Serving God in the heart of our community since 1881

St Andrew's Church, Taunton

Forsaking the Family -

Jesus, Childhood And The Search For Freedom

by Simon Parke

Katharine Smith reviews a controversial book which challenges traditional images of “family”.

This might seem an unlikely title for a book being recommended during the Christmas season but it’s not always easy being part of a family, sometimes it can seem quite a struggle.  There is often an unrealistic expectation that  families will get together and enjoy the festive season surrounded by love and warmed by the glow of wellbeing and happiness that comes with family life.

If that picture has you screaming into the pillow with spasms of guilt or anger then this could be the book for you.  It may be shocking but it’s also comforting; it might be frightening but it’s also liberating; it may knock down many perceptions we have of “the family” but it also offers a way of being family that is healthy, life-giving and, as Simon describes it, anointed by God.

Simon used to be an Anglican priest but now stacks supermarket shelves whilst writing for various papers (including the Church Times). 

From his writing it is clear that he has struggled with his own demons relating to family life and perhaps does still struggle.  But out of his experience has come a new insight into what families are, or what they could be.  In the end his message is about redemption and the hope of new life rising out of the ashes of painful and damaging experiences. 

If the following quotation rings bells for you then the rest of the book will be a positive and joyful peal!

“We owe loyalty to truth, freedom, beauty, mystery, openness and justice; to kindness and gentleness, emotional and physical acceptance; to innocent victims.  But we don’t owe loyalty to family.”

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