This book is about being not-perfect parents in a not-perfect world. The result, Hopes and Fears: Progressive Theology for New Parents, is a joyous celebration of childcare in which any parent no matter how perfect can share. Hopes and Fears is neither a 'how-to' book nor a mere meditation. Rather, the authors seek to find the beautiful and the spiritual in the often mundane activities that parents have performed since the beginning of history, while at the same time allowing beautiful and spiritual insights of the past to inform and shape the activities of modern parenting.
Hopes and Fears teaches by example, with the authors noting: 'we're hopeful that as we share our lives-the trials and tribulations and incredible joys-other parents will feel inspired to reflect on their own experiences, and perhaps even to consider new ways in which their own faith is relevant to their identities as parents." This book is highly suitable for group study as well as individual reflection.
This fully revised and update edition includes:
- A context of the social and political upheaval of the last decade of American life, including political polarization, ongoing institutional racism, and increased climate anxiety
- Voices of LGBTQ parents and people of color.
- New research and understandings of non-binary, transgender, and neurodiverse identities.
- The impact of technology on parenting and family life, particularly the influence of social media on children and parents-with new chapter on cell phones!-and the relentless question of when a child should have access to what forms of tech. The authors also address artificial intelligence and its impact on parenting.
- Discussion of the decision to have children, noting that many young adults are choosing not to for a variety of reasons, the ongoing debate around reproductive rights, and the challenges and celebrations of treatments such as IVF.
- An online study guide for group study.
- A broader approach to faith and spirituality, to speak to parents whose faith has not mirrored in the authors' own mainline Protestant experience.
