Kudos: A Scriptural and Theological Critique of the Evangelical Christian Movement and Orphan Care Movement UPDATED

From time to time, REFORM Talk will offer our kudos to particularly insightful blog posts or articles.

Today we have another kudos for Professor David Smolin’s new article:
“OF ORPHANS AND ADOPTION, PARENTS AND THE POOR, EXPLOITATION AND RESCUE: A SCRIPTURAL AND THEOLOGICAL CRITIQUE OF THE EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN ADOPTION AND ORPHAN CARE MOVEMENT” Regent Journal of International Law 8.2 (2012).

Available at: http://works.bepress.com/david_smolin/10 . Click the download button on the right for the 46-page pdf.

This is an in-depth look at the Bible and the context of adoption that is thoroughly referenced. This is a must-read for everyone, not just Christians.

For those who are Catholic, like Rally, there are many Saints that are attributed to orphans and adoption. Here is a short list (many are patron saints of multiple causes, but I only list causes related to orphans and adoption):

Jerome Emiliani-patron of orphans and abandoned children. He founded 6 orphanages among many other things. He did not adopt children. He did care for the sick and orphaned and died doing so.

Louise de Marillac-patron to orphans. She was a pioneer in religious life and in the provision of human services. She was a wife, mother, teacher, nurse, social worker and religious foundress. She cared for the vulnerable. She did not adopt children.

Drogo-patron of orphans. His mother died in childbirth. Information listed about him includes that he was orphaned in his teens -meaning his dad died thus making him a true orphan ONLY at that time. He was revered for his holiness and practiced extreme penances. He did not adopt children.

William of Rochester-patron of adopted children. He was a baker who gave every tenth loaf to the poor. A baby was abandoned at his doorstep with a note. He did adopt the boy and apprenticed him. He did not seek out adoption nor was the process remotely similar to modern adoption. And it didn’t end well. Years later he and David set out on a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. During a stopover in Rochester, England the boy David turned on William, clubbed him, cut his throat, robbed the body, and fled. He is considered a martyr because he died on the pilgrimage and due to the miracles that occurred at his tomb.

Ivo of Kermartin-patron to orphans and abandoned people.He was a lawyer who practised in both civil and ecclesiastical courts, often defending the poor without charge, and ministering to them in prison while they awaited trial. He he built a hospital from his own funds, tended the poor in it, and gave away the harvests from his land to feed them. He did not adopt children.

Clotilde-patron of adopted children, parenthood and parents of large families. She married a king and had three sons. Then she was widowed. Her sons fought for years over the kingdom. To escape the constant murder and intrigue, she retired to Tours where she spent her remaining 34 years caring for the poor and sick. She did not adopt children (nor did she have a large family.)

Thomas More-patron to adopted children and large families though he is remembered by his actions as a lawyer. His connection to adoption is that he kinship-adopted Margaret Giggs Clement.

Aurelius-patron to orphans. He was orphaned as a child. He was raised as a secret Christian by his aunt during the Moorish occupation of Spain and persecution of Christians. After seeing a public scourging he openly proclaimed his faith and was martyred. He did not adopt children.

Mamas-patron of orphans. He preached to the animals in the field and was a martyr. He did not adopt children.

Pulcheria-patron of orphans and loss of parents. She stood against heresy. She was known for her piety, asceticism, charitablegood works and prudent wisdom in government. She did not adopt children.

St. Jeanne de Chantal-patron of parents separate from their children, forgotten people, loss of parents. This mother of four was widowed  at 28. She founded Order of the Visitation of Our Lady at Annecy, France at age 38. The Order was designed for widows and laywomen who did not wish the full life of the orders, and oversaw the founding of 69 convents. They live a contemplative life, work for women with poor health and widows, and sometimes run schools. She did not adopt children.

Frances Xavier Cabrini-patron to orphans. She taught at an orphanage, took religious vows and went on to found the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to care for poor children in schools and hospitals including many in the US. She did not adopt children.

 

We seek honest representation from all who work in the adoption industry.

Update: Land of Gazillion Adoptees have a podcast with David Smolin. Check it out!

http://landofgazillionadoptees.com/2012/01/20/the-big-picture-lgas-talks-with-david-m-smolin/