Jesus and Adoption

Our pastor recently pointed us to this book: "Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches" by Russell D. Moore. While we are only in the process of reading it, we are excited enough about it to recommend it to others. Here are a few exerpts from the first chapter to help you figure out if the book may be helpful. We've also included a few of the chapter titles.

"The gospel of Jesus Christ means our families and churches ought to be at the forefront of the adoption of orphans close to home and around the world. As we become more attuned to the gospel, we'll have more of a burden for orphans. As we become mroe adoption-friendly, we'll be better able to understand the gospel" (p 18).

"Adoption is not just about couples who want children-- or who want more children. Adoption is abotu an entire culture within our churches, a culture that sees adoption as part of our Great Commission mandate and as a sign of the gospel itself. This book is intended for families who want to adopt and wonder whether they should. It is also intended for parents with children who've been adopted and who wonder how to raise them from here. it is for middle-aged fathers and mothers whose children have just told them they are thinking about adoption" (p 19).

"... let me tell you what this book is not. It is not a step-by-step guide to navigating the adoption process, complete with legal advice and agency recommendations..." (p 20).

Contents

Chapter 2 - Are They Brothers?

What Some Rude Questions about Adoption Taught Me about the Gospel of Christ

Chapter 4 - Don't You Want Your Own Kids?

How to Know If You- or Someone You Love- Should Consider Adoption

Chapter 6 - Jim Crow in the Church Nursery

How to Think about Racial Identitiy, Health Concerns, and Other Uncomfortable Adoption Questions

Chapter 7- It Takes a Village to Adopt a Child

How Churches Can Encourage Adoption

Ten Misperceptions of Adoptive Parents- Part 1

Crosscurrent Church recently hosted an information session together with Bethany Christian Services. I was struck by an article in one of the resources Bethany offered to those interested in adopting. The next two posts will share the content of the article. I think it provides good food for thought. If you have a question about any of the points made in this article, please do not hesitate to send them to us at hakonshome@gmail.com.

Source: "The adoption journey: A guide for prospective adoptive parents"

Misperception #1 "The birthmother just doesn't love her child."

In reality, there are many choices available to a birthmother. Carrying a child through pregnancy and then placing that child for adoption actually shows a lot of love. other choices she could have made include the termination of her pregnancy.

Misperception #2 " Adoption is the easy way out."

Just as parenting is not always easy, there is nothing easy about making an adoption plan. Grief and loss are part of every relinquishment and adoption, and they are never 'easy' to deal with. The role of the pregnancy counselor is to help the expectant mother make the best decision for her child. "Best" does not always equal "easy."

Misperception #3 "The birthmother will never get over the grief of relinquishing a child."

Working through grief and loss is a process that takes time. It is important for the birthmother to have a trained counselor to help her through the process, which varies from individual to individual.

Misperception #4 "In a domestic infant adoption, the birthparent will come back in a few years and take the child back."

The termination of rights of a birthparent is a legal process eliminating the option of a birthparent returning for his or her child. It is also an emotional process, and birthparents who opt for adoption don't want to disrupt it.

Misperception #5 "Kids will get confused in open adoptions."

Children are smarter than we give them credit for. They know who is there with them every day. It is not healthy for the child to be denied his or her history, whether it is a medical history or family history.