Faith Families Then and Now

About the Book

In Faith Families Then and Now, sociologist Jayne Maugans, Ph.D., examines the diversity of family structures, roles, and values of Judeo-Christian families biblically, historically, cross-culturally, denominationally, and among conservative, moderate, and liberal Christians today in North America. She includes some Old Testament, New Testament, Maasai, Tanzanian, Puritan, nineteenth century immigrant, African American, Latino, Native American, missionary, and military families in the United States in this book. She takes into account varying viewpoints among denominations and between orthodox and unorthodox Christians today on family-related issues such as abortion, divorce, euthanasia, homosexuality, and world population growth.

The Holy Bible, the Gnostic Gospels, denominational literature, conventional and alternative Christian writings, and interviews Maugans had with the Maasai, Tanzanians, and missionaries in Africa, along with sociological and historical research, are used by Maugans to explain and substantiate her claims about the complexity of Judeo-Christian families' structures, roles, and values. Maugans provides encouragement to Christians who come from or have less than perfect family lives and to those who are struggling with modern family life or find it challenging, particularly Christian women who are juggling both work and family. She also offers predictions about the future of Judeo-Christian families. Everyone ­ academics, undergraduate and seminary students, pastors, and Christians in general ­ can benefit from Maugans' analysis of Judeo-Christian families' structures, roles, and values. Faith Families Then and Now imparts a greater understanding of what it does and does not necessarily mean to be a Judeo-Christian family.

About the Author

Jayne Maugans has a Ph.D. in sociology from SUNY at Buffalo. She is a professor of sociology at Houghton College, a lay pastor, and a fellow in the Oxford Society of Scholars. She teaches courses in Marriage and Family and Culture and Family. She is the author of Aging Parents, Ambivalent Baby Boomers.