Tracing family (and thus family ministry) throughout both Scripture and the history of the church, Stinson and Jones have edited a helpful volume that highlights many key contemporary issues (including gender roles and homosexuality). Although the chapters on historical tradition may not hold interest for the casual reader, they do help cement the foundation of the practical viewpoints discussed in latter pages. While certain contributions outshine others, the book is a worthy (if occasionally repetitive) effort.

The independence that I had worked so hard to protect as an unbeliever had been a complete charade. As a helpless, finite creature I was completely dependent on God for my very life and breath. I had never been independent. Instead, I had been stiff-necked, stubborn, and rebellious. I came to realize that submission did not strip me of my dignity; it simply stripped me of my contentiousness. [238]

Of the seven qualities that Paul urged for more mature women in his letter to Titus, only two are explicitly directed at married women which one is written to mothers. That leaves four for all women, married or single. Regardless of my marital status, I was to be self-controlled, pure, busy at home, and kind. [238]

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