Review: Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot
The Shaping Of A Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Own. Purchased on the recommendation of Cindy at Ordo Amoris.
Commonplace Entry made previously.
Bibliographic Trail.
Mrs. Elliot makes it clear in the beginning, at the end, and throughout that she is not so much writing a parenting manual, as telling the story of one set of faithful parents — her own:
This story is of one man’s family, meant to be a description, not a prescription. The principles are sound and biblical, I believe. Their application will differ in different times and in different homes.
Most of the book is narrative, telling her family history with discussions on what guided and motivated her parents along the way. The organization is more topical than strictly chronological, however. She examines her parents’ beliefs and actions in the areas of trust, discipline, courtesy, order, teaching by example, rules, work, play, and sacrifice (among many others — the chapters are numerous but short). Because she depends more upon telling one particular story than defending or explaining principles or methods, you get a genuine feel of and sympathy for her home. She also shows briefly how their upbringing affected and guided her and her 5 siblings’ homes.
The Howards were missionaries, with 6 children (quite spread in ages), 5 of whom became involved in missions to remote places when adults. From the book, it is clear that her parents simply lived and breathed a genuine, heart-felt life, enforced sound discipline, and their children caught their parents’ passions and tastes. As is consistent with Mrs. Elliot’s other writings, truth, duty, and a concern for what is right prevails. And, as she tells the story, it becomes evident that these emphases are her heritage, consciously and conscientiously passed on to her from her parents.
Interestingly, Mrs. Elliot presents herself as the most difficult, most boundary-testing, most trying to her parents child.
She closes with this excellent reminder:
Be not dismayed! If you are convinced of the value of standards here set forth, never think of the impossible. It is always possible to do the will of God. Begin to be ready to do. What do you want your home to be? What does God want it to be? Waste no time wondering if you can do it. The question is simply Will you? Your weakness is itself a potent claim on the divine mercy (see 2 Cor. 12:10).
