Adopted for Life by Russell D. Moore

Adoption should play a major part in every Christian’s life one way or another because if you are a Christian, you have been adopted. In adopted for Life, Russell Moore weaves the story of the adoption of his two sons from Russian with the biblical truths of adoption, and practical advice and biblical principles for Christian’s in the adoption of children.

First, the purpose of the book was not to be a theological discourse; and perhaps keeping the book from being an academic study and too scholarly, it seemed to me to be a little loose on the doctrine by paraphrasing a little haphazardly biblical doctrine. I believe partly because he was speaking to a wide audience on the subject of adoption, both to Calvinistic and Arminian readers, the lines were not defined as clearly as they could have been in my opinion.

HOWEVER, the practical aspect of the book is excellent. I was blessed, saddened and convicted during the reading of the book. Moore confronted me of my lack of service in the biblical mandate of caring for the fatherless. I was caused to stop and pause at whether we can be more Republican or more Democrat than Christian. It is not the job of the state to take care of the fatherless, but the children of God. Moore compares to the plight of the orphan to our own plight being adopted by God. The tragedy of the orphan, the hurt, the love of the adopter, the legal ramifications of adoption (joint-heirs), the new family, and being raised in new family, the new identity all are illustrated for the believer in the lives of orphans.

Moore also offers sage advice from someone who has traveled the road. He admits that adoption was not his first choice; in fact he didn’t want to adopt. He wanted his “own” children. Moore addresses problems in infertility and the science involved. I was informed with the ethical issues Moore laid out with many of the infertility procedures, including the price; but handles with compassion the heartache of couples that cannot have children letting readers in on the struggle and heartache Moore and his wife had with their infertility.

The book also tackles problems that adopting families WILL face rude and stupid questions, insecurities and the like. It is not a step by step “how to adopt” book, but if you are planning or even thinking about adoption, this book will answer some questions you might have, or even cause you to ask questions you might not have thought of (like health issues, family rejection and disciplining the adoptive child)
I know that I learned much about myself as a child of God when God gave me children; and I am thankful to read this book about adoption from one who has experienced it, both spiritually and with his own family. Christians, in some way, whether adopting themselves, or active in helping others adopt, need to consider this biblical imperative. If we are pro-life, then we must be pro-adoption.

I would put this book on the Second Shelf
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Douglas Newell IV