Scot McKnight on the biblical family. Or, more accurately, Scot McKnight on Stephen Holmes on the biblical family.
The Institute for Cultural Engagement, an official program of Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary
The Institute for Cultural Engagement, an official program of Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary
Scot McKnight on the biblical family. Or, more accurately, Scot McKnight on Stephen Holmes on the biblical family.
Very good article. This topic of discussion is long over due. Controversial? Yes, but why? Could it be because we falsely assume that the Bible advocates this modern day invention called nuclear family, which coincidently is our present habitat of choice?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for my family of origin and I presently have a wife and three great kids that I adore. Notwithstanding my love for my family, I wholeheartedly agree with Paul Metzger’s statement, “The church is an voluntary association of individuals whose true allegiance is to the state, marketplace and the nuclear family.”
I have personally witnessed no less than three families, very close friends, who despite being the biggest advocates for “Christian family values” that I’ve known, were not equipped to withstand the “storm” that eventuated in the complete and total destruction of their “houses” – two divorced and one still in the balance, all of them in the last two years.
The problem is not wether or not the family is “valuable”, but that it was never intended to be the “foundation” for our lives that we often make it. Sadly, the response to such a bald statement as this is too often, “Of course, of course.” I’m convinced that while everyone hides from God, the Christian hides behind the “sacred” things. We hide behind our religion, our money, our politics and yes, our family.