Parenting: The Complex and Beautiful Vocation of Raising Children (Pastoring for Life: Theological Wisdom for Ministering Well)

Books on parenting abound, with many suggesting that specific strategies will produce desired results. Gifted theologian Holly Taylor Coolman offers something different: a theologically and biblically rich commentary on the theme of raising children.

As a mother of five who is known for approaching parenting in a theological way, Coolman is often asked for advice. In this book, she explores parenting as a complex and beautiful vocation in which mothers and fathers themselves are made and unmade, offered troubling sorts of gifts, and drawn deeper into connection not only with their children but also with God, others, and themselves. Coolman describes child-rearing as a vocation to which parents are called that requires them to develop the skills of apprenticeship and invitation. She also locates raising children firmly within the context of the church.

This book will appeal to Christian parents, especially adoptive and foster parents, as well as pastors, church leaders, and students.

Holly Taylor Coolman (PhD, Duke University) is assistant professor of theology at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island, and a senior fellow of the Principium Institute. Her areas of expertise include Christology, ecclesiology, Christian theologies of Judaism, and Jewish-Christian relations. She has written about topics at the intersection of culture and moral theology and about family life, particularly adoption.