The Myth of Good Christian Parenting

How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families

De: Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, Marissa Franks Burt

Narrado por: Marissa Franks Burt

Christian parents want to raise their kids in a godly way. But what if we've been sold a promise that "biblical parenting" can never deliver?

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

The authors also analyze popular Christian parenting teachings. They argue that these teachings on authority, compliance, corporal punishment, and control have had lasting effects on family dynamics and spiritual identity—including loss of faith, estrangement, religious trauma, and deep regret for many older parents. This book equips Christian parents, adults thinking critically about their upbringing, and church leaders to pursue a new path of freedom and mutual respect within their families.

©2025 Marissa Burt and Kelsey Kramer McGinnis (P)2025 Christian Audio

The most important Christian parenting book to come out in the last 20 years

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them.” The authors of this book make a persuasive case for why and how Christian churches and parents need to return to Jesus’s gentle love and compassion for children.

The authors explain how many of the most popular Christian parenting books of the last 50 years include harmful and legalistic teachings that devalue the humanity of children and create a wedge between parent and child.

They deftly explain how desperate parents were sold a “prosperity gospel” by many popular Christian authors and teachers who promised that if they only follow their formulaic teachings and ritualized spanking, their children would grow up to be godly Christians and not rebel.

The authors also examine how ritualized spanking and harsh, authoritarian demands for instant obedience set the groundwork for child abuse in Christian homes and churches.

At the end, they include ideas about how to start the healing process for survivors. Through a posture of humility and by following Christ’s own example toward children, they lay out the groundwork for a better path. I appreciated their tools Christian parents can use to identify self-proclaimed parenting experts who should not be trusted.

I can only hope that every Christian leader, parent, and church member who has been exposed to these harmful yet pervasive parenting ideas will read this book and carefully consider what went wrong so we can begin the process of providing justice for survivors, healing, and changing churches and Christian homes to make them safer for children.

A must-read!

As a non-evangelical, I was grateful to gain so much knowledge about what stands behind Christian parenting innthe U.S. -historically and currently. As a mother who was raised in a fundamentalist Christian home, I am so glad that I am many others want to break toxic traditions and find a better and healthier way to raise our children with healthy expectations. This book helps provide the tools to do that and since we all always have room to grow, I completely recommend.

Understanding Christian Parenting

This book helped me understand so many of the principles I was taught growing up. There were things I was unaware were even foundational teachings that the authors unpack so well. I would encourage all young parents to read or listen to this book in order to recognize subconscious conditioning and cultural acceptance of unhealthy behavior and punishment oriented parenting, and begin the work of pursuing a healthier approach to parenting. I would also encourage adults without children to read or listen to The Myth Of Good Christian Parenting on their journey of healing.

A must read for the adult children of evangelical parents

Absolutely phenomenal book. It’s read beautifully as well! I started listening to it a second time immediately upon finishing it

Compassionate Critique of “Christian” Parenting

The Myth of Good Christian Parenting, narrated by its author, offers a deeply relevant and impactful critique of modern evangelical parenting culture. For listeners who have felt the pressure of achieving the "perfect Christian family," this audiobook is a much-needed breath of fresh air.
The author successfully weaves together a compelling mix of research and data with heartfelt personal anecdotes, grounding the arguments in both scholarly evidence and lived experience. The narrative voice is consistently gracious, offering empathy and understanding, yet remains unflinching in its critique of performance-based spirituality and the impossible standards often placed on Christian parents and their children.
This audiobook is essential listening for anyone seeking a more sustainable, less anxiety-driven approach to raising children in faith. It provides an honest assessment of what truly shapes a child's heart, moving the focus away from outward behavior and toward true relational discipleship.
• Recommendation: Highly recommended, especially for parents who have felt burdened by the performance culture often surrounding Christian family life.