Table of Contents

Contents

Part 1: Theological and Social Perspectives on Family Life
1. A Theological Foundation for Family Relationships: Developing a Theology of the Family
2. The Family as a Developing Biosocial System
Part 2: Marriage: The Foundation of Family Life
3. Mate Selection and Cohabitation: Romance and Reality
4. Establishing Marriage: Moving Toward Differentiated Unity
5. A Model for Biblical Marriage
Part 3: The Expansion of Family Life: Parenting and Beyond
6. Parenting: The Process of Relationship Empowerment
7. Developing a Mature, Reciprocating Self
8. Family Spirituality: Nurturing Christian Beliefs, Morals, and Values
9. Adolescence and Midlife: Challenging Changes
10. The Joys and Challenges of Family in Later Life
Part 4: Gender and Sexuality: Identity in Family Life
11. Changing Gender Roles and Relations: The Impact on Family Life
12. Becoming an Authentic Sexual Self
Part 5: Communication: The Heart of Family Life
13. Expressing Love--Achieving Intimacy
14. Expressing Anger--Negotiating the Inevitable Conflicts
Part 6: The Social Dynamics of Family Life
15. Becoming Powerful through Empowerment
16. Through the Stress and Strain of Family Life
17. Divorce and Single-Parent Families
18. Complex Families in Contemporary Society
Part 7: Family Life in Postmodern Society
19. The Erosion of Biblical Truth in a Modern World
20. Creating a Family-Friendly Society
Index

About the Author

Jack O. Balswick (PhD, University of Iowa) is senior professor of sociology and family development at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Judith K. Balswick (EdD, University of Georgia) is senior professor of marital and family therapy, also at Fuller. They have coauthored several books, including Authentic Human Sexuality and A Model for Marriage: Covenant, Grace, Empowerment, and Intimacy.