Description
Book SynopsisSacred Matters explores the multi-disciplinary literature about the role of religion in family life and provides new research and a new theory about ways various aspects of the sacred are helpful and harmful. The authors hope that their new conceptual framework will stimulate new research and encourage the creation of new intervention programs designed to help families.
Sacred Matters features:
- a new conceptual framework and theory about how, when, and why sacred matters influence family processes and outcomes
- new qualitative and quantitative research collected in a variety of ways from people with different religious perspectives in different geographical areas
- an expansion in theory and research about the role of forgiveness, sacrifice, prayer, and sanctification in family life
- the integration of studies and issues from psychology, sociology, family studies, anthropology, and religion.
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Trade Review
"Finally – a comprehensive family theory that addresses what millions of families find central to their lives – spirituality and religion. Sacred Matters will be the launch pad for decades of research on faith and families. I am developing a course called "Family Spirituality." Sacred Matters is sure to be one of my primary texts for the course." – Chris Gonzalez, Lipscomb University, USA
"This ground-breaking work is sure to become a classic. These outstanding scholars combine their expertise in theory development and empirical research to provide a volume that will serve both as a text in theory courses and as a framework for future research and theory." - Joe D. Wilmoth, Mississippi State University, USA
"This book is one of the most impressive works on family theory in decades. Its scope is quite impressive, ranging from philosophical issues to applied issues. The writing is... clear and the use of quotes from family members is refreshing... I think the authors have hit gold in their core proposition that the experience of the sacred is an important domain of family life, irrespective of religious belief or even participation." - William Doherty, University of Minnesota, USA
"This [book] is valuable not only for its treatment of the relationships between religion and family life, but also for its ambitious effort to spell out the positive behaviors that go into a good family life, and the negative behaviors that undercut a positive family life." – W. Bradford Wilcox, University of Virginia, USA
Table of Contents1. Overview and Main Ideas in Sacred Theory. 2. Forgiving. 3. Asking and Seeking. 4. Sacrificing. 5. Loving Others. 6. Aspects of Loving. 7. Coping with Disagreements. 8. Coping with Undesirable Behavior. 9. Loving God. 10. Generations. 11. Morality. 12. Psychosocial Aspects. 13. Relationships with Other Perspectives. 14. Researching Sacred Matters. 15. Methods.
