The Most Important Place on Earth

August 30, 2004
In this book about the essential ingredients of a Christian home, Wolgemuth states that readers should use the guide as "a cafeteria in printed form... there will only be a few things that you'll choose at a time"; however, he seems to view virtually all of his advice as non-negotiable. Most of his ideas, such as treating every member of the family lovingly and finding ways to pray and worship together often, are thoughtfully articulated, good reminders. However, when Wolgemuth makes a troubling and poorly supported argument in favor of spanking (he bases his claim that spanking is effective on an unscientific poll conducted on a conservative Web site), he loses some credibility. Some readers may be uneasy about his use of Ephesians to argue that family relationships are hierarchical—God first, then Dad and Mom and finally the children. In a book that mostly encourages gentle parenting, these admonitions are glaring. Finally, readers are likely to struggle with Wolgemuth's persistent idealization of his own family. While he includes a few examples of personal failures, his anecdotes often feel boastful. This, as well as his and his wife's routinely judgmental responses to other families, adds an ungracious element to an otherwise helpful book.