Family Theology: Finding God in Very Human Relationships

by Carol J. Gallagher

Overview

Blends spiritual narratives and biblical stories with behavioral theory to explain modern family life and its unique contributions to faith formation.
This book offers hope and encouragement for people who have thought that God could not possibly bless them in their peculiar relationships or families. Using archetypes and behavior development frameworks while interpreting and retelling biblical stories, the book features both personal and traditional stories of faith, complemented by the contemporary insights of cognitive scientists, including Gardner, Eisner and others. Reflection questions are included at the end of each chapter.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780819224378
Publisher:	Church Publishing, Incorporated
Publication date:	02/01/2012
Pages:	124
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Carol Gallagher is the former bishop suffragan of the Diocese of Southern Virginia and Assisting Bishop of North Dakota. She is the first American Indian (Cherokee) female bishop in the Episcopal Church. She is currently Canon for the Central Region in the Diocese of Massachusetts. She is the author of Reweaving the Sacred: A Practical Guide to Change and Growth for Challenged Congregations. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Dedication iv

Introduction v

Chapter 1 Naked and Confused: Bad Parenting 101 1

Chapter 2 Children in Conflict: We Barely Left the Garden 21

Chapter 3 Inheritance and Tradition: Eating with Pigs Again 47

Chapter 4 Marriage and Fidelity: Finding Love in All the Wrong Places 69

Chapter 5 Aging Gracefully, Sort Of: Only Martyrs Still Look Good 87

Chapter 6 Embracing the Child of God: Time to Run with Scissors 107

Conclusion 125

Editorial Reviews

"In Family Theology, Bishop Gallagher helps us to see how listening to our stories and to the stories of the Bible can help us grow beyond merely being members of the human race. This book helps us find a way to become the human family of God."
—The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Diocese of North Carolina

"Carol Gallagher offers unexpected theology and careful thought on a topic all too often subjected to sloganeering. This is a book whore time has come, and I'm very glad it's come along now."
—Barbara Crafton, Episcopal priest and author

From the Publisher