Adopted: The Sacrament of Belonging in a Fractured World
- Format:Digital
Christianity Today: 2018 Award of Merit
Christian Living/Dicipleship
In this compellingly readable book Kelley Nikondeha—adoptive mother and adopted child herself—thoughtfully explores the Christian concept of adoption. Her story and her biblically grounded reflections will give readers rich new insights into the mystery of belonging to God’s big family.
In this compellingly readable book Kelley Nikondeha—adoptive mother and adopted child herself—thoughtfully explores the Christian concept of adoption. Her story and her biblically grounded reflections will give readers rich new insights into the mystery of belonging to God’s big family.
The Academy of Parish Clergy’s 2018 Top Ten Books for Parish Ministry
Christena Cleveland
— author of Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces That Keep Us Apart
“Part memoir, part theological exposition, Adopted: The Sacrament of Belonging in a Fractured World expands our understanding of what it means to be the family of God. As both an adopted person and an interracial adoptive parent, Kelley Nikondeha writes with transparency, tenderness, and racial awareness. . . . This wonderful book will illuminate a path for all people to experience sacred relationships.”
Brian D. McLaren
— author of A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions That Are Transforming the Faith
“Kelley Nikondeha writes with the heart of a poet and a theologian, and as an adopted child and an adoptive parent. Who could have guessed that her story could give such rich insight into theology, family, society, racism, fear, and belonging?”
Sarah Bessey
— author of Jesus Feminist and Out of Sorts: Making Peace with an Evolving Faith
“We need to hear Kelley Nikondeha’s voice these days. Her Adopted will deeply shape your own prophetic imagination and create pathways of belonging in our world. I’ll be recommending this book to everyone.”
D. L. Mayfield
— author of Assimilate or Go Home: Notes from a Failed Missionary on Rediscovering Faith
“Kelley Nikondeha is my favorite kind of theologian—a hybrid of poet and prophet, both mystical and yet very much planted in our world. This book is a radical look at belonging, and it will change all of us who are looking for ways to expand our tables.”
Drew G. I. Hart
— author of Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism
“Nikondeha effortlessly interweaves her lived experiences of adoption with provocative biblical stories and a daring theological imagination. So good!”
Seth Haines
— author of Coming Clean: A Story of Faith
“As an orphan, daughter, and adoptive mother, Kelley brings a depth of experience and clarity of pen to this work of lived theology. If you’re looking to adopt a holistic theology of orphan care, grab this book.”
Idelette McVicker
— founder and editor-in-chief of SheLovesmagazine.com
“Through the metaphor of adoption, Kelley Nikondeha calls us to a vision of family that is generous, inclusive, and always ready to add another chair. This is the vision of the family of God I long for.”
Nish Weiseth
— author of Speak: How Your Story Can Change the World
“I am so thankful for this work from the brilliant mind of Kelley Nikondeha. Theologically rich yet entirely accessible, her Adopted will surely become a favorite among church leaders and laypeople alike. It’s easily one of my favorite books of the year.”
Publishers Weekly
“An elegant primer on adoption. . . . Nikondeha persuasively showcases how adoption can bolster families, enlarge love, and affirm faith.”
— author of Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces That Keep Us Apart
“Part memoir, part theological exposition, Adopted: The Sacrament of Belonging in a Fractured World expands our understanding of what it means to be the family of God. As both an adopted person and an interracial adoptive parent, Kelley Nikondeha writes with transparency, tenderness, and racial awareness. . . . This wonderful book will illuminate a path for all people to experience sacred relationships.”
Brian D. McLaren
— author of A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions That Are Transforming the Faith
“Kelley Nikondeha writes with the heart of a poet and a theologian, and as an adopted child and an adoptive parent. Who could have guessed that her story could give such rich insight into theology, family, society, racism, fear, and belonging?”
Sarah Bessey
— author of Jesus Feminist and Out of Sorts: Making Peace with an Evolving Faith
“We need to hear Kelley Nikondeha’s voice these days. Her Adopted will deeply shape your own prophetic imagination and create pathways of belonging in our world. I’ll be recommending this book to everyone.”
D. L. Mayfield
— author of Assimilate or Go Home: Notes from a Failed Missionary on Rediscovering Faith
“Kelley Nikondeha is my favorite kind of theologian—a hybrid of poet and prophet, both mystical and yet very much planted in our world. This book is a radical look at belonging, and it will change all of us who are looking for ways to expand our tables.”
Drew G. I. Hart
— author of Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism
“Nikondeha effortlessly interweaves her lived experiences of adoption with provocative biblical stories and a daring theological imagination. So good!”
Seth Haines
— author of Coming Clean: A Story of Faith
“As an orphan, daughter, and adoptive mother, Kelley brings a depth of experience and clarity of pen to this work of lived theology. If you’re looking to adopt a holistic theology of orphan care, grab this book.”
Idelette McVicker
— founder and editor-in-chief of SheLovesmagazine.com
“Through the metaphor of adoption, Kelley Nikondeha calls us to a vision of family that is generous, inclusive, and always ready to add another chair. This is the vision of the family of God I long for.”
Nish Weiseth
— author of Speak: How Your Story Can Change the World
“I am so thankful for this work from the brilliant mind of Kelley Nikondeha. Theologically rich yet entirely accessible, her Adopted will surely become a favorite among church leaders and laypeople alike. It’s easily one of my favorite books of the year.”
Publishers Weekly
“An elegant primer on adoption. . . . Nikondeha persuasively showcases how adoption can bolster families, enlarge love, and affirm faith.”
Product Details
- Title : Adopted: The Sacrament of Belonging in a Fractured World
- Author: Nikondeha, Kelley
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Publication Date: 2017
- ISBN: 9781467448772
Kelley Nikondeha is codirector and chief storyteller for Communities of Hope, a community development enterprise in Burundi, and cofounder of Amahoro Africa, an ongoing conversation between theologians and practitioners within the African context.