Hopes and Fears

Progressive Theology for New Parents

Bromleigh McCleneghan, Lee Hull Moses

• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Year: 2026
• eBook ISBN:
  9798881809003
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Theology & Religion

Fully revised and updated, this classic guide is not a "how-to" parenting manual. Rather, with honesty, warmth, and humor, the authors share their own struggles and joys and offer models for reflection that encourage parents to consider how their beliefs shape their identities and family life.

This Second Edition includes:
- Context on today's social and political upheaval, including polarization, racism, and climate anxiety;
- Voices of LGBTQ parents, parents of color, and new insights into non-binary, transgender, and neurodiverse identities;
- Exploration of reproductive choices, and the decision to have-or not have-children;
- A study guide to support group reflection.

Ideal for individual reading or group study, Hopes and Fears fosters connection, conversation, and spiritual growth, and empowers parents to embrace the spiritual journey of raising children, even amid uncertainty, challenge, and change.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Halftitle Page
• Dedication Page
• Title Page
• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction: The Hopes and Fears (Bromleigh): On friendships, and babies, and telling the truth
• 1 Leap of Faith (Lee): On if, and when, and the will of God
• 2 My Body, My Fault (Bromleigh): On pregnancy, and anxiety, and hope
• 3 Called by Name (Lee): On names, and identity, and making a place in the world
• 4 Bedtime (Bromleigh): On Ferber, and freedom, and faith
• 5 Good Work (Lee): On rest, and work, and getting things done
• 6 Cuddling, and Other Not-As-Precious Things about Incarnation (Bromleigh): On intimacy, and being human, and assorted bodily fluids
• 7 Saying Grace (Lee): On stories, and songs, and nurturing faith
• 8 I’m the Mommy, That’s Why (Bromleigh): On authority, and experts, and looking for truth
• 9 Planting Seeds (Lee): On gratitude, and justice, and living in a broken world
• 10 The Rage (Bromleigh): On marriage, and anger, and the nature of love
• 11 Birthdays and Baby Books (Lee): On blessings, and festivals, and ordinary time
• 12 When Christian Feminists Give Birth to Princesses (Bromleigh): On boys, and girls, and everyone in between
• 13 Move, Mommy, Move (Lee): On sharing, and life in a family, and making room without getting crowded out
• 14 Dancing with Her Daddy on a Saturday Morning (Bromleigh): On neurodiversity, and praise, and becoming who we are
• Conclusion: Of All the Years (Lee): On change, and the passage of time, and the assurance of grace
• Appendix: Small Group Discussion Guide
• Notes
• Bibliography
• About the Authors
• Imprint