Defending the Family: A Sourcebook.

Paul C. Vitz and Stephen M. Krason, Editors: Defending the Family: A Sourcebook, A Project of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists. The Catholic Social Science Press, 1998, 277 pages, $20.00 U.S.

Reading Defending the Family is like a welcome breath of fresh air in an increasingly polluted atmosphere of moral relativism and political correctness. It is a literal treasure trove of sage advice, sane reasoning and objective truths based on fact, reality and the scholarship of solid research and Judeo-Christian orthodoxy. This informative anthology of 23 authors schooled in the social sciences, and mostly Catholic in persuasion, provides a contemporary analysis of the important issues facing today's families. There is a wealth of practical resources, pertinent facts and figures, and copious references and endnotes which would be useful in defending the biblical notion of marriage and family based on study and research as well as first-hand experiences.

Current trends and ideologies such as liberalism, socialism, feminism, and libertarianism are discussed in the light of their influence on traditional Judeo- Christian moral and religious beliefs as well as familial structures. Their contribution to today's increasingly problematic marriage breakdowns, divorce, depression, suicide, as well as child and partner abuse, etc., is studied and documented in conjunction with scientific investigations and recommended literature.

Abstinence education

An article by Benjamin Alexander is critical of current school-based sex education programs which deny the "four freedoms which abstinence education guarantees: the freedom of self-discipline, the freedom from disease and death, the freedom of information to make sound decisions about their sexual conduct, and freedom from oppressive psychological and emotional disorders." In spite of being often maligned and rejected as impractical and old-fashioned, abstinence education brings freedom in all four areas identified by Alexander. Inappropriate sex education is often the determining factor in the growing trend to home schooling, which has the added benefit of keeping Catholic culture alive and well in many areas.

Published research has conclusively shown that traditional marriage is beneficial to one's physical and mental health, especially where religion plays a major role in preserving and restoring marriage relationships. Statistically speaking, married couples have much lower suicide and substance abuse rates than single or cohabiting couples. While 16 per cent of married couples are victims of spousal abuse, this rises to a staggering 75 per cent in common-law or cohabiting couples.

Along with Pope John Paul II, all Catholics have a vested interest in preserving traditional family units by emphasizing the sacramental nature of marriage and its purpose of bringing new life into the world. Mandating marriage preparation courses which promote natural family planning in every parish would be a good place to start. The financial, physical, emotional and spiritual costs of a hedonistic, morally bankrupt society are great. In spite of skyrocketing costs of care, intervention and therapy, anticipated results often do not materialize. This is because purely secular solutions in opposition to God's plan seldom work out over the long run. However, it is often easier to place blame on poverty or the lack of government funding rather than change course.

There is a proven relationship between single-family parenting and poverty, as well as increased incidents of delinquency and crime in single-parent homes and, more recently, step-families. In spite of statistics which prove the superiority of traditional family units over other liaisons, this is no longer a commonly held assumption.

Defending the Family is based on almost forty years of research, study and data to support its findings in all the different arenas of society, including social and political. Its contributors have found that family bonds are severed more easily whenever there is a growing reliance on the welfare state rather than traditional supports of family, friends and church.

When government becomes the universal caregiver, marriage is no longer deemed necessary for economic survival. We see evidence of this in socialist Sweden--where high levels of divorce, cohabitation and illegitimacy only continue to survive in this generous welfare state. While the connection can be shown between good social order and nurturing stay-at-home moms, this is no longer the norm or even encouraged by tax laws or government policy. Instead, universal day care is touted, in spite of studies which show the harm that can be inflicted on children even when day care workers are trying to do a good job. The well-intentioned United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, while attempting to protect children, is undermining parental authority. The spillover of lowered standards and lack of discipline can be seen in our streets, schools and playgrounds as well as the home.

Most families who read this marvelous treatise will feel uplifted and affirmed by the conclusions drawn. The contributions of families to the common good is especially highlighted. This book would be a splendid addition to the library of every married couple, rectory, seminary, university and government social agency. There are many forces which have contributed to the serious decline in morality and family life. While identifying them is an important starting point, a more active stance which supports families in need is vital. The family is worth saving, and saving it will begin in our homes, schools and churches. May the healing begin!

Hope Hermann is a freelance writer based in Toronto, ON.