Previous principles of hierarchy, inequality, and duty that defined the relationships between husband, wife, and children have been challenged and often replaced by more fluid bonds of equality, intimacy, emotional self-disclosure, communication, and mutual trust. The key question that has emerged for our times, then, is how exactly do families sustain genuine mutuality, democracy, and strong relationships? Figuring out good answers to this question is the major theme of this book and the origin of the title Mutuality Matters.

Part 1 I. Perspectives on Love and Mutuality Chapter 2 The Family as a Crucible of Grace: Learning and Living the Language of Love Chapter 3 Just Love? Marriage and the Question of Justice Chapter 4 Mutuality, Reason, and Public Policy Chapter 5 Who submits to Whom? Submission and Mutuality in the Family Part 6 II. Mutuality Matters in Marriage Chapter 7 Between Rhetoric and Reality: Women and Men as Equal Partners in Home, Church, and the Marketplace Chapter 8 Gender Narratives and the Epidemic of Violence in Contemporary Families Chapter 9 Is Equality Tearing Families Apart? Chapter 10 Navigating Between Cultures: The Bicultural Family's Lived Realities Part 11 III. Mutuality Matters in the Family Chapter 12 Sloppy Mutuality: Just Love for Children and Adults Chapter 13 Over the River and through the Woods: Maintaining Emotional Presence across Geographical Distance Chapter 14 Honor Your Father and Your Mother: A New Look at "Family Values" Chapter 15 In Search of Goodenough Families: Cultural and Religious Perspectives Part 16 IV. Fostering Mutuality through Ministry Chapter 17 The Black Churches' Response to Father Absence in the African American Family Chapter 18 More than a Family Affair: Reflections on Baptizing Children Chapter 19 Conversion or Nurture: When We Thought the Debate Was Over Chapter 20 The Congregation as a Healing Community