Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part 1 THEOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES ON FAMILY LIFE
1. A theological foundation for family relationships: developing a theology of the family
2. The family as a developing biosocial system

Part 2 MARRIAGE: THE FOUNDATION OF FAMILY LIFE
3. Mate selection and cohabitation: romance and reality
4. Establishing marriage: moving toward differentiated unity
5. A model for biblical marriage

Part 3 THE EXPANSION OF FAMILY LIFE: PARENTING AND BEYOND
6. Parenting: the process of relationship empowerment
7. Developing a mature, reciprocating self
8. Family spirituality: nurturing Christian beliefs, morals, and values
9. Adolescence and midlife: challenging changes
10. The joys and challenges of family in later life

Part 4 GENDER AND SEXUALITY: IDENTITY IN FAMILY LIFE
11. Changing gender roles and relations: the impact on family life
12. Becoming an authentic sexual self

Part 5 COMMUNICATION: THE HEART OF FAMILY LIFE
13. Expressing love - achieving intimacy
14. Expressing anger - negotiating the inevitable conflicts

Part 6 THE SOCIAL DYNAMICS OF FAMILY LIFE
15. Becoming powerful through empowerment
16. Through the stress and strain of family life
17. Divorce and single-parent families
18. Complex families in contemporary society

Part 7 FAMILY LIFE IN POSTMODERN SOCIETY
19. The erosion of biblical truth in a modern world
20. Creating a family-friendly society