Endangered : Your Child in a Hostile World (Paperback)

by Johann Christoph Arnold (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Parents and societies around the world, says family counselor and father of eight Arnold (Why Forgive?; Seeking Peace, etc.), are hypocritical when it comes to their children. Declaring 2000 the Year of the Child does not put children first, nor do parents who work harder and longer to give their children everything they believe they need yet don't spend enough time with them. Children require the quality of love that comes with "reverence," he asserts. Teachers and caregivers are underpaid, schools are in dire need of resources and parents delude themselves by thinking they're spending time with their kids, when, in fact, they're watching TV while the kids are surfing the Web. With references to famous advocates (Jonathan Kozol, Mother Teresa and Mary Pipher), as well as everyday moms and dads who are changing their lives to put kids first (such as the father who quit his lucrative job at a prestigious law firm to spend more time with his daughters), Arnold presents a strong case for recovering the spiritual aspects of child rearing, such as "the power of a hug." ("Without such breadAthat is, without warmth, humor, kindness, and compassionAthe most carefully considered discipline will eventually backfire.") In our quest for greater meaning in our lives, let us not forget the children, begs Arnold in this lovingly written book, which is less a how-to than a bold instrument of advocacy for America's kids. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
This book's title makes it sound more ominous than it is. Arnold's harshness eases as chapters progress, and he again emerges as a passionate advocate for a civil society, one that loves children and allows them to be children. A pastor and counselor within the Bruderhof community, Arnold (Seeking Peace; Cries from the Heart) here concentrates on the ills facing American children, mainly materialism and the lack of stable, loving families. Child abuse, guns, consumerism, drug abuse, Ritalin, ruptured families, social pressure, overstimulationDthese all rally against healthy, humane childhoods. Arnold praises black sheep, disdains divorce, asks anti-abortionists to live peaceably under the law, and pleads for a return to reverence for life. An excellent choice for public libraries, this is inspiring reading, and not just for parents.DLinda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: Plough Publishing House (May 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874869978
• ISBN-13: 978-0874869972
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,323,880 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is Your Child Endangered?, June 27, 2000

By A Customer

Do not answer this to quickly. This book gives insight to the heart of a child where no other book that I have read has. Arnold brings out the best in parents to help them in the raising of children. Arnold challanges the ME centered life and shows the way to real parenting. This book should be read by young and old.

50 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Parents, don't miss this book!, June 28, 2000

By	joemck (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

As a father of four teens and a youth counselor I would like to recommend this book highly to other parents and anyone who works with kids. Arnold not only draws on his own experience but weaves in dozens of stories told by parents and children from all over the world. He challenges many of the well meaning but potentially harmful norms that we parents fall into. We only have one chance with each of our children this book will help us make the most of it.

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Provative thoughts on Children's Education, June 16, 2000

By A Customer

The book "Endangerd" confronts us exciting problems that usually our Culture is afraid to face. It ask's questions like: "Is Ritalin Mind Control? Should Kids Sue Divorcing Parents? It chalenges the Reader to think about different issues such as: How to Raise Clones. Your kids want you,not your Money. Burn those Parenting Books. Bad Kids are people too. Good Children are Fakes. Children want your love and your time. "Endangerd" calls on parents to take drastic measures to counter bankruptcy in society and public policy.