David C. Dollahite

Now in its second edition, this multidisciplinary text addresses the growing scholarly connection between religion and family life while offering an accurate and engaging account of why and how families are impacted by their religion. This updated volume integrates the social science literature from family studies, psychology, sociology, and religion with narratives drawn from in-depth interviews with 300 racially, religiously, and regionally diverse families that bring the concepts to life. Written in a thought-provoking, accessible style by two of the leading researchers in the field, this book reflects the author’s first-hand experience in teaching today’s students about religion’s influence on families. This book examines Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, addresses the impact of religious involvement on longevity, divorce rates, and parenting styles, and considers demographic, family, couple, and individual-level data that relate to prayer and other sacred practices. New chapters explore:The Conflicts, Struggle, and Stressors of ReligionRacial and Ethnic Minorities and ReligionReligion, Sex, and Gender Roles in MarriagePedagogical features include boldfaced key terms defined in the glossary, text boxes, chapter conclusions, summary points, and review questions. Intended as a text for undergraduate courses in family and religion, the psychology or sociology of the family, the psychology or sociology of religion, pastoral/biblical counseling, or family and youth ministry, taught in human development and family studies, psychology, sociology, religion, social work, pastoral counseling, and philosophy, this book is also relevant to family therapists and counselors.

Now in its second edition, this multidisciplinary text addresses the growing scholarly connection between religion and family life while offering an accurate and engaging account of why and how families are impacted by their religion. This updated volume integrates the social science literature from family studies, psychology, sociology, and religion with narratives drawn from in-depth interviews with 300 racially, religiously, and regionally diverse families that bring the concepts to life. Written in a thought-provoking, accessible style by two of the leading researchers in the field, this book reflects the author’s first-hand experience in teaching today’s students about religion’s influence on families. This book examines Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, addresses the impact of religious involvement on longevity, divorce rates, and parenting styles, and considers demographic, family, couple, and individual-level data that relate to prayer and other sacred practices. New chapters explore:The Conflicts, Struggle, and Stressors of ReligionRacial and Ethnic Minorities and ReligionReligion, Sex, and Gender Roles in MarriagePedagogical features include boldfaced key terms defined in the glossary, text boxes, chapter conclusions, summary points, and review questions. Intended as a text for undergraduate courses in family and religion, the psychology or sociology of the family, the psychology or sociology of religion, pastoral/biblical counseling, or family and youth ministry, taught in human development and family studies, psychology, sociology, religion, social work, pastoral counseling, and philosophy, this book is also relevant to family therapists and counselors.

This is the first multidisciplinary text to address the growing scholarly connection between religion and family life. The latest literature from family studies, psychology, sociology, and religion is reviewed along with narratives drawn from interviews with 200 racially, religiously, and regionally diverse families which bring the concepts to life. Written in a thought-provoking, accessible, and sometimes humorous style by two of the leading researchers in the field, the book reflects the authors’ firsthand experience in teaching today’s students about religion’s impact on families. Prior to writing the book, the authors read the sacred texts of many faiths, interviewed religious leaders, and attended religious services for a wide array of faiths. The result is an accurate and engaging account of why and how families are impacted by their religion. The pedagogical features of the text include boldfaced key terms defined in the glossary, text boxes, chapter conclusions, summary points, and review questions. Religion and Families:Examines several denominations within Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Reviews findings from racially and ethnically diverse families, from traditional and diverse family forms, and examines gender and life-course issues. Addresses the impact of one’s religious involvement on longevity, divorce rates, and parenting styles. Considers demographic, family-, couple-, and individual-level data that relate to prayer and other sacred practices. Presents a balanced treatment of the latest research and a new model for studying family and religion. Explores the "whys," "hows," and processes at work in the religion-family connection. The book opens with a discussion of why religion and family connections matter. Chapter 2 defines religion and presents a new conceptualization of religion. Empirical research connections between religion and marriage, divorce, family, and parent-child relationships are explored in chapters 3 through 6. The interface between religion and the family in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are reviewed in chapters 7, 8, and 9. Chapter 10 explores the unique challenges that religion presents for diverse family forms. Prayer as a coping mechanism for life’s challenges such as death and disability are explored in chapter 11. Chapter 12 examines forgiveness in the context of marriages and families. The book concludes with a review of the book’s most important themes and findings. Intended as a text for undergraduate courses in family and religion, the psychology or sociology of the family, the psychology or sociology of religion, pastoral/biblical counseling, or family and youth ministry, taught in human development and family studies, psychology, sociology, religion, social work, pastoral counseling, and sometimes philosophy. This book also appeals to family therapists and counselors.

This is the first multidisciplinary text to address the growing scholarly connection between religion and family life. The latest literature from family studies, psychology, sociology, and religion is reviewed along with narratives drawn from interviews with 200 racially, religiously, and regionally diverse families which bring the concepts to life. Written in a thought-provoking, accessible, and sometimes humorous style by two of the leading researchers in the field, the book reflects the authors’ firsthand experience in teaching today’s students about religion’s impact on families. Prior to writing the book, the authors read the sacred texts of many faiths, interviewed religious leaders, and attended religious services for a wide array of faiths. The result is an accurate and engaging account of why and how families are impacted by their religion. The pedagogical features of the text include boldfaced key terms defined in the glossary, text boxes, chapter conclusions, summary points, and review questions. Religion and Families:Examines several denominations within Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Reviews findings from racially and ethnically diverse families, from traditional and diverse family forms, and examines gender and life-course issues. Addresses the impact of one’s religious involvement on longevity, divorce rates, and parenting styles. Considers demographic, family-, couple-, and individual-level data that relate to prayer and other sacred practices. Presents a balanced treatment of the latest research and a new model for studying family and religion. Explores the "whys," "hows," and processes at work in the religion-family connection. The book opens with a discussion of why religion and family connections matter. Chapter 2 defines religion and presents a new conceptualization of religion. Empirical research connections between religion and marriage, divorce, family, and parent-child relationships are explored in chapters 3 through 6. The interface between religion and the family in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are reviewed in chapters 7, 8, and 9. Chapter 10 explores the unique challenges that religion presents for diverse family forms. Prayer as a coping mechanism for life’s challenges such as death and disability are explored in chapter 11. Chapter 12 examines forgiveness in the context of marriages and families. The book concludes with a review of the book’s most important themes and findings. Intended as a text for undergraduate courses in family and religion, the psychology or sociology of the family, the psychology or sociology of religion, pastoral/biblical counseling, or family and youth ministry, taught in human development and family studies, psychology, sociology, religion, social work, pastoral counseling, and sometimes philosophy. This book also appeals to family therapists and counselors.

Inspirational Reading this book was a "tender mercy" for me. I found myself laughing, crying, and thanking God for His goodness as I feasted upon its pages. This book provides a remarkable insight into this good man's soul, the process of his conversion to Mormonism, and his faith-filled life thereafter. It is spirit-filled and engaging. I couldn't put it down. I consider it a must-read and I intend to get a copy of it for each of my children and grandchildren --E. Jeffrey Hill, Ph. D., Camilla Eyring Kimball Professor, BYU School of Family LifeGod's Tender Mercies offers hope that a lost and obscure soul can recognize, embrace, and be transformed by the marvelous work and wonder that is the restored gospel. As we progress through this vulnerably personal narrative, we see a directionless boy become a man of profound faith. From his reading of, and response to, a single book, we see an intellectually lethargic teen experience authentic conversion and become one whose vision has influenced the global Church. Dave's story is a remarkable one and he is a master storyteller. This combination provides a feast. And yet, as we are continually reminded, the center of this history is not Dave but the Father of us all. At its core, this work is an account of a Heavenly Father who relentlessly seeks after one of His children through the dark veil that enshrouds this world until He finds him, saves him, and blesses him beyond measure. It is a story of grace, challenge, growth, and redemption. It is a sacred narrative that has blessed my life and urged me to more clearly recognize "the hand of the Giver" as He spreads His tender mercies on each one of us.--Loren Marks, BYU School of Family Life and co-Director of the American Families of Faith Research Project