Stafford, a senior writer for Christianity Today
magazine and author of Knowing the Face of God
, suggests ways that parents can form family habits or rituals—a "family culture"—based on Christian values. In a clear, conversational style, Stafford gives 14 values a chapter apiece. Many of the tips—such as making church attendance a priority or setting aside money for the offering plate—are basics that might enlighten new or newly enthusiastic Christians. But there's something here for veterans of the faith as well: how many have thought of gardening or hiking as promoting a biblical agenda? Particularly helpful is the chapter about developing concern for others by serving at a soup kitchen, inviting someone to a holiday meal, befriending a missionary or an international student or adopting a child. Leaning heavily toward the practical, Stafford takes a soft-spoken approach: "Most of our differences have to do with taste and style, not right and wrong," he writes. He gleans his values from scripture, but he treads lightly, when at all, in theology, and therein lies the book's weakness: The reader knows what Stafford considers an important value, but the reader does not always know why he considers that value important. Scripture is referenced here, but it is rarely explicated. Those who wish to lay a solid doctrinal foundation for their families will need to look elsewhere; others will find some sound ideas here. (Feb.)
