In this theology of adoption, Stevenson-Moessner argues that while the church has long understood the grounding self-concept of a Christian as a "child of God, " it has failed to underscore that we all come into the family of faith by adoption. In this book, Stevenson-Moessner writes a theology of adoption, exploring adoption as a central theme in Scripture, as a doctrine of faith, and as a theological metaphor. The book is also a handbook to adoptive parents.
Stevenson-Moessner begins with chapters on barrenness, conception, expectant waiting, delivery, and homecoming and moves from there to discussions of the developing years, the search for identity, and challenges in the adoptive family. She focuses as well on theological and biblical ideas of adoption and on the passion of God, who contains the joy and pain of loving a child and who offers a sense of continuity and connectedness. The book includes case studies and interviews with adoptive parents. Throughout, Stevenson-Moessner explicates the concept of "womb-love, " which describes a yearning from thc center of one's being and a tenacious compassion that illustrates God's desire and mercy.
