The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families - Paperback

by Marissa Franks Burt (Author), Kelsey Kramer McGinnis (Author)

Christian parents want to raise their kids in a godly way. But what if families have been sold promises that "biblical parenting" can never deliver?

Christian parents want to raise godly children, but what happens when popular biblical parenting methods cause more harm than good? The Myth of Good Christian Parenting exposes how the Christian parenting industry has sold families false promises for five decades, leaving a trail of religious trauma, damaged relationships, and lost faith in its wake. This groundbreaking analysis offers

● historical analysis - traces the development of the Christian parenting industry and its influential figures who built parenting empires;
● research-based insights - features survey data from adult children and parents affected by authoritarian parenting methods;
● theological examination - analyzes how popular teachings on authority, compliance, corporal punishment, and control diverge from Jesus's teachings; and
● encouragement for a better future - equips readers to pursue a new path of freedom and mutual respect within their families.

Marissa Franks Burt and Kelsey Kramer McGinnis combine rigorous research with compelling storytelling to reveal how evangelical parenting culture has shaped--and often strained--families from the 1970s to today. Drawing on history, sociology, theology, and extensive survey responses from adult children and parents, they trace the rise of Christian parenting empires that idealize obedient children and perfect households while leaving real families feeling inadequate. They also examine the lasting damage caused by popular Christian parenting teachings--including loss of faith, estrangement, religious trauma, and deep regret for older parents--and provide hope for healing.

Whether you're a Christian parent questioning traditional methods, an adult recovering from a strict religious upbringing, or a church leader seeking healthier family ministry approaches, this book equips you to pursue mutual respect, emotional safety, and authentic faith within your family relationships.

Back Jacket

Christian parents want to raise their kids in a godly way. But what if families have been sold promises that "biblical parenting" can't deliver?

Drawing on history, sociology, theology, and survey responses from adult children and parents, The Myth of Good Christian Parenting explores how the Christian parenting media industry has shaped--and often strained--families over the past five decades. Marissa Franks Burt and Kelsey Kramer McGinnis trace the rise of Christian parenting resources that idealize obedient kids and perfect households but often leave parents and children feeling like they'll never measure up.

Through careful analysis of popular teachings on authority, compliance, corporal punishment, and control, the authors reveal the lasting effects on family dynamics and spiritual identity. They equip Christian parents, adults thinking critically about their upbringing, and church leaders to pursue a new path of freedom and mutual respect within their families.

"The Myth of Good Christian Parenting is a comprehensive reckoning of how abuse became sanctioned by Christian leadership. Religious trauma survivors know the fruit of that instruction all too well. This book belongs in every church, Christian counseling center, and trauma-informed therapist's office as a map that details how we got there and how we move forward differently."
--Tia Levings, author of the New York Times bestseller A Well-Trained Wife and The Soul of Healing

"The Myth of Good Christian Parenting offers a courageous and compassionate critique of popular evangelical parenting models that shaped generations. By examining the sociopolitical undercurrents and doctrinal shallowness that have often characterized so-called biblical parenting, this work challenges long-held assumptions with clarity and care. Rather than offering a new formula, it invites readers to reclaim agency, embrace curiosity, and move forward with wisdom and humility as they disentangle cultural norms from the heart of Scripture."
--David and Amanda Erickson, authors of The Flourishing Family: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Parenting with Peace and Purpose and founders of Flourishing Homes & Families

"Christian parenting needs rescuing, and The Myth of Good Christian Parenting reveals where things went so far off track."
--Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of The Great Sex Rescue and founder of Bare Marriage

"Through fascinating historical and theological exploration, Burt and McGinnis graciously identify the pitfalls of Christian parenting tropes and invite readers to a more holistic, grace-filled posture. As a remarried widow in a blended family of nine, I needed this reminder and encouragement that there is no 'one right way' to parent!"
--Clarissa Moll, four-time author and producer of Christianity Today's The Bulletin podcast

"Accessible and easy to understand, The Myth of Good Christian Parenting expertly surveys both the history of the evangelical parenting empire as well as the heartbreaking real-life stories from the children who survived it. Burt and McGinnis have created a groundbreaking and prophetic resource that will challenge and empower parents and other adults to see God's image reflected in children."
--R. L. Stollar, author of The Kingdom of Children: A Liberation Theology

Author Biography

Marissa Franks Burt (MA, Columbia International University) is a novelist, editor, teacher, and cohost of the At Home with the Lectionary and In the Church Library podcasts. She lives in a small town in Washington's Snoqualmie Valley with her husband, six children, and heaps of books.

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis (PhD, University of Iowa) is a musicologist, educator, and correspondent for Christianity Today, writing on worship practices and Christian subculture. She is an adjunct professor at Grand View University in Des Moines and previously worked at the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights.