Book Review: The Storm-Tossed Family by Russell Moore

The Storm-Tossed Family
How the Cross Reshapes the Home
by Russell Moore

I didn't find this book myself.  I've become more familiar with Russell Moore recently, especially after I was given a copy of his book Onward and really enjoyed it (sidenote: Onward is an excellent perspective on faith, culture, politics, and the Gospel).  My wife bought this book for me but one of my children grabbed it from its hiding place and I ended up finding it in the hallway, spoiling the present it was supposed to be several months later, but the timing was good as it was a great time to read through this book.

You are part of a family and family is difficult because family – every family – is an echo of the gospel.
In The Storm-Tossed Family, bestselling author Russell Moore teaches readers whether you are married or single, whether you long for a child or are shepherding a full house, you are part of a family.

Family can be the source of some of the most transcendent human joy, and family can leave us crumpled up on the side of the road. Family can make us who we are, and family can break our hearts. Why would this social arrangement have that much power, for good or for ill, over us?
--from Russell Moore's website

The central message of the book seemed to be that while family was important and family is defined in Scripture we shouldn't let it trump the Gospel.
Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.  Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
--from Luke 14:25-27 NASB

A variety of subjects are covered in the book from spiritual warfare, the church, men and women, marriage, sexuality, divorce, children, parenting, aging and more.  I found it very helpful to examine many things that we take for granted in our society in the light of Scripture to see what is worth keeping and what needs to be rejected or changed in light of God's commands.

If family means something terrible to you because you've endured horrors, then this book can help you reclaim a biblical view.  If family means everything to you then this book can help you reclaim a biblical view.  If family is something you can take or leave then this book can help you reclaim a biblical view.  Honestly, since we all have families I would suggest this book to every Christian.

Rating: 5 out of 5
Summary: An examination of how the message of the Gospel impacts family relationships.
Technical: Hardcover with dust jacket, 306 pages, includes end notes on sources.

~Matt