S. Michael Wilcox knows where the best advice on raising children comes from.It's not from him or any other parenting book. Instead, it's from the "Lord's manual.""I can say without hesitation that among all the books and articles I have read over the years about raising a child, none has proved as valuable as the scriptures," Wilcox writes.However, this longtime instructor at the Salt Lake University Institute of Religion and father of 35 years is able to bring the scriptures to life, making "What the Scriptures Teach Us About Raising a Child" (2009 Deseret Book) a valuable resource. It's a fresh and concise work that's beautifully written, packed with emotion and deeply personal. Though I have never sat in one of his classes, I have interviewed Wilcox on two occasions, listened to some of his lectures and spoken with institute colleagues about this respected teacher. Wilcox is adept at opening the pages of great books and pulling out applicable truths and unique insights, an ability that translates well into writing. The book scans the Standard Works for stories and principles relevant to the modern parent. Wilcox analyzes the scriptural accounts of Samson's parents, who asked the Lord how to instruct the child before he was born; Mary, mother of Jesus, who magnified the Lord; and Book of Mormon fathers Lehi, Jacob and Alma, whose teachings stirred up faith in their children and prompted them to "feel after" God.He looks at how in 3 Nephi, the Savior blessed the children "one by one." He details Alma's personal counsel to each of his sons. He even sprinkles in quotes from non-scriptural figures such as Confucius, George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis, Mencius and John Adams.Wilcox presents the scriptures at angles that afford readers a unique perspective and finds lessons on parenthood that aren't apparent on the surface. For example, he emphasizes that Alma departs the Book of Mormon not as a chief judge, military general or head of the church, but as a father.He also extracts parenting advice from scriptural symbols such as manna, the iron rod and the tree of knowledge.For scriptures that are obvious references to parenthood, such as the strippling warriors story, Wilcox doesn't disappoint in providing a fresh perspective.The book is also filled with the author's own personal experiences. Some are deeply spiritual, such as his account of the impressions he received when his first child was born, while others deal with simple subjects like baseball cards, hiking trails and lizards.Wilcox is skilled in his use of metaphor and analogy. And while some of the language is a little formal and passive, the writing is touching, reverent and at times tear-inducing.It's not without humor, however. For example, Wilcox writes about how he cultivated an appreciation for deity through his interaction with God's creatures. Wilcox says he believes Heavenly Father created toads "for little boys to catch. ... What other real purpose could they possibly have?"
E-mail: ashill@desnews.com