Let’s continue the adoption theme of book reviews, shall we? It’s what I’ve been thinking about. Actually, the fiction book I’m reading right now (Run by Ann Patchett) talks about adoption, too. But I didn’t know that when I picked it up.
Ever since I first heard about Adopted for Life, I wanted to read it. Not only is it on the subject of adoption which interests me, it’s by an author I’ve respected ever since I heard him speak at my church a few years ago. When I saw it on the Half-Price Books shelf on Monday, I immediately picked it up and bought it.
And finished it within 24 hours.
I was not disappointed. This is the book on adoption–both the adoption of children and the theological concept; they’re inseparable–that the Church needs.
While Moore said a couple smaller things that I disagree with, he definitely gets it. As someone who is not currently in a place to adopt, he didn’t make me feel bad, but simply encouraged every Christian to consider what they can do to adopt or to support adoption. He’s under no illusion that we all should adopt en masse, but he also knows we aren’t adopting as much as we should.
In some ways, adoption is one application of living the radical Christian life. Except adoption has the further benefit of being what God has done for each and every one of us.
One thing that Moore said that I had never thought about before is that adoption is a way that we can show others that we aren’t procreating and caring for our children because of some evolutionary, biological imperative. Adoption requires something more.
If you’re curious about the “why” behind the recent adoption push in Christian circles, have strong opinions for or against, or are simply open to a challenge, I hope you’ll pick up this book.
This sounds like a good one! I am loving your recommendations.
I have MANY friends who have adopted from China and know a single mom who adopted two boys from Russia. We cannot adopt but I heartily believe in the fostering/adoption process. I was in a foster home for six months when I was just a baby and it may have saved my life – literally. Thank you for bringing up this much needed discussion.
Being an adopted child I am totally for adoption. Whether you’re adopting children from over seas, or right in your own back yard you’re doing something for someone that nobody else ever did.
I personally don’t want children, but if I ever did, I would like to adopt.
So glad you are recommending this book! I love the Mr. Moore calls all believers’ attention to what God says about us and adoption, and that we all have a stake in it. Not meaning that each believer should adopt, but each should support it in some way. I wholeheartedly agree with him on that!
If you bought it and read it within 24 hours, this must be a great book. I have three kids but I’m still hoping to adopt someday. There are so many children who need a good home.
I loved this book. I thought Moore addressed this topic remarkably well and it (obviously) spoke to my heart, being the mother of an adopted child.
Glad you are talking about this book!
thanks for sharing… I want to read this book now. We are thinking about it. I am there and Zach is not…but praying we get on the same page, you have to for adoption! John Piper preaches about this a lot and I love his sermons on it, really bringing home the issue that this is what we are in God’s eyes. So humbling!
Julie: I’d recommend it (for both you and Zach). Even if you never adopt, it’s a good book for those who do AND those who don’t.