In Good Faith

June 12, 2017
Poet and essayist Polonchek, having been pushed away from religion by the fire-and-brimstone theology of her Christian youth, revels in her identity as an “apostate” and secular humanist: “Because my identity as a child was so rooted in the religion given to me, my identity as an adult is rooted in my deconversion.” Polonchek notes that roughly 80% of Americans identify as religious and that most rely on religious institutions to help educate their children, but then wonders how nonreligious families will provide for the moral formation of their families. Embarking on a mission to fill this gap, she synthesizes the work of Dale McGowan (Parenting Beyond Belief), Arnold van Gennep (The Rites of Passage), and Lawrence Kohlberg and Jean Piaget, as well as the fresh, hilarious musings of Neil Carter on his blog, Godless in Dixie. Religion may have failed Polonchek, but her well-researched, swiftly moving exploration of the development of morality, meaning, and awe during childhood will be worth a look for readers interested in childhood development.

July 1, 2017
Polonchek's expertise doesn't come from an academic degree or background in divinity or counselingit stems from her ability to write about her personal spiritual journey. She deftly shares her experience as a parent and reflects on contemporary religious, nonreligious, and moral issues. As a parent, Polonchek has found ways to approach the hope and challenge of teaching morality without religion, awe without it being God inspired, and death without an afterlife. She also focuses on the importance of extended family and community for all, outside of a Christian community. For readers who may find that last part to be a hurdle, there are a number of helpful tips surrounding ways to find common ground and celebrate holiday traditions. There are many books on spirituality for Christian parents but few for secular familiesthis will fill an important gap. This is not a how-to parenting book. Although the book is written in the style of a memoir, those raising children will find the author's ideas helpful. In Good Faith is a good addition to public library parenting and religion collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)