Families of the Bible: A New Perspective

Reinterpreting the Bible through Family Systems Theory, this fascinating exploration shows how the theology of creation, restoration, and salvation can be meaningfully and uniquely understood through the lens of the biblical family.

It is not possible to recreate a biblical family in the modern world. Thus, we must think of the principles of faithful family life demonstrated in the Bible and express them in a new way. That is the idea underlying Families of the Bible: A New Perspective. Examining themes related to family health, connection, spirituality, and psychology, the author relates stories from the Bible to modern-day experience in an effort to help readers strengthen and heal their own families, whatever their structure.

While the book addresses the family of the patriarchs and other major traditional families in the Bible, it also specifically examines Jesus’s new definition of family, showing how his psycho-spiritual family has a different-and more inclusive-shape than the natural family. The author, who is an Episcopal priest, insists that the Bible shows God as faithful in providing for his people. The many disadvantaged in our society, as well as those who are alone and those who have found that wealth does not provide satisfaction, will benefit from this thoughtful reinterpretation.

Uses family systems theory in a way that will be accessible for the layperson, as well as scholars and clergy

Includes genograms and other family diagrams

Offers original interpretations of family stories throughout

Cites specific biblical examples

Includes an appendix demonstrating the use of Family Systems Theory as hermeneutic