William Kirk Kilpatrick's Analysis

William Kirk Kilpatrick correctly explains that families need the sacred order to thrive. Since families are a fundamental element of society, society cannot function properly unless its families are. Two things families need to operate are love and respect. Kilpatrick states that the “family belongs to the sacred order, and that children require love (155, 153). The sacred instructs parents to love their children. Scripture, the core component of the sacred, admonishes fathers to nurture their children (Ephesians 6:4). The Bible also instructs women to love their children (Titus 2:4). Not only does the sacred command love, but it also teaches respect. Kilpatrick states that when sovereign-given powers are eradicated, children no longer “owe any particular honor, respect, or obedience” to their parents (153). Scriptures command children to respect their parents (Exodus 20:12) and obey them (Ephesians 6:1). These two principles, derived from the sacred, are necessary for the family to thrive. …show more content…
While Kilpatrick does refer to religion, saying that the “worldly order was thought to reflect a natural order or a heavenly one”(151), he does not mention the Bible. The Bible is inspired by God and is the source for sacred authority (2 Timothy 3:16). Kilpatrick is correct in stating that the secular needs the sacred, but he doesn’t explain where the sacred order comes from. Without a concrete law, society cannot follow the sacred order. For believers , Kilpatrick’s lack of acknowledgement of the Bible’s authority is disturbing