| Title: | Walking through Infertility |
| Subtitle: | Biblical, Theological, and Moral Counsel for Those Who Are Struggling |
| Published: | June 30, 2018 |
| ISBN-10: | 1-4335-5931-5 |
| ISBN-13: | 978-1-4335-5931-0 |
| Category: |
Christian Living
Counseling Culture & Social Issues |
| Retail Price: | $15.99 |
| Binding: | Paperback |
| Trim: | 5.25 in x 8.0 in |
| Page Count: | 128 |
Walking through Infertility: Biblical, Theological, and Moral Counsel for Those Who Are Struggling
By Matthew Arbo, Foreword by Karen Swallow Prior
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Press Materials:
Walking through Infertility: Biblical, Theological, and Moral Counsel for Those Who Are Struggling
By Matthew Arbo, Foreword by Karen Swallow Prior
Up to 10 percent of all couples experience some form of reproductive infertility, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A traumatic and wounding experience, infertility often leads to feelings of despair and shame as couples grapple with shattered dreams and unanswered questions. This book, overflowing with warmth and sensitivity, offers hope and guidance from Scripture, addressing biblical, theological, and ethical questions related to the reality of infertility. Over the course of four chapters, Matthew Arbo explores examples of infertility in the Bible, how the church can walk alongside couples struggling with infertility, and ethical issues related to a variety of fertility treatments and reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization and surrogacy—making this book a well-rounded resource for couples struggling with infertility, pastors caring for their congregations, and all who seek to walk with others through this particularly difficult providence. Each chapter concludes with takeaways, short sentences summarizing the key points for easy reference and review.
Author:
Matthew Arbo (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is assistant professor of theological studies and director of the Center for Faith and Public Life at Oklahoma Baptist University. He and his family are members of Frontline Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Product Details
Table of Contents
Foreword by Karen Swallow Prior
Introduction: A Modern Story of Infertility
- Stories of Infertility and God’s Abiding Promise
- Christian Discipleship and Human Affection
- The Vitality and Consolation of the Church
- A Moral Appraisal of Infertility Treatment
Appendix: Interview with Patrick and Jennifer Arbo
Notes
General Index
Scripture Index
Endorsements
“Infertility is painful. In these pages, Matthew Arbo gives biblical insight and wise counsel, offering both comfort and hope for those on this difficult journey. Walking through Infertility goes deeper than the superficial clichés couples often hear, which, though intended to comfort, can hurt. Arbo frames infertility within the biblical narrative, where it is actually quite common and significant—we find we are not alone. Additionally, he helps those navigating some of the complex ethical decisions made possible by modern technology for dealing with infertility—we are not without guidance. Ultimately, he points to our comfort in the community of the church and our hope in the God of life.”
Joshua Ryan Butler, Pastor, Redemption Church, Tempe, Arizona; author, The Skeletons in God’s Closet and The Pursuing God
“I am glad to commend Matthew Arbo’s Walking through Infertility both to couples going down this road and to the friends, family members, and professionals who walk this road with them. It is sensitively done, and full of wisdom and insight about what these couples are facing. It’s a worthwhile resource, which I will often consult.”
Scott B. Rae, Dean of Faculty and Professor of Christian Ethics, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“Walking through Infertility is a resource I wish had been available when we walked through our own struggles with infertility. In an age of increasing medical advancement, the options for couples are numerous and often overwhelming. Matthew Arbo has provided a helpful resource for couples as they consider what the Bible has to say about infertility and how God’s Word speaks to the various treatments out there. But Arbo also speaks to church leaders, who are often left wondering how to counsel those under their care. This is a needed book and I’m glad it’s finally here.”
Courtney Reissig, author, Teach Me to Feel: Worshiping through the Psalms in Every Season of Life
“The challenges of infertility raise serious and substantive pastoral and ethical questions, yet few accessible—much less biblical—volumes exist to address them. Matthew Arbo’s sensitive and careful discussion is alive to the struggles such couples face, yet concerned about the ethical temptations that arise within them. This is a helpful volume, with theologically grounded counsel that lay leaders and pastors should weigh carefully.”
Matthew Lee Anderson, Assistant Research Professor of Ethics and Theology, Institute for Studies of Religion, Baylor University; Cohost, Mere Fidelity
“Couples who have suffered from this deeply personal pain will find comfort, understanding, hope, and clear direction in this helpful book. Highly recommended.”
Rick Warren, Pastor, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, California