Shaping of a Christian Family, The: How My Parents Nurtured My Faith [Paperback]

Elisabeth Elliot (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2005

Elisabeth Elliot is one of the most loved and respected communicators of present-day Christianity. In this repackaged edition of The Shaping of a Christian Family, Elliot tells the story of her childhood to share valuable insights on raising godly children. She talks candidly on parental expectations, emphasizes daily Bible reading and prayer, and shows the benefits of practicing such scriptural principles as trust, discipline, courtesy, and teaching by example.

Complete with eight pages of treasured Elliot family photos, The Shaping of a Christian Family is a wonderful book of ideas and inspiration for new parents, experienced parents, and all who have come to trust Elliot's wisdom.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Elisabeth Elliot on . . .

Trust
"The establishment of a child's trust in God begins with the trust in the word of his parents."

Discipline
"It is important to choose the right time, the right place, and the right tone when correction is needed."

Courtesy
"Courtesy is plain old-fashioned thoughtfulness. Do for him or her what you would want done for you."

Teaching by Example
"The example of parents, for good or ill, is an influence far more profound than can be measured."


Elisabeth Elliot, one of the most loved and respected Christian communicators of our day, reveals cherished memories and valuable insights she has gathered from her experiences growing up in a Christian home. Through the stories of her parents, grandparents, and siblings, Elliot extols the importance of obedience, prayer, and forgiveness, among other lessons she learned as a child.

Complete with eight pages of treasured Elliot family photos, The Shaping of a Christian Family is an inspiring book for new parents, experienced parents, and all who have come to trust Elliot's compassionate wisdom.


Former missionary Elisabeth Elliot is the author of more than twenty books, including Passion and Purity, The Journals of Jim Elliot, and These Strange Ashes. She and her husband, Lars Gren, live in Magnolia, Massachusetts.

About the Author

Elisabeth Elliot is the best-selling author of more than twenty books. Her titles include Passion and Purity, No Graven Image, Be Still My Soul, The Path of Loneliness, Secure in the Everlasting Arms, The Music of His Promises, and Keep a Quiet Heart. She and her husband, Lars Gren, live in Magnolia, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800731026
• ISBN-13: 978-0800731021
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Meaty but not quite what I expected. January 7, 2006

By E. Heredia

Format:Paperback

This book is full of some important jewels, but reaches them in a different way than I expected. It is written as a memoir by Elisabeth, including many portions of memoir by her mother as well. It is an interesting addition to the autobiographical history of many of her other works. Along the way are many reflections of the way her faith and family environment shaped her spiritual growth and the decisions she made. It is not a textbook on how to arrange one's family, nor a text on raising children. Although when I read this book the first time, this was the angle I was looking for, I'm grateful now that it was not directive, but rather illustrative of how one family who was fully devoted to Christ worked. I'm frustrated by the current Christian "literature" that implies there is a very narrow cultural way to have a "Christian family." The only narrow part should be the continuous focus on Christ! This book articulates that challenge well.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars If you tend to struggle with Elisabeth Elliot, try this book May 24, 2007

By Classic Firm Lover

Format:Paperback

Even many committed Christians seem to sometimes struggle with Elisabeth Elliot, whose writings, though chock full of much truth and wisdom, often come across as rather harsh and dogmatic.

This book, however, is a refreshing look at the family in which Elliot herself was raised. It is written largely as a memoir of the simple, day-to-day life of the Howard family (Elliot's maiden name.) The author draws heavily from her mother's recorded memories, which in the beginning, seem a little disjointed. I found myself skimming the early chapters a fair bit, but the book is worth a little perseverence.

As the story of Mr. and Mrs. Howard's marriage and early family life unfolds, it is rich with precious gems of wisdom. I was touched by so many of the little vignettes of ordinary life depicted, and inspired to implement many small changes in my own family life.

All the while, Elliot is careful to portray her family as very 'real,' and emphasizes that her story is only one family's story and not some legalistic grid to follow. 'The Shaping of a Christian Family' is a beautiful tribute to her parents, whose daily commitment to faith, family and discipline is a true picture of the delayed gratification of parenting. Many families, including my own, can benefit from the Howard's example.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful. Couldn't put it down. January 5, 2010

By Joy

Format:Paperback

A wonderful book about a woman's memories of growing up in a godly, stable, loving Christian home. Worthy of all parent's time. Inspirational and practical. Buying this for several friends and family.