Reality, Faith, and Family

The TV view of family has evolved greatly since the 1950s conservative domestic comedy to modern day shows of divorced parents who sleep around. What is the reality of family today? And where does the Christian view of family fit in?

More than 25% of American households do not consist of a married couple and children. Watching television ads, it seems like every minivan carting soccer mom has her 2.5 kids and a dog. In reality, most families are consisting of single parents, unmarried couples, or foster families. “The year 2000 marked the first time that less than a quarter (23.5 percent) of American households were made up of a married man and woman and one or more of their children -- a drop from 45 percent in 1960. This number is expected to fall to 20 percent by 2010” (The Changing American Family).

Some major structure developments for today’s families are on the rise of baby before marriage, single moms, and the more common acceptance of two dads (The Changing American Family).

We live in a significantly different culture from the Biblical era. Today’s families are more diverse and more unstable than ever before. The Bible does have universal standards on family.

“Wives are asked to submit, as in give respect to their husbands. The wife is in submission as a response to the husband's love for her and his providing. Husbands are asked to love their wives. Love is “symbiotic” as in mutually loving toward each other to build and improve each one's relationship. Children were expected to submit and obey by obligation. Paul says to do it by desire and then one will have a more joyful and contented life. “Wives and husbands, love each other and do not mistreat each other, as Christ has treated you beyond what you deserve or need. Children, you too must participate in the love of a home by obeying your parents and respecting them, for your obedience is pleasing to our Lord. This will also help you live well and right and not be discouraged or lose hope” (Sections from Bible Study Notes on Colossians 3:18 – 4:1)

Looking at television families you can see very few families that actually fit into this description 100%. The fifties were extreme with the woman bending over backwards to please the husband. The sixties were too pulled away from reality. The seventies became too absorbed in worldly ideas. The eighties became about personal success. The nineties were about self-gratification. Today is all about appearing good on the outside. A more Biblical family should take a little from each idea. While a woman should be willing to please her husband; he should also love her and treat her with respect. Christian families should be able to interact with their changing culture but still put their moral values in God. Families should also be transparent. They should be honest, open, and loving to each other and their neighbors. Above all, they are to love God and live to glorify Him.



Southeast Christian Church displays the two extremes of family. There is the overly fake fifties family and the overly dysfunctional family of today. Christians are to fit somewhere in the middle.

Bibliography:

The Changing American Family: Families, Privileges, and the Law." Parents - Pregnancy, Babies, Baby Names, Pregnancy Calendar, Ovulation, Birth & More. 11 May 2009 .

"Colossians 3:18-4:1 -." Into Thy Word Ministries. 11 May 2009 .