Families of the Postmodern Society: Relevance of Chavara’s Vision on Family

Abstract

John Eattanial reflects on the relevance of the vision of Chavara on family and applies the vision to the present day families of the postmodern society. Based on the Chavarul, which is intended to be an effective practical guidebook of family life, the author outlines the revolutionary shifts and changes families face today. The postmodern standards and values for families that are often opposed to the classical values bring a jolt to the family. The author makes a comparison between the familial values and relationships in the past and the postmodern functionalist view of family where living with children becomes impossible on practical grounds and the parents depend on old age homes for the rest of their life. It is in this context Chavara’s vision on Christian families becomes all the more important. This foresight of Chavara on families and family life challenges and encourages families to foster intimacy and interpersonal relationships among the family members. The relevance of Chavarul is in the fact that it warns families about the hidden dangers arising from the various post-modern approaches. The study ends with a note on the relationship between parent and children. The author presents Chavarul as the testimony of a perceptive prophet of the Christian families with ingenuity.