Not by Nature but by Grace

Book Description

Gilbert C. Meilaender invites readers into a profound exploration of what it truly means to belong to a family, examining the sacred tension between biological bonds and chosen relationships through the lens of Christian faith. This thoughtful work delves into how families form through two distinct pathways: the natural process of procreation and the intentional act of adoption, revealing how both reflect different aspects of divine love.

Drawing from the New Testament concept of huiothesia, the Greek term for adoption that describes how believers become children of God, Meilaender illuminates how grace, rather than genetics, ultimately defines our deepest familial connections. He thoughtfully addresses practical questions that arise within Christian communities about adoption: whether it should be reserved only for those unable to conceive naturally, the wisdom of single-parent adoption, and the complexities of cross-cultural placements.

The author also examines contemporary challenges, including the relationship between adoption and reproductive technologies, as well as the emerging practice of embryo adoption. Throughout these discussions, he maintains careful balance between honoring the God-given nature of biological family ties while celebrating the transformative power of chosen family bonds.

Woven between theological chapters are personal letters to the author's own adopted son, demonstrating how these spiritual principles translate into lived experience. These intimate glimpses reveal how adoption transcends categories, creating relationships that are complete and whole rather than secondary or conditional.

For readers seeking to understand family, belonging, and grace from a Christian perspective, this work offers both intellectual depth and heartfelt wisdom about the various ways love creates lasting bonds.