Adopted: The Sacrament of Belonging in a Fractured World

by Kelley Nikondeha

Overview

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.

The Academy of Parish Clergy’s 2018 Top Ten Books for Parish Ministry

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802874252
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	08/17/2017
Pages:	197
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

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.

Editorial Reviews

07/31/2017
Nikondeha, an adopted daughter and the mother of two adopted children from her husband’s homeland of Burundi, presents an elegant primer on adoption. She shares her own experience of being adopted, explaining the effect it had on her upbringing, and discusses how her two children are processing their own adoption stories. Nikondeha and her husband divide their time between Burundi and America and bring rich insights into the international adoption process. Readers will appreciate Nikondeha’s wisdom as she uses Bible stories such as the tale of Moses and Esther as guidance for how to treat family members. In a particularly affecting section, Nikondeha recalls a family gathering where her daughter asked Nikondeha whether the other children present were real cousins, “the blood kind.” The author is pleased when she hears her young daughter’s fierce reaction to Nikondeha telling her the cousins are not blood-related: “No! They’re my cousins because we say so!” Nikondeha persuasively showcases how adoption can bolster families, enlarge love, and affirm faith. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

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.

From the Publisher