A while back I read and reviewd "Adopted for Life." I absoutely loved that book, so when Reclaiming adoption arrived in store I was keen to read it..
So often when a book contains the word 'adoption' in the title many view
it as a book solely focusing on the adoption of children. 'Reclaiming
Adoption' is unashamedly a book which encourages Christians to add to
their families through adoption but this is by no means the sole or even
primary purpose of the book. Edited by Dan Curver, the Director of
Together for Adoption, a notable lineup of contributors including, John
Piper, Rick Phillips and Scotty Smith have collaborated in this short
volume hoping fulfill their dream that "...when Christians hear
the word adoption, they will think first about their adoption by
God."
It is the conviction of the writers that the doctrine of
adoption has been neglected both historically and currently. The first
six chapters of the book consider primarily the doctrine of adoption
focusing on the adoption of prodigals, adoption and the Trinity,
Incarnation and Union with Christ as well as the good news and freedom
of adoption. Each of the chapters bring great encouragement and leave
us feeling immensely thankful to God for our adoption despite our sinful
nature, as Scotty Smith comments in chapter 6 "...the
objective reality of our adoption should generate within us unspeakable
joy-one that brings much glory to God."
Although throughout
the book there are references to the issue of adoption of children, it
is the final two chapters of the book which focus most on this issue. It
is commented "Biblically, adoption and orphan care are not
primarily something we do because we are infertile or want to meet a
great need. They are tangible demonstrations and pictures of the gospel-
of God's adoption of us- put on display for the world to see and give
glory to God." We see how the church is called to care for the
vulnerable and that there are few in society more vulnerable than
orphans. It is our duty to care both for these children in our city and
those throughout the world.
John Piper brings the reader 8 similarities
between God's adoption of us and our adoption of children. This book
is an encouraging and challenging read. We are reminded of a neglected
doctrine, that of adoption and are left rejoicing in our adoption to the
family of God, with all the benefits that means for us. However, along
with the rejoicing we are left convicted. The book frequently refers to
churches in America where a culture of adoption has developed, however
even though there has been an increased awareness there are still
hundreds of thousands of orphans in our world today, who are need of a
father and more importantly in need of a saviour.
Published by Cruciform Press
Published by Cruciform Press
