Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches by Russell D. Moore

Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches Reviews

• 
  Jung Sun

  I'm not done with the book (Kindle version) yet, but I approached it with some caution. As an adoptee myself the merging of Christianity and adoption has been a struggle for me growing up. (Some times it still is) I'm not far into the book but Russell Moore made a statement that is most disturbing for any child born internationally/interracially. There seems to be an imbalance of spiritual nurturing and acknowledging the child's rights/needs for knowing, learning of their earthly background. Yes, earthly background/heritage is not as important as our identity in God, but it does contribute to the story of the child's life. God created the different countries and people, why downplay the importance of diversity as to deny the child's heritage? It concerns me that Moore is promoting such beliefs on the backbone of Christianity. As most may know religious establishments have long had influence in the adoption business, and not always in a most loving positive way. I was hoping for some progress in this book that is suppose to be the first to so excellently merge Christianity and adoption. Still reading, so there's hope in clarification.
  
  
  
  Update: I've finished it a few weeks ago. My review stands the same. Was not terribly impressed and didn't clarify the questions that came up. Seemed to perpetuate the idea that love is enough, acknowledging and accepting the reality that the child had a previous life before adoption is ignored, and as long as adoption is done in love (the right kind??) then adoption is the answer no matter what. Especially if it seems that God gave the go-ahead.
• 
  Julia

  This book, written by an adoptive father, makes the case that adoption should be a priority within the Christian community, not out of sentimentalism or charity, but because it is consistent with who we are. Moore argues from theological ideas that Christians should have a culture where adoption is normal and accepted, that more Christian families should consider adoption, and that our faith communities should be more proactive in supporting both birthmothers and families built in non-traditional ways. As a Christian currently pursuing an adoption, I don't need much convincing on these points but this was a really enjoyable and moving read-- a nice combination of personal story, biblical exploration, and practical ideas.
  
  Some of the ways the author talked about parenting an adopted child did give me pause. I got the impression that he is dismissive of cultural connections being important for internationally or transracially adopted children; in his view, being part of a Christian home and having that identity trumps the need for connections to the child's birth culture. This is in conflict with what is considered "good" adoption practice these days and I don't know that I buy it. His thoughts on this came pretty early in the book and I found myself approaching the rest somewhat skeptically but I was pleasantly surprised by most everything else he said about raising adopted kids. His thoughts on the losses experienced by adoptees were compassionate and helpful, and his exploration of the "why" of transracial adoption was sensitive and affirming.
  
  Actually, that's a good summing up of this book-- I may not agree with every detail of the "how" of adoption as fleshed out in this book, but the "why" of adoption by Christians presented here is compelling and beautiful.
• 
  Vinícius Pimentel

  Belíssimo livro. Moore consegue combinar insights teológicos profundos com muita sabedoria prática, além de interessantes histórias pessoais. Todo cristão, interessado em adotar ou não, deveria ler esta obra.
• 
  Nicole N. (A Myriad of Books)

  I first saw this book when Pastor Mark Driscoll said he recommended it to those who thought about adopting, was adopted, or know people who are adopted. So, being the one who wishes to adopt children, I got this (well, technically, my fiance bought it for me, but who's counting?).
  
  Let me start off by saying that this book is good. I am unfamiliar with the author, Russell Moore, and this was the first book I read about adoption. There are many things I liked in this book but many things I didn't like and some things, I flat out disagreed with.
  
  The part I disagreed with began on page 36, where Moore says people would ask him if he would teach his two adopted children about their cultural heritage (his adopted children are from Russia). He states that most people probably wondered if he would teach his children about Russian culture, folk songs and tales, holidays, etc. Moore says he will teach them about their heritage but not as Russians, but as Mississippians (apparently, that's where their family is from). As someone who is half-Korean, I admit that I was a little taken back by this--maybe because I was brought up with two different cultures colliding. To be honest, I want to teach my (adopted) children about their cultural heritage. That's who they are. I mean, sure they may not live where they are from, but to basically ignore it completely (which, for some reason, I felt Moore is suggesting) would be horrendous to me.
  
  I did enjoy that he included a chapter entitled "Don't You Want Your Own Kids?" A lot of times, when I tell people I want to adopt, the question I get is, "Why? Why not have your own kids?" For months, and even to this day, I grapple with that question. Yes, I do want to have my own kids, I tell people, but I also want to adopt one because, like Moore lovingly stated over and over again, we were first adopted by God into sonship (or...daughter-ship, in this case) and we now heirs and co-heirs with Christ. It almost blows my mind that people think adoption is such a crazy idea when I, a perfectly healthy woman, wants to adopt a child. Someone also said to me, "You won't love that child as much as you love your own flesh and blood." All I thought was, "Seriously? A child I fought for and grew to love in nearly the same way as having it in my womb would somehow be loved differently?" I couldn't agree less with this certain person's statement.
  
  That was a bit off topic...
  
  Nonetheless, Moore was very well-rounded, I thought. This book was Scriptural and informative, answering a broad range of questions such as whether to adopt nationally or internationally, behavior and discipline, and also how extended family members may feel about their sons or daughters adopting a child.
• 
  Samantha Ferris

  This is, quite possibly, the best book I have ever read. If you are single, read it.
  If you are married, read it.
  If you are engaged, read it.
  If you have children, read it.
  If you do not have children, read it.
  
  This book takes the reader on a journey through the emotional, spiritual, and theological intricacies of adoption. We Christians are all adopted as sons through Christ Jesus. And I write that without mistake, we are adopted as sons. Not as daughters. Read this book to find out what that means…
  
  Read this book to find out what it looks like to invite adoption onto the forefront of your mind. Adoption is one of the MOST Christian “issues”, and I have never been more convinced of that fact after reading this book.
  
  Quite simply, I cannot say enough good things about this book. It is laced with Scripture at every page. It is heartfelt, conversational, yet does not make light of things that are intrinsically heavy.
  
  Russell Moore does an excellent job of condemning the American dream of a life lacking all inconvenience. He boldly calls the church into what we already should be a part of - the life giving, soul changing, Gospel work of adoption. All the while, giving the reader a far deeper understanding of their own adoption from cosmic orphan to beloved son.
• 
  Diana

  Extremely helpful way of contextualizing adoption in the Gospel.
  
  My only concern, mentioned by others, was his seeming minimalizing of human culture in early chapters. Although he later talks about personality being formed by genetics, environment, and personal choice, in early chapters he seemed to suggest that adoptees (international, especially) not have exposure to their culture of origin following their adoption, because they were now grafted in to a new family culture. He based on the fact of our adoption in Christ, noting that we no longer be living in our birth culture of sin. What this misses though, is the fact that my family's culture is not "holier" than an adoptees' culture. Both have value and both are marked by sin.
  
  Despite this, I think Russell provides an excellent overview of how adoption fits into the larger priorities of the kingdom, as well as some helpful ways of thinking of how to meet the needs of children, both individually and corporately.
• 
  Allison Anderson Armstrong

  Very well-written book on the importance of adoption for Christian families. This is not just a "how to" book or all about the ups and downs of the adoption process. Moore focuses on the gospel-centered purpose of adoption and how we as Christians are all adopted into Christ's family and therefore are brothers and sisters who should care for the fatherless. Superb read for all Christians, those who've been adopted, adoptive parents, or for someone wondering what part they might have in this Biblical mandate. . .
• 
  Lacy Monahan

  Helpful, encouraging and eye-opening for us. We listened to the audiobook of Moore reading it, and it felt like we had him sitting at our coffee table addressing and confirming all the questions and hopes we have.
• 
  John Gardner

  This is a book I never thought I’d read. Now I can’t imagine how a book exactly like it wasn’t published long before 2009! In his first chapter Moore explains why you ought to read the book, even (and especially) if you don’t want to… and I’m ashamed to admit that this probably described me.
  
  There are plenty of “how-to” books regarding adoption. There are plenty of books describing the great need for adoptive families felt by orphans all over the world. There are plenty of books examining the theological doctrine of spiritual adoption. This, to the best of my knowledge, is the only book that combines these three in a manner that shows how these issues absolutely cannot be separated.
  
  Russell Moore is a professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, but he writes this book as both an adoptive father and an adopted son of our Heavenly Father. His book argues that the Bible does not draw any lines between theological adoption and practical adoption, so Christians should not, either. The Bible tells us over and over what it means to be
  adopted into the family of God, as
  sons of the Father and
  co-heirs with Christ. It also tells us that pure & undefiled religion requires the care and rescue of
  orphans, just as Christ did not leave us as
  orphans.
  
  Moore does not assert that all Christian families are called or equipped to adopt, but he DOES assert that EVERY Christian has a responsibility to be involved in adoption, whether through becoming adoptive parents, helping others to adopt, or working to create and/or support an adoption ministry in the local church. After reading this book, I am 100% convinced that this is absolutely true. After your Bible, I don’t know that there is a more important book that I could commend to you than this one. Buy it
  here.
  
  You can learn more about this by watching this short promotional video for the “
  Adopting for Life Conference“, which Laurie and I will be attending in about a month. If you would like to attend as well, we’d love to travel with you!
  
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1Y475...
• 
  Michelle

  James 1:27
  Proverbs 30: 8,9
  
  "When we lose our identity, we find it in Christ."
  
  "Not every believer will stand praying outside an abortion clinic. Not ever believer will take a pregnant teenager into his guest bedroom. Not every believer is called to adopt children. But every believer is called to recognize Jesus in the face of his little brothers and sisters when he decides to show up in their lives, even if it interrupts everything else."
  
  "God often doesn't explain his providence to us past or future. He asks us to trust Him, to endure, and to know, in the words of the old gospel song, that "we'll understand it all by and by." Sometimes, though, he grants us a glimpse in the middle of it all of how he's silently working toward something joyous."
  
  "The decisions you make aren't large scale philosophical decisions; they're just what seems best at the time."
  
  "Caring for orphans, means, in a very real sense, joining them in their distress. I cannot tell you that won't be risky. It could upend your plans for yourself and your family altogether. It could wreck your life plan. These children need to be reared, to be taught, to be loved, to be hugged, to be heard. That may take far more from you than you ever expected to give. This sort of love is not easy. But for those who are called to it - it is worth it."
• 
  Tina Simmons

  I wanted to like this. I really did. It was highly recommended from various other authors I have read related to adoption issues, but too much of it rang false to me.
  He goes against standard adoption research to suggest that adopted children don't need knowledge of their roots. He says that since they are adopted, they need only knowledge of their adopted family. This is completely contrary to everything else I have read.
  I also was infuriated by his approach to infertility. I found his thoughts on the subject completely presumptious and judgemental.
  I will not even finish this trash.
• 
  Ryan

  Absolutely superb book. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking of adopting, or anyone who knows someone who is adopting and are wondering about how they could potentially help out. It is very Christian focused but it would still be valuable for people who are not Christians.
• 
  Nathan

  Christians are adopted into the family of God and called to love the least of these. Those are just two of many reasons that the church should make adoption a priority.
• 
  Lydia Miller

  This book is great for anyone who wants to think more about adoption. It’s easy to read and understand and gives practical advice from someone who has experienced adoption personally. I found many impactful statements that communicate my thoughts on many issues surrounding adoption.
  
  Personally, I found his writing style grating. He states things very dramatically and is overly wordy and repetitive. He tries to say simple things in the most shocking ways he can, sometimes twisting the facts to sound more poetic or punchy. Stating things in new and unexpected ways can be helpful to surprise people who think they already know what you’re going to say, but the entire book is that way. I found it to be emotionally manipulative and dramatic, which immediately makes me shut down and not want to listen. Because of this I could only read small amounts at a time and it took me forever to finish the book. There are great sections and some very well phrased thoughts that I am grateful to have read. I appreciate his contribution to the adoption world- waking up Christians to the ways they can fulfill the Great Commission through their own households, stirring churches to practical teaching and service, etc. Adoption is something I am passionate about so I’m sad I can’t give this book 5 stars. Read it anyway if you’re interested in adoption because I still think it’s worthwhile!
• 
  Natalie Smith

  Loved this book. It is filled with so much wisdom for parents, whether adopting or not and for the church body. We all are adopted sons and daughters in Christ. To understand the importance of adoption is to understand the Gospel and the heart of God. Russell Moore covered so much on the topic of adoption, and solved some of my preconceived notions on the subject. He shared his personal story of adoption and left me in tears at the end of the book. My heart has never been more open to the idea than ever before thanks to his shared wisdom.
• 
  Randy Rosso

  This is one of the best books I have ever read. My wife and I are starting the process of adoption, and this book is full of wise counsel and insights into the practical side of adoption and orphan care ministry. However, I think the true treasure of this book is in Moore’s wonderful exposition of the theological doctrine of our adoption as sons in Christ. This book had me in tears more times than I care to admit, as I increasingly saw the beauty of the gospel through the lens of how real-life adoption of orphans images our spiritual adoption in Christ. Everyone should read this, even if just for the theological and gospel insights connected to adoption that Russell Moore gives, and even more so how the body of Christ should champion orphan care because of our identity as adopted sons.
• 
  Mary Rachel Fenrick

  I loved this book. He’s got so many great things to say, and there are several sections I highlighted that I know I will return to over the years. Only reasons I didn’t give it a 5 are very minor- I know he was speaking from his personal experience, but I wished he had spent more time talking about adopting toddlers and older children (not babies) and kids from foster care. Also, the book was more geared toward people who are trying to decide about adoption, as opposed to people who already have adopted, like myself. Overall, highly recommend.
• 
  Alexis Neal

  A decent enough book on the importance of adoption for Christians--part memoir, part practical guidebook, part theological text. Nothing terribly earth shattering, though. Moore clearly has a passion for adoption, and encourages others to consider adopting, primarily as a result of our own adoption in Christ. And he makes several excellent points along the way--we do get fixated on the value of having our "own" children and are willing to pursue any possible means of "acquiring" them. We can view adoption as an inferior option, or consider it only in addition to natural children. But it is not inferior, and more than Christians are inferior to their Jewish forbears. Our bond in Christ supersedes our genetic bond with our biological offspring--there are more important things than blood ties.
  
  Moore addresses several common misconceptions and talks frankly about his family's struggles with infertility and his own resistance to adoption. He also firmly but gently highlights (and rebukes) the consumerist mentality that is so pervasive, even in our attitudes about children. Adopted children are more work, we think--health problems, abuse, behavioral issues, cost, who knows what all. But we have no guarantee that our "own" children will be free of such struggles. Even biological children can have birth defects or develop deadly diseases or experience trauma that affects them for years to come.
  
  Really, to Moore, adoption is like missions. Well, adoption is missions, from his perspective. What I mean is, he believes that just as even those who are not called to move to a third world country to become missionaries are still called to support missions, even those who are not called to adopt children have an obligation to help facilitate and encourage adoption. I have to say, I think he has a point.
  
  This might be a much harder read for someone who is either steadfastly resistant to adoption, or who desperately wants his or her "own" biological children and has trouble with the idea of letting go of that dream. But since I have no dog in this fight, I merely found it a moderately interesting exposition on the theological case for adoption.
• 
  Kayla

  Bookmark the permalink.
  Adopted for Life
  Feb5 by theodidaktos
  
  As promised, here is my book review of Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches. I must admit… this is a harder book review to write because I listened to it. I don’t have pages to flip through to refer back to or quote from. However, I will do my best.
  
  “Adoption is a great idea; it just isn’t for me.” Russell Moore refutes this idea clearly. If you are an obedient follower of Christ, you are such as a result of adoption – God bringing you into His family, calling you His child, and giving you an inheritance. Indeed, we were all orphans before we were adopted into His family. Because of this, we as His ambassadors on Earth are called to represent His love accurately. This involves adoption.
  
  “We believe Jesus in heavenly things (our adoption in Christ) so we follow him in earthly things (the adoption of children).” It is impossible to separate our beliefs from our actions. “Without the theological aspect, the emphasis on adoption too easily is seen as charity. Without the missional aspect, the doctrine of adoption too easily is seen as mere metaphor.” Whether personally adopting or supporting those families who want to adopt, we are called to be actively involved in this aspect of the Great Commission.
  
  Russell Moore responds to some of the common sentiments within the church today. Adoption as “not for me.” Adoption “on down the road.” Adoption as “a second option.” Adoption being “too expensive.” Adoption being “too intimidating.” One of the things I appreciate about this book is that no matter how familiar a verse is that he utilizes, he still cites it. This is great for those unfamiliar verses as well.
  
  If you’ve never thought about adoption, I highly recommend this book. If you’ve already determined that you’re going to adopt, I even more highly recommend this book. It’s important to check our motives and verify that they are in accordance with Scripture. Be forewarned… Moore uses his own story of the emotions he went through before, during, and after he and his wife adopted two boys from Russia. It may bring a tear to your eye (or a whole river, as it did with me!).
• 
  Rachel Jones

  I'm in the process of adoption and was anxious to read a book from a religious viewpoint. I promptly stopped reading and threw the book across the room when I read the following...
  
  "As another Christian ethicist puts it, many of these technologies, such as IVF, result in an objectification of the body and of the child, turning our bodies into instruments rather than creatures. These technologies turn the child into a commodity rather than a gift. This is not simply a Christian concern, ... (others) have raised concerns about what the more radical technologies are doing to transform the human experience of procreation."
  
  Nope. The idea the IVF (or any other method for that matter) is objectification of the body is absurd and that a parent who makes the decision is being shamed or criticized AND that the child itself would be deemed as unnatural makes me outrageously mad.
  
  Adoption isn't for everyone. IVF isn't for everyone. Other "radical" procedures aren't for everyone. Having biological children isn't for everyone. It is so great is that we live in a spot in history where there are so many options regarding family building and that we individually and privately can make the best decisions for our family.
  
  Amen.
  
  
• 
  Martha

  3.5 stars. I rounded up.
  
  I saw a lot of reviews criticizing Moore’s view of disconnecting the child from their cultural heritage. As they are adopted into his family, they take on his culture and heritage. I don’t fully agree with his process, but I see his good intention— to say to them “you are wholly and completely our children.”
  
  I did, however, have issues with the ?tone? of the first three chapters.
  Ex 1: comparing Planned Parenthood to Herod
  Ex 2: the “are they really brothers” section seemed to hold a lot of anger toward people who don’t understand
  Ex 3: referring to us as children of satan. Yes, we all followed the prince of the power of the air, but we are made in the image of God. God is our creator. Our father.
  
  Aside from a quick shade-throw at Mr Rogers, the tone improved through the rest of the book. There’s also a ton of legit honesty towards the end.
  “As an evangelical Christian, I like a tidy testimony. I once was lost, but here’s how I was found... and so on. But I can’t say that’s true. Rereading my words here, preparing for the new edition, shows me how I fall short of knowing who I am in Christ and living that out.”
  
  So what started out as a book that spent a lot of time focused on the negative, turned into something of heartfelt gratitude to God.
• 
  Mark

  It's funny how you choose to study certain topics of Scripture, and how some topics seem to "choose you." Adoption is certainly one of the latter instances for me. I have always admired the idea of adoption and for many years I have considered it as an exciting option for growing my own family. This book was recommended to me as an "everyone should read this book" kind of way, and I would whole-heartedly agree with that recommendation. Since my wife and I are expecting our first biological child in a few months it seems like a strange time to read a book on adoption, but somehow I found myself reading this book. As I read I was thoroughly challenged and encouraged. So even if you are like me and it doesn't make sense for you to adopt right now or even to be reading this book, I highly encourage--even challenge--you to pick it up and see what happens!
• 
  Larry Key

  The main point of the book I am behind. Which is why I gave this 4 stars. Some of the lingo used was eh; almost cold. Although the book is directed to adoptive/potentially adoptive parents, I would find myself offended by various things said if I was an adoptee reading this book. I feel we should write from an empathetic stance, even when we may not be directing our writing to those we are being empathetic towards. Empathy breeds empathy. And when it comes to this topic, empathy is extremely important.
• 
  Brian Eshleman

  This book was excellent. The author combines good biblical exposition with relevant and reverent exposition to the specific topic of adoption. He shares good anecdotes that warm the heart and wise warnings that search the soul. He is honest about his own attitudes and preconceptions and the way in which the Holy Spirit dealt with him in those.
  
  I would recommend this book for anyone even casually considering adoption. I would also recommend it for anyone in a body of believers where someone is.
• 
  Mark A Powell

  Genuine adoption is an inseparable blend of doctrine and process, a flesh-and-blood reality of the spiritual adoption all who are in Christ have received. As such, Moore argues, Christians must be at the forefront of adoption, either opening their own homes to orphaned children or making it possible for other to do so. By engaging in adoption in this way, the gospel of Christ is more clearly communicated to others and understood by us. Highly recommended.