Customer Reviews

Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World

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Returning to the Word of God as our foundation, not only for living, but also for parenting, is the main focus of the book "Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World" -- written by Ken and Steve Ham. The authors continually stress the need to teach our children the Word of God, and that without the Word, people perish (Hosea 4:6). We have a whole generation that is advancing without Biblical knowledge. Deuteronomy 6 commands us to teach our children in order that all may go well with them. There is also discussion about both the role of husband and of wife, and their equal partnership and responsibility when raising our children.

There is great transparency within the words of this book, and each author clearly explains their take on this matter of child-rearing. There is not only emphasis on the need for teaching our children scripture and holding them accountable, but it also emphasizes our need as parents to be in the Word daily; and how our personal relationship with our Creator will greatly impact our ability to impact our children's life for eternity.

Although the authors rend to be quite wordy, the content was excellent! It really challenged me to look beyond the "stories" in the Bible, and to teach my child that each story, if we must call them that, was really an encounter with a Holy God. If we portray these God-encounters as just fantasy stories, then our children will fail to see the reality of Who we serve and what God requires of each of us.

I really appreciate the emphasis on teaching our children the Word of God and using it as we discipline daily. The authors really encourage us as parents to cultivate an environment in which our children can grow spiritually--even at an early age. The teaching of evolution is rampant amongst our school curriculum; therefore, homeschooling is definitely suggested as the better option for education, if possible. This book is not just for moms to read, but also includes information that is vital for fathers to be aware of. There is a whole chapter called "Diligent Dads"; which is excellent. The book took longer for me to read than I planned, but overall I highly recommend it.

Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World reminds us what our job as parents truly is. Creating a legacy of GREAT FAITH for our families. It is within those legacies that our families can withstand the attacks of this world, whether they be financial attacks or spiritual attacks.

This book shows the legacy of the Ham family, their traditions, their discipline, and their undying faith and hope in the God.

Looking back at how God originally designed the family to operate, allows a Christian family to see how they can raise their children today.

I think all of us who believe in Christ want to raise godly children. That's why the title Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World: Leaving a Lasting Legacy by brothers Ken & Steve Ham appealed to me. The best takeaway is that while secular parenting advice is focused on behavior modification, adjusting the outward expression of the heart, Christian parenting is - or should be - centered on Christ, who cares about our hearts more than our behavior.

Because if our kids act properly in every circumstance but don't love Jesus, is that what we want? No. Then why is that how I parent much of the time based more on my kids' behavior than their hearts?

Because *I* need a heart check too.

This book didn't provide me with much of a heart check, though, so while it was beneficial (and most interesting to me during the biographical parts), it's not the first parenting book I would recommend. Some that have blessed us are Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls by Gary Thomas and Great Parents, Lousy Lovers: Discover How to Enjoy Life with Your Spouse While Raising Your Kids by Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham.

And, of course, the number one book and the only one that truly offers lasting heart change is the Bible. I think it's easy to run to other sources for parenting wisdom and forget to let the Perfect Parent give us guidance.

(Thanks to New Leaf Publishing for providing this book for my review. My opinions are my own.)

Ken Ham is a well known figure; not only in Christian circles for his work at Answers in Genesis, but those who attack believers who hold firm to a belief in the Bible as true and authoritative in every aspect of life are, of course, also familiar with his work. Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World, co-authored by brothers Ken and Steve Ham, encourages Christian parents to do just what the Hams have been reviled for -- encouraging the literal acceptance of scripture as the truth upon which to base all of life -- and teaching our children to do the same.

Previously published as Genesis of a Legacy in 2006, Master Books has re-released this primer on the fundamentals of Christian parenting based on the inerrant word of God, with a new title and design. Part apologetic, memoir, biography, and parenting guide, the Hams' book addresses a variety of topics essential to Christian parents while drawing from scripture, the example of their own godly father, the formation of Answers in Genesis, and their own experiences as fathers. The Hams alternate chapters, and each is clearly labeled to identify the author. The brothers establish an intergenerational vision for leaving a godly legacy through the family, the vital necessity of basing this legacy on the word of God, and wrap up with practical advice and applications drawn from the Bible.

Those familiar with Christian parenting books that use the Bible as their main inspiration will be familiar with many of the points and suggestions made by the Hams. The tried and true method they present for raising children with Jesus and the scriptures at the heart of the family will be a source of encouragement in the task laid before more experienced parents -- and helps chart the course for those just learning to parent in accordance with God's word. The additional personal piece which shares life in the Ham household for the brothers as children, the establishment of Ken's well-known creation ministry, and the ways in which they've encouraged their own children in godliness, add an additional element that all who appreciate the Hams' work will be eager to read.

Raising Children isn't a fast read, but rather encourages a slower, more thoughtful pace. Though I've read many of the parenting suggestions included, some of the simplest -- such as praying aloud for each child in turn at night -- have deeply impacted our family. While we have already been praying together nightly, the additional personal care our children feel, and the knowledge that we are interceding for them has made a real difference in our family's prayer life. There may be further gems such as these that are just waiting for you to discover and apply to your family life.

The aspect I most appreciated however, was the brothers' focus upon the sovereignty of God in parenting. Too often, believers fall into pride or despair based upon our parenting efforts, while the truth is that God is ultimately responsible for the lives of our children. Of course, the Hams rightly illuminate the roles and responsibilities that God calls parents to work towards fulfilling. But where too many parenting books adopt an "it's all your responsibility" attitude, the Hams have this understanding firmly in place, encouraging parents to lean only upon the Lord -- and not upon their own efforts.

Someone gave me a copy of this book a few months ago. I thought it was so great I let one of the deacons at church borrow it. He loved it so much, I never got it back! And he has bought a number of copies to give to other families with small children. Great book!

Where was this book when I was raising my children? Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World is a must read for every mother and father that are raising children in this day & time. This book is a personal and practical guide for parents that are wishing to raise good and loving children.

Children of this generation are experiencing temptations that parents must be equipped with God's Word in order to handle the situations that will arise. This book covers the importance of a godly legacy, the purpose and meaning of the family, what is the primary importance of marriage, and why a relationship with Christ is the most important element.

The family is under attack and parents must be equipped to handle pre-marital sex, abortion, gay relationships, drugs, and peer pressure. Parents must be on the alert, be involved, monitor, condemn compromise and not assume that something "Christian" is safe.

The book points out that "Parents are people who should: rely on God for building and protection, they are warned about distraction, are grateful in their calling, and are committed to the commission. If you are a parent, or soon to become one, rush out and purchase this book as soon as possible!

God's Word needs to be our primary parenting manual...and if for some reason we were to find ourselves with no other guide, His Word would again prove itself to be entirely sufficient. (51) This thesis, was penned by author Steve Ham in the book Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World. Steve Ham, along with his more "famous" brother Ken Ham of the (Creation Museum and Answers in Genesis) ministries, have together written a book built upon the foundation of God's Word, along with the Biblical lineage they were raised in.

The Ham brothers do an excellent job not only explaining (biblically) the parents role in raising their children, but they also offered numerous personal stories and events which helped mold them into mature believers, through the efforts of their parents. All you have to do is look at the fruit of the Ham brother's lives to realize how "effective" their parents were in raising them up Godly, in the ungodly secular country of Australia. Mr. Ham (Steve and Ken Ham's Father) who passed away in 1995, was a man devoted to raising Godly children in an ungodly world. I challenge every man reading this book to imitate Mr. Ham and impart the same biblical foundation which he built his children upon.

Here are some of the things I really liked about the book:
1. The personal stories that the Ham brothers share. It's always great to hear "testimonies" from children who were raised by Godly parents.
2. The resources at the end of the chapter. Many of the chapters discuss apologetics, proper hermeneutics, and exegesis and provide rich resources to help equip parents to rightly divide the word of truth.
3. Devotional questions at the end of each chapter. The "key thoughts from this chapter", "questions to consider" and "resources and tools" make this book a great resource to study in a small group setting.
4. This book is filled with God's Word. Every chapter is built upon the foundation of scripture.

Here are some key thoughts you will be presented in this book:

Why is the family disintegrating?
What is a godly legacy and why is it vital to our families and our society?
How do you create a family environment for spiritual growth?
How are we to implement godly discipline and teach our children discernment?
Should all children be home schooled?
In conclusion, Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World is an excellent book which should be on the bookshelf of every pastor and parent who is serious about raising Godly children. From the personal stories, resources, devotionals, to the Word being rightly divided, this book is a treasure chest full of rich admonitions and information.

I thank New Leaf Publishing Group for providing me a review copy of the book, and I highly recommend Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World. You can purchase the book here.

Bryan Schrank
Ministry Director
Raising Godly Children Ministries

Ken Ham provides insight and wisdom into the struggle of Christian parents and why children are losing sight of their faith. The book enforces how parents can leave lasting legacies to their children, just as the parents of the Ham children obviously have. It is incredible as a parent to read real-life valuable stories from the Ham family that have drastically changed their view of parenting and why the fight is worth it. In a world where evolution battles Creation in the every day, the Ham's outline how to form a legacy that will enable our children to choose the right path and live for eternity with their Heavenly Father.