The Spiritual Narratives of Adoptive Parents : Constructions of Christian Faith Stories and Pastoral Theological Implications (American University Studies .332) (2013. VIII, 181 S. 225 mm)

Although much attention has been given to the various social and psychological experiences of two essential parts of the adoption triad - adopted persons and birth parents - adoptive parents are largely overlooked in the literature. More particularly, sparse information has been collected on the issue of adoptive parents' spiritual narratives. Cultural and religious traditions significantly affect how adoptive parents interpret and make spiritual and theological meaning of their unique experiences. Ryan Noel Fraser's cutting-edge research uncovers the distinctive re-authoring process of Christian adoptive parents' faith narratives resulting from the experience of receiving a child through adoption. The Spiritual Narratives of Adoptive Parents is ideal for courses in family studies, marriage and the family, adoption studies, pastoral theology, pastoral counseling, Christian counseling, theological anthropology, and practical theology.