This book is a collection of essays by Mennonite theologian and author Dr. John W. Miller. These essays go along so well together that they seem no different than the chapters in any other book. In this book, Dr. Miller examines how fathering progressed from the simple biological function found in pre-sentient, un-evolved man, through the grasping of the male role in reproduction to the raising of the male role to patriarch and "owner" of the family.
The author then goes on to show how, properly understood, the Biblical understanding of fatherhood resulted in a taming and locking in of men in a more humane and equitable system than was prevalent in other cultures in the ancient Near-East. Towards the end of the book, Dr. Miller shows how the Biblical family was first assaulted by the Industrial Revolution and then smashed by the Sexual Revolution, but that it is still a good idea. And finally, he gives his "Few Modest Proposals," that is that churches attempt to reinforce a non-patristic fatherhood.
This is another one of those books, about which I find myself writing, "I wanted to like this book, I really did..." In fact, while the book starts out strongly, the author becomes increasingly wishy-washy and unconvincing. For example, as he seems to address Christianity and Judaism as mere psychological and social movements, which have a claim to acceptance on the grounds that they have some good effects, his idea that churches should go on teaching a certain family arrangement cannot tell the reader why women who do not want that arrangement should submit themselves to it. No doubt there are many other psychological studies that suggest that the Biblical family arrangement is not the perfect arrangement.
Therefore, my interpretation of Dr. Miller's argument is that the Biblical family is better than Patriarchy and better than fatherless households...so you should have one. I found this book flat, passionless and unconvincing. If the author was preaching to the choir (people such as myself), then his sermon fell flat. Alternatively, if you are against the patristic tone of the Bible, you will not find anything in this book that will convince you that you should change your mind.
I do not recommend this book.
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