(Post by Jay Collier)
Russell D. Moore, Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches. Wheaton: Crossway, 2009. Paperback, 230 pages. Retail $16.00. RHB Price $11.00.
Russell D. Moore is a theologian. He is also a pastor. Furthermore, he is an adoptive father. These callings are not rare in themselves. And, occasionally, one even finds these three roles in one person—like in case of Moore. However, his roles are not what intrigue me so much. What is significant is how he creatively draws from his experiences, integrates the lessons he has learned from these three positions, and applies them to his topic of adoption.
In Adopted for Life, Moore invites us to enter into a conversation about things he has seen and learned through adoption. However, it is not merely a book about taking orphans into one’s home. He melds his reflections on his journey in adoption with the theological parallel found in God’s adoption of His children. And with pastoral sensitivity, Moore reflects on the spiritual struggles involved in the way we relate to both God and the fatherless. Therefore, this is a book about adopting children, yet it touches on areas of the gospel and godliness in ways that possibly no other book on adoption does.
An example of such multilayered reflection is his discussion on identity and a sense of belonging. Adoptive parents frequently are asked questions like “Are you her real mom?” and “Is he your real son?” Moore shows how the wording of such questions indicates greater issues concerning identity. Adopted children will have to deal with issues of how they fit into a family, since they are not the biological offspring of their parents. But Moore would have us consider whether a genetic connection is the most significant element in belonging to a family. Surely, bloodlines are important, but God has adopted Christians, made them heirs of His heavenly kingdom, and identified them as His family…all without a genetic connection. This is one way the gospel influences our perspective on adoption. Such an influence causes us to reflect on the comfort of God’s abounding grace, while providing practical wisdom that will help children gain a sense of belonging although they were not biologically introduced into their family.
Moore covers a host of other issues pertaining to adoption in this multilayered fashion. He discusses issues like trans-ethnic adoption, special needs children, open and closed adoption, and struggles over the decision to adopt at all. There is even a chapter on “Paperwork, Finances, and Other Threats to Personal Sanctification.” Readers who have adopted will find comfort in his reflections, and those considering adoption will gain spiritual counsel and encouragement. Moreover, those who are not personally involved in adoption will see the importance of Christian involvement in it, and ascertain how they can best support such efforts even if they are not the ones adopting. Throughout the book, Moore is sensitive to the fact that God is not calling everybody to adopt a child. However, this fact does not deny the priority of adoption for the church.
Moore wants to see a culture develop within our churches that takes a lead in adopting orphans. In doing so, we fulfill the dictates of “pure religion” (James 1:27). But there is more than that. In caring for orphans, we reflect a bit of the character of God and His gospel, and are reminded of our spiritual adoption. Moore calls for an “adoptive-missional church” that makes adoption a priority for Christian families and churches. Becoming more attuned to the gospel should burden us for orphans; becoming more adoption-friendly should help us better understand the gospel.
This book will make you think deeply. It will make you cry. And it will make you more aware not only of the need for Christians to take the lead in adoption, but of the profound love of our heavenly Father and the reality that adoption is more than charity—it is spiritual warfare.
