This proven resource for studying the most established of human institutions is well known among college and seminary faculty, pastors, and Christian counselors. The fourth edition has been updated to address current family-related issues and refined to reflect teaching practices for the contemporary classroom.
Praise for Previous Editions

"An excellent resource for marriage and family studies in the church and in academia. Few texts come close to this one in blending the biblical ideal with the contemporary scene."
--Theological Educator

"This is a rare book in its synthesis of rich sources in family scientific theory with a theological vision of the meaning and purpose of the family. I consider this book an excellent resource for preachers and teachers and an obvious choice for a text in family studies in a Christian college."
--Calvin Theological Journal

"Every sociologist who teaches courses on marriage and the family or who engages in personal or family counseling ought to read this stimulating book. Many will conclude that it is the best textbook for college, seminary, and marriage preparation courses."
--Christian Sociological Society Newsletter

"As a consequence of [the Balswicks'] theological foundation, presentation of major sociological perspectives of the family, and integrating visualizations, The Family is a most helpful resource for understanding the modern family."
--Review and Expositor

"No other book has been written [on family living] from a Christian perspective with as much care as this one by the Balswicks. . . . Christian workers anxious to update their libraries with one readable yet pertinent book on family concerns will want to add this book and refer to it frequently."
--Reformed Review

"This Christian perspective on the contemporary home . . . is skillfully written and extremely insightful. Almost everything a person would like to know about the family and its many stages, functions, and problems is included."
--Evangelical Beacon

"An excellent text . . . from a distinctively Christian perspective, integrating the very best of theology, ethics, and biblical studies with the social sciences and clinical perspectives."
--Southwestern Journal of Theology

Jack O. Balswick (PhD, University of Iowa) is senior professor of sociology and family development at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Judith K. Balswick (EdD, University of Georgia) is senior professor of marital and family therapy, also at Fuller. They have coauthored several books, including Authentic Human Sexuality and A Model for Marriage: Covenant, Grace, Empowerment, and Intimacy.