What are Christian families called to be and do in contemporary society? Weaving together theology, social science, and her experience as a wife and mother, Julie Hanlon Rubio answers this provocative and timely question. She explores the marriage liturgy, the New Testament and Christian tradition and then reflects on the the ways Christian husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, and children can live out their vocations in changing times. She concludes with chapters on divorce and the mission of the family.Relevant, academically oriented yet popularly written, and filling a need by its attention to family issues, this book will make an ideal text for courses in: -- marriage.-- family ethics.-- social justice.-- Christian ethics.