Reviewed by: Connor Salter, Professional Writing student at Taylor University

Introduction

Title: The Storm-Tossed Family: How the Cross Reshapes the Home

Author: Russell Moore

Publisher: : B&H Publishing Group

Publication Date: 2018

Format: Paperback

Length: 306 pages

OVERVIEW

“Family,” Russell Moore says early in this book, is “the source of life-giving blessing but also of excruciating terror, often all at the same time.” He then devotes the rest of the book to unpacking some of the ways that different arenas of family life—including parenting children, keeping a marriage strong, or being part of a church (the family of Christ)—reflect this truth, the blessing and the trials that come in each one. He then notes how this dynamic is also present in Jesus’ death on the cross, and how understanding that pattern—that you find freedom only when you “die with Christ” and sacrifice yourself for others, that blessed things in life bring joy and pain—allows you to survive and succeed as a family member.

Moore deals with tough topics in this book. He talks about tough family struggles like divorce, sexuality (both for single and married people), and aging. He’s honest about how complicated and difficult these topics can be, even in successful situations. But these hard explanations work together to make his point: the Cross shows us that sacrifice and freedom sometimes go together, and that’s also true of healthy families. Moore explains this complicated concept in a way that feels very understandable and freeing. The result is a highly compelling book.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

5 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Christians with complicated family situations or Christians who are interested in parenting, marriage (or how to approach not being married), family dynamics or church dynamics.

Christian Impact

This book will help many Christians who are facing family crises learn to face and overcome their situations.

Other notes

This book deals with many sensitive topics, including divorce, abortion, child abuse, and these discussions may upset some readers.

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