The notion of "family' has received much bad press over recent years, with a lack of general consensus about the definition of family, the role of males and females within relationships and the importance of family structures.
The latest book in the Modern Belief "The Essence of' series addresses some of the complex issues surrounding the relational structure we know of as "family'. Dr Kirsten Birkett argues that the "parallels between cultures throughout history are no accident, and that there is such a thing as "family'."
Dr Birkett begins by exploring the Bible's view of "family', noting that through the Old Testament and into the New, "family' is held up as something precious. It is in fact the "metaphor that God the Father uses to describe his relationship with his redeemed people."
That sin has impacted upon the family structure God intended in creation, does not however nullify or negate the importance of that structure, as discussed in the Bible.
Rather, it does help us to lift our eyes to the greater all-encompassing goal of seeing people come into the creation under Christ. Families give us some clue of what awaits us in the New Creation. Though they may be marred by sin, they are still God's good gift to us, and are the "single most stable social unit throughout history'.
After walking readers through some of the historical data and experiences of family through various periods of time, Dr Birkett goes on to explore some of the challenges to the biblical account of family. In the realm of modern reproductive technology we witness the ramifications of biology being separated from relationship.
In thinking that technology can operate outside of a moral framework, we run the grave risk of thinking that anything that we can do is alright. Within the pro-homosexual movement we see a rejection of the connection between gender and nature. Dr Birkett explores how the essential difference between the genders, and their expression in marriage and family relationships, is a "fundamental part of the created order'.
And in feminism we witness the importance of self-determination eclipsing that of relationship. In our post-feminist society women are caught in the impossible situation in which they are encouraged to pursue independence and careers, while still yearning for marriage and children.
The Essence of Family is an important contribution to current debate on the significance of "family'. Dr Birkett concludes by recognising that the biblical account of family is the best way to live, precisely because that is how we were made to live. Those who are concerned to think clearly and biblically about "family' should most certainly grab a copy.
Tracy Gordon is the researcher of the Social Issues Executive of the Diocese of Sydney.
