Honoring Dependent Parents: Biblical Decision-Making for Adult Children

Book Description

How do we honor parents who depend on us in ways they never have before? Medical crises, complicated relationships, limited finances, differing values, and competing obligations create situations without easy answers.

Guided by 12 biblical principles, elder and ethicist Bill Davis answers raw real-life questions and uses extensive case studies, based on dozens of interviews, to address a broad range of dilemmas. No matter your situation, here you will find scriptural wisdom and practical advice to guide your decision-making.

Author

Bill Davis (MA, Westminster Seminary California; PhD, University of Notre Dame) is professor of philosophy at Covenant College, adjunct professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, and an elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Endorsements

“These pages are animated by attentiveness, nuanced compassion, and a courageous willingness to offer concrete advice for believers who are struggling.”
—Kelly M. Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies, Covenant College

“The deep work of an exceptional philosopher. . . . A thoroughly practical and pastoral study.”
—William Fullilove, Professor of Old Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary, New York City

“Caring for dependent parents . . . presents difficult and draining moral questions. Bill Davis handles this issue with theological care, pastoral sensitivity, and, above all, wisdom.”
—David VanDrunen, Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics, Westminster Seminary California

“A rare source of biblical and practical wisdom to guide Christians through the difficulties, complexities, and confusion involved in faithfully fulfilling the fifth commandment. This is the book that my wife and I wish we had read when we cared for our dependent parents, and it is the book that we will give to our four adult children to prepare them for our own season of growing dependence.”
—Dennis E. Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California

“Honoring Dependent Parents is a valuable tool to equip both individuals and the church to navigate the complexities of compassionate caregiving for aging parents. Dr. Bill Davis helps readers think biblically about aging with grace and offers practical and spiritual encouragement.”
—Karen Hodge, Coordinator of Women's Ministries, Presbyterian Church in America (PCA); Author, Transformed: Life-Taker to Life-Giver

“I have pastored churches for four decades. In each of them, members have sought my counsel about how to honor their aging parents in stressful and perplexing situations. How I wish I had had this book! There’s solid Bible exposition with case study after case study—and with compassionate wisdom, the author shares the stories of believers struggling to be faithful to the fifth commandment.”
—Charles M. Wingard, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Dean of Students, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson

Additional Information

Cover: Softcover
Number of Pages: 240
Publisher: P&R Publishing
Publication Date: June 17, 2026