I had never even thought of this, but its a neat idea and I'm considering what I can do to make Sunday dinner more special in my family.)

In short, I LOVED this book!  I think it has so much to offer any family who desires to disciple their children, but may lack the know-how.  I hope I've whet your appetite for this excellent tome.

Disclosure: I received this book as part of the Crossway Homeschool Blogger Review Program.  My opinions are entirely my own.

Crossway's Blog: http://www.crossway.org/blog

4 comments:

Thanks for reviewing this book! :) I need to read it.
My son is only 20 months, but I'm already debating whether I want to do homeschooling. i admire any mother who does it!! :)

You're welcome! We decided to homeschool when my daughter was quite young. That's great that you are thinking about your options already. BTW, I love 1 1/2 to 2. Enjoy it! What a great stage as they are talking up a storm and running everywhere. Busy, but fun. Thanks for stopping by and for the encouragement. I'm not an expert, but if you ever want to chat about homeschooling, feel free to email me.

I am going to start reading this for Crossway as well. I really enjoy Voddie's teaching. Have you read What He Must Be? Excellent!!! I pray that my husband and I can become one when it comes time for our children to have relationships - I want courtship but he doesn't agree. Praying we'll be of one mind before then.

Come on over and follow me at www.homeschoolblogger.com/OhioSarah

God bless,
Sarah
FIRST, MamaBuzz, TOS, EHO, book reviewer
SeekingHim @ gmail dot com
www.homeschoolblogger.com/OhioSarah

Thanks for stopping by, Sarah. You look like you have some great reviews up there. I subscribed through google reader. I haven't read What He Must Be, but I've heard excellent reviews of it. I would love to hear Voddie speak!


Julia M. Reffner

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Christ-loving bookworm & homeschool mom of 2 stealing the rare quiet moments to pursue that all elusive writing dream. I also write book reviews for Title Trakk and The Historical Novel Society.

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