We’ve heard the term “family values” so many times over the years from politicians, preachers, and pundits. Despite any caricature that may have formed over the years, these are still an important aspect in the raising of a family. Where can we find Christian books that promote family values? It turns out that quite a few have been written over the years. From psychologists to theologians, plenty of smart individuals have analyzed what makes for a great home. Here are some of our recommendations for Christian books that promote family values.
When we speak about family values, we are talking about building a healthy, God-fearing culture within the home. These values shape kids into Christian adults and young parents into the future leaders of the faith. Paul David Tripp is a respected voice when it comes to the family and other spiritual matters. “Parenting” is a book that looks past the daily routine to discuss the purpose of parenting and how we can accomplish the task. Another book of Tripp’s that we recommend for spouses is “What Did You Expect?” Since marriage is a commitment for life, we can sometimes forget that time takes a toll. We often have to make changes and sacrifices over the years. “What Did You Expect?” is about ways in which marriage is challenged through the years and how we must respond. The author’s brother, Tedd Tripp, has also written an exceptional book on parenting entitled “Shepherding a Child’s Heart.”
Christian books that promote family values aren’t just about navigating relationships and time management. We also have to remember the spiritual needs of our families. Voddie Baucham Jr.’s book, “Family Driven Faith,” is one that highlights the need for discipleship within the home. Too often parents will hand over total responsibility for their child’s spiritual training to the church and then wonder why the kids leave the faith while in college. If Mom and Dad show little interest in faith, children will notice. Instilling the discipline of faith starts at home. Another good read on this subject is Donald S. Whitney’s “Family Worship.” At a brief 80 pages, it is a great resource for those who don't read often.
In order for a family to survive, it needs to be able to communicate. Gary Chapman’s “The 5 Love Languages” has become one of the best books on relationships these last few years. For a husband and wife to work together as a unit, they need to understand the different ways in which they each give and receive love. The idea of love languages is not limited to spouses either. "The 5 Love Languages" has launched a series of new iterations, including some angled at kids and teenagers. For a family to properly broadcast values to the world, it needs to know how to do the same with each other. Similar Christian books that promote family values are Tim Keller’s “The Meaning of Marriage,” Gary Thomas’ “Sacred Marriage,” and Dave Harvey’s “When Sinners Say ‘I Do.’”
Dr. Tony Evans has decades of experience as a pastor, father, and leader. In recent years he has also authored a number of Christian books that promote family values. “Kingdom Man,” “Kingdom Woman,” “Raising Kingdom Kids,” “Kingdom Disciples,” and “Kingdom Marriage” are all books that involve the topics that we are discussing in this write-up. If we’re going to talk about the family, we have to look at each perspective to get a full picture. Women, men, and children all need to aspire to a certain ideal. These books teach us what it means to fulfill the role that God has given us while serving as part of a family and church body.
Since women typically read more books than men, it shouldn’t be too surprising to know that there are a lot of Christian books that promote family values written by women. “Feminine Appeal” by Carolyn Mahaney is one good take on Biblical womanhood. “Disciplines of a Godly Woman” from Barbara Hughes is another great read on this topic for woman of all backgrounds. Her husband also wrote an accompanying book for men. For a classic take on this subject, you can also read “Let Me Be a Woman” by Elisabeth Elliot. The widow of a missionary, Elliot has so much wisdom for women serving in a variety of roles.
We also have plenty of books for men that have to do with the protection of family values. “Fathered By God” is a look at how we can reach a Godly form of masculinity even if healthy male leadership has been absent from our lives in the past. Eldredge’s book works through the psychology of man and how God has created us for a specific purpose. Another book of his that might interest you is “Killing Lions.” This work is somewhat autobiographical in that it details a series of discussions between Eldredge and his son. "Killing Lions" is a good read for fathers who want to better communicate with their children (especially sons) in today's world. Lastly, “Play the Man” by Mark Batterson is an excellent book on Biblical manhood.
You may find it weird to have a section on money when it comes to Christian books that promote family values, but the truth is that financial mistakes can endanger a family just as easily as moral failures or a lack of spiritual discipline. Dave Ramsey has helped an untold number of people get out of debt, save their families from financial ruin, and pave a way for a stronger foundation. If you’re already a fan of Ramsey or you practice similar techniques, you may also be interested in “Retire Inspired” by Chris Hogan. Beating debt is one thing, setting up for the future is a whole different ball game.
If you’re going to stand for family values, you need to understand the principles outlined by John C. Maxwell in this book. Fathers, mothers, kids, everyone needs to understand what good leadership looks like. Some of the wisdom from Maxwell’s book has to do with listening to one another and considering each individual’s feelings of usefulness and appreciation. This is a wonderful thing for parents to grasp and pass down to their children.
In 2018, not every family looks the same, and they sure don’t look like families from decades before. People are getting married at an older age, having fewer children (and waiting longer to have them), using in vitro fertilisation, marrying into blended families, and so on. Parenthood is changing, but the Gospel is as relevant as ever. “Waiting in Wonder” is a book from Catherine Claire Larson that is beneficial for married couples that are transitioning to parenting. It’s a tough journey full of questions and new mercies from God. Why not get started now in developing a strong Biblical foundation for your child’s life with this devotional? “Heavenly Minded Mom” is another good devotional from author Katie Bennett that tackles the subject of being a mother and a Christian. One last reading recommendation is “Adopted for Life” by Russell Moore. Not a devotional, this book highlights the need for adoption within the Christian community and how this practice is essential to the Great Commission.
We could keep going with all of the different Christian books that promote family values, but we think you get the idea. If we are ever going to move past the cliche of family values in the political sphere, we need to better understand what it means and how it applies to our lives.
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