Today marks the beginning of Adoption Week, and so we thought that in today’s post we would tell you why you should read Russell Moore’s book “Adopted for Life.“*
When a book is described as “one of the most compelling books I have ever read” by a president of a highly respected seminary, you know it’s going to be good.
Adopted for Life* is written by an adoptive Father and the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, Russell Moore.
Hence the book combines a rich theological grasp of the nature of the gospel and the call on Christians to adopt, alongside a pastoral exploring of the practical issues surrounding adoption. As a theologian and a Father, he speaks from both Biblical authority and personal experience. The mix of Biblical exposition and personal anecdote is what makes this book so compelling.
The book is compelling, that much is for sure. And I (Cathy) devoured it despite not being a very quick reader. But that doesn’t mean that it’s an easy read. It’s quite fiery and uncomfortable to read at times. Moore certainly challenges us to give up our own comfort for the sake of the glory of Christ and the good of vulnerable children. Don’t read this book and expect to be unmoved or unchanged as a result.
Moore doesn’t separate the theological basis for adoption from the practical implication to adopt – his aim is not to convince us that adoption is something that the Bible calls us to do, as simply an interesting academic exercise – but to motivate us as individuals, families and churches to get involved in the domestic and international adoption movement; through prayer, giving financially and adopting ourselves.
Because that’s his aim, he discusses all sorts of tricky ethical questions surrounding adoption. Like should Christians adopt on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity and how should they think about the adoption of children with disabilities and diseases? He discusses infertility, fertility treatment and blending families with birth and adopted children. He discusses the cost and practical aspects of international adoption (raising and addressing questions about international child trafficking). He discusses how family, friends and strangers may interact with you because of your decision to adopt (showing the pain and loneliness that this sometimes causes, and yet how it is infinitely worth it). He discusses some of the issues that arise from the trauma that these children have suffered and how that can impact on a child’s sense of identity. He even states quite strongly that the only thing worse than hundreds of thousands of children across the world needing a loving family, is unsuitable families adopting them – so he helps readers identity if their motives for adopting can withstand some of the hardships that come as a result.
It really is very good.
It’s thorough. It’s thought-provoking. It’s theologically rich and beautiful. And it will make you fall in love with the gospel of Jesus Christ all over again.
Click through if you would like to buy a copy.*
This week we will be re-posting on our Facebook page all the posts that we have written on the topic of adoption. Like our page to read more book reviews and posts on the topic of adoption.