Ken Ham is a well known figure; not only in Christian circles for his work at Answers in Genesis, but those who attack believers who hold firm to a belief in the Bible as true and authoritative in every aspect of life are, of course, also familiar with his work. Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World, co-authored by brothers Ken and Steve Ham, encourages Christian parents to do just what the Hams have been reviled for — encouraging the literal acceptance of scripture as the truth upon which to base all of life — and teaching our children to do the same.

Previously published as Genesis of a Legacy in 2006, Master Books has re-released this primer on the fundamentals of Christian parenting based on the inerrant word of God, with a new title and design. Part apologetic, memoir, biography, and parenting guide, the Hams’ book addresses a variety of topics essential to Christian parents while drawing from scripture, the example of their own godly father, the formation of Answers in Genesis, and their own experiences as fathers. The Hams alternate chapters, and each is clearly labeled to identify the author. The brothers establish an intergenerational vision for leaving a godly legacy through the family, the vital necessity of basing this legacy on the word of God, and wrap up with practical advice and applications drawn from the Bible.

Those familiar with Christian parenting books that use the Bible as their main inspiration will be familiar with many of the points and suggestions made by the Hams. The tried and true method they present for raising children with Jesus and the scriptures at the heart of the family will be a source of encouragement in the task laid before more experienced parents — and helps chart the course for those just learning to parent in accordance with God’s word. The additional personal piece which shares life in the Ham household for the brothers as children, the establishment of Ken’s well-known creation ministry, and the ways in which they’ve encouraged their own children in godliness, add an additional element that all who appreciate the Hams’ work will be eager to read.

Raising Children isn’t a fast read, but rather encourages a slower, more thoughtful pace. Though I’ve read many of the parenting suggestions included, some of the simplest — such as praying aloud for each child in turn at night — have deeply impacted our family. While we have already been praying together nightly, the additional personal care our children feel, and the knowledge that we are interceding for them has made a real difference in our family’s prayer life. There may be further gems such as these that are just waiting for you to discover and apply to your family life.

The aspect I most appreciated however, was the brothers’ focus upon the sovereignty of God in parenting. Too often, believers fall into pride or despair based upon our parenting efforts, while the truth is that God is ultimately responsible for the lives of our children. Of course, the Hams rightly illuminate the roles and responsibilities that God calls parents to work towards fulfilling. But where too many parenting books adopt an “it’s all your responsibility” attitude, the Hams have this understanding firmly in place, encouraging parents to lean only upon the Lord — and not upon their own efforts.

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW AT CHRISTIANBOOK, AMAZON.COM, OR AMAZON.CA!