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Summer
2006 ,
Vol. 3, No. 1
Book Review
Vernell Ingle, The Truth
About the Family: Biblical Patterns
and Principles
(Joplin, MO: Messenger Publishing
House, 2005). 192 pages.
Reviewed by James
M. Harris, Ph.D.
Eagle Crest Counseling
Center, Springfield, Missouri.
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God has not left us adrift in a hopelessly
turbulent sea merely hoping that the good
ship named “Family” will sail
by, hoist us aboard and shelter us in its
hold. Rather, he has given us firm footing
on a craggy headland by providing numerous
patterns for these most important and significant
human relationships.
Vernell Ingle, in his book The Truth
about the Family, reminds us of
God's patterns for the family recorded
in His Word. Ingle has been a true and
faithful steward of the Word of God by
anchoring the foundation for the
family in the doctrine of God. He follows
his description of the love of God as
a key to meaningful relationships with
five chapters that describe biblical
patterns for Christians living in relationships.
Anyone wanting to gain an understanding
about the unique blessing of the Christian
family will benefit by a careful reading
of this book.
The Truth About the Family does
not flinch at family dysfunction, but uses
biblical accounts as examples of how families
go astray. This is then counteracted by
images of family health as outlined in
seven elements. Next, family communication
is drawn out and highlighted as a crucial
aspect of family success.
Again, with boldness Ingle addresses the
forbidden, and often forsaken, topic of
marital sexual relationships as God's wedding
gift. The topic of family finance is next
placed in the mix of focused teachings
on aspects of family health. The inclusion
of a chapter on family finances is wise
since money problems are significantly
correlated with marital distress and ultimate
dissolution. The book ends with a chapter
that addresses a myriad of marital and
family problems exising in the new millennium;
however, it ends with a gracious call to
demonstrate compassion without compromise
in ministering to contemporary families.
Thank you, Vernell Ingle, for your contribution
to family health and success, both within
the church and within the culture the church
serves.
Updated:
Friday, July 14, 2006 2:40 PM
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