From the Back Cover
"And you thought that your family was messed up! For all you abusers and abused, addicted, raped, codependents, and control freaks, Good News. God loves to work with families like yours and mine. Here are 'family values' God's way--a messy assortment of marriages and families that only God could love. And God does."--
William H. Willimon, coauthor of
Resident Aliens: Life in the Christian Colony"A profound reflection on how God relates to, works with, and loves families whatever their circumstance. The Garlands escort us on a tour of some of God's more interesting biblical families, always with an eye to exposing their fully flawed humanity. This book will challenge and change the way many read the Bible--not because it focuses on failures and difficulties, but because it shows that our true greatness is not so much of our doing, but of the God who is much more that we deserve."--David M. Thomas, codirector, The Bethany Family Institute, UK and USA
"Diana and David Garland have pooled their combined expertise in scripture studies and family ministry to create a wonderful, wise book. Flawed Families of the Bible challenges all our pious platitudes about the life of faith and the 'perfect' family, opening us up to a radical transforming vision of real redemption experienced in the midst of confusion, failure, and pain. This gracious and grace-filled book surprises us into seeing God and our family lives anew."--Wendy M. Wright, author of Seasons of a Family's Life: Cultivating the Contemplative Spirit at Home
"What does the Bible say about families? What is a 'normal' family? Let two of the wisest guides around help you explore these questions with insight and care. Be warned, however, as it is with most things biblical, the truth will both enlighten and disturb you. Flawed Families of the Bible opens wide our eyes--and our hearts even more--as we see both the pain and the promise of family life. Most of all, we catch a glimpse of how large God's grace is and what it means for all of us."--J. Bradley Wigger, author of The Power of God at Home
About the Author
David E. Garland (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate dean for academic affairs and William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University. He is the author of numerous books, including award-winning commentaries on 1 Corinthians and Mark.
Diana R. Garland (PhD, University of Louisville) is professor and dean of the School of Social Work at Baylor University and founding director of the Baylor Center for Family and Community Ministries. She is the author of
Sacred Stories of Ordinary Families: Living the Faith Everyday and
Family Ministry: A Comprehensive Guide. David and Diana are also coauthors of
Beyond Companionship and
Marriage for Better or Worse.
