A family in Donetsk adopted a boy, and he lived with them for 8 years. He has an attachment disorder, and they decided he was simply too troublesome and they gave him back to the orphanage. Now a friend of mine is adopting the boy, even knowing just how messed up he really is. They’re committing to keep him as their son for life.
This is a great picture of the Arminian versus the Calvinist understanding of adoption. In the free willish view, God makes you his son, and then tosses you back into the orphanage if you’re a problem child. Calvinists know their Father in a different way – a God that supports, enables and loves his children all the way through to adulthood – their glorification.
In one of the perverse twists of life, the family that gave up the boy is Arminian Baptist. The new father is a Reformed pastor. Right theology leads to right practice?
Conversely, one could look at the parable of the prodigal son, wherein the father lets the son go if he wants, but welcomes him back if he returns. (I'm too lazy to work out an actual viewpoint on the issue of predestination, but I like arguing!)
Posted by: Andy at octobre 30, 2004 09:27 PMUnderstanding the anxieties that children go through in the most perfect of adoptions, I can only begin to imagine the work that this couple is about to undertake. I pray that God gives this couple the strength, wisdom and constant encouragement needed.
Myself having been adopted, please pass along a pat on the back and a thank you from me. People who are willing to go out of their way like this for a child put a big happy smile on my face.
Posted by: Rong at novembre 1, 2004 08:22 PM