By Tek Chong
Last Sunday in browsing through the Kingsway Methodist Church library I came across an interesting book.
Recently in our Oikos Fellowship we are struggling with trying to understand some of the ‘new’ terminology such as Naturalism, Post-modernism, etc. Our group meets on Saturdays in a popular Malaysian chicken rice restaurant. Many of our folks are retired CEO’s, teachers, accountants, and other professionals. I was afraid not many seem to be interested in the topic:
“What have those things got to do with us?”
“Such a dull subject.”
“We are too old to learn this mumble jumble.”
The Title of this library book jumped out on me.
Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture:
Practical Help for Shaping Your Children’s Hearts, Minds, and Souls
I quickly got the kind librarian, Louisa to let me borrow the book. And I am fascinated by the author’s gift of storytelling. She managed to skilfully make this difficult subject into understandable conversation and dialogue with her children. Below I post an excellent book review of this book. I hope you can get a hold of it.
Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture: Practical Help for Shaping Your Children’s Hearts, Minds, and Souls by Mary DeMuth[1]http://www.christianbookpreviews.com/christian-book-author.php?isbn=0736918620
Reviewed By Elece Hollis, Christian Book Previews.com[2]http://www.christianbookpreviews.com/christian-book-detail.php?isbn=0736918620
Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture by Mary DeMuth has an intriguing title.
What is postmodernism and how will understanding it help me be a stronger and better parent?
Parenting children in a postmodern world requires great diligence.
A missionary would not go to evangelize in a foreign country and expect the people there to understand his language, DeMuth points out, rather he would learn all he could about their native tongue and culture.
The world’s culture has changed so much over the last few generations that, though the truth does not change, how parents present the truth must change, or the message will be lost.
This book is not about how to parent in a post-modern style, but how to parent authentically while living in a postmodern culture. The author uses stories and personal experiences to explain the change from modern, a culture based on logic and reason, to postmodern, where the traditions and beliefs of modernity are challenged.
Mary DeMuth is a mom who spent several years with her husband and three children in France pioneering a church. Her experiences in a country where the postmodern worldview is prevalent, and her obvious faith in Jesus and the gospel make her an excellent source of guidance for today’s parents. “Since I had the opportunity to raise kids in the hyper-postmodern culture of France for a few years, I learned a lot about how to minister to kids there. It’s why I wrote the book.” says the author.
This book explains how younger generations look at things, how they process life in the new millennium. I found the book full of practical, understandable, and useful information. The chapter on how to share the Bible with our children is advice I know I can use. DeMuth not only defines terms for the reader and points out pitfalls of this cultural shift, but she demonstrates how parents can tap into the strengths of the postmodern culture, such as the thirst for authenticity and transparency, the encouragement of community over individualism, and the denouncement of materialistic lifestyle.
I recommend this book to parents, who want to enjoy healthy communication with their children, and are willing to learn and change to build relationships. I recommend it to youth leaders, children’s ministers, pastors, and teachers. I know that you will be blessed and encouraged by the insight and wisdom DeMuth shares in this book.
Link to book: here
References
June 2016: Feedback from readers for: “For parents living in the 21st century”
Your write up is always a source of blessings and encouragement to rededicate my life for the glory of our Lord. May He continue to use you more powerfully and preciously? Your commitment and love for Jesus is rare in the world. You will be honoured by our God.
Simon Dias ~ Bangladesh
June 2016: Feedback from readers for: “For parents living in the 21st century”
Interesting book review:
We understand postmodern kids better.
DeMuth not only defines terms for the reader and points out pitfalls of this cultural shift, but she demonstrates how parents can tap into the strengths of the postmodern culture, such as the thirst for authenticity and transparency, the encouragement of community over individualism, and the denouncement of materialistic lifestyle.
Ps Patrick Chen ~ Perth