The Myth of Good Christian Parenting - by Marissa Franks Burt & Kelsey Kramer McGinnis (Paperback)

About the Book

Combining cultural analysis, storytelling, and theological meditation, this book traces the historical and cultural development of Christian parenting empires, empowers readers to consider how these messages relate to the teachings of Jesus, and helps them heal and avoid repeating the same mistakes with their children.

Book Synopsis

Christian parents want to raise their kids in a godly way. But what if we've been sold a promise that "biblical parenting" can never deliver?

In The Myth of Good Christian Parenting, Marissa Franks Burt and Kelsey Kramer McGinnis explore how the Christian parenting book industry has shaped, and often strained, families over the past five decades, continuing into the present day. Drawing on history, sociology, theology, and survey responses from adult children and parents, they trace the rise of Christian parenting empires that idealize obedient kids and perfect households--but often leave parents and children feeling like they'll never measure up.

The authors also analyze popular Christian parenting teachings. They argue that these teachings on authority, compliance, corporal punishment, and control have had lasting effects on family dynamics and spiritual identity--including loss of faith, estrangement, religious trauma, and deep regret for many older parents. This book equips Christian parents, adults thinking critically about their upbringing, and church leaders to pursue a new path of freedom and mutual respect within their families.

From the Back Cover

Christian parents want to raise their kids in a godly way. But what if families have been sold promises that "biblical parenting" can't deliver?

Drawing on history, sociology, theology, and survey responses from adult children and parents, The Myth of Good Christian Parenting explores how the Christian parenting media industry has shaped--and often strained--families over the past five decades. Marissa Franks Burt and Kelsey Kramer McGinnis trace the rise of Christian parenting resources that idealize obedient kids and perfect households but often leave parents and children feeling like they'll never measure up.

Through careful analysis of popular teachings on authority, compliance, corporal punishment, and control, the authors reveal the lasting effects on family dynamics and spiritual identity. They equip Christian parents, adults thinking critically about their upbringing, and church leaders to pursue a new path of freedom and mutual respect within their families.

"This book belongs in every church, Christian counseling center, and trauma-informed therapist's office as a map that details how we got there and how we move forward differently."
--Tia Levings, author of the New York Times bestseller A Well-Trained Wife and The Soul of Healing

"Offers a courageous and compassionate critique of popular evangelical parenting models that shaped generations."
--David and Amanda Erickson, authors of The Flourishing Family: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Parenting with Peace and Purpose and founders of Flourishing Homes & Families

"Christian parenting needs rescuing, and The Myth of Good Christian Parenting reveals where things went so far off track."--Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of The Great Sex Rescue and founder of Bare Marriage

"Through fascinating historical and theological exploration, Burt and McGinnis graciously identify the pitfalls of Christian parenting tropes and invite readers to a more holistic, grace-filled posture."--Clarissa Moll, four-time author and producer of Christianity Today's The Bulletin podcast

About the Author

Marissa Franks Burt (MTh, Columbia International University) is a novelist, editor, teacher, and cohost of the At Home with the Lectionary podcast. She lives in a small town in Washington's Snoqualmie Valley with her husband, six children, and heaps of books.

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis (PhD, University of Iowa) is a musicologist, educator, and correspondent for Christianity Today, writing on worship practices and Christian subculture. She is an adjunct professor at Grand View University in Des Moines and previously worked at the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights.