One of the most critical moments in each of our lives is the moment when we realise that we are no longer a child. We have stepped into adulthood. Many cultures, even ones that we would call primitive, have clearly defined rites of passage traditions that very effectively mark the transition. After the young boy or girl has passed through this cultural ceremony, whatever form it takes, they are treated differently by the adults in the group.

"Stepping into Adulthood" is a wake-up call to Christianity to do a better job of marking the transition into adulthood. We have not had a suitable rites of passage tradition. Jewish people have always made a big deal of the Bar Mitzvah, as the author can testify from his personal experience. All the other religions have some sort of rites-of-passage ceremony.

For Brodsky, the rites-of-passage issue is part of the whole picture of raising godly young men and women. He is passionate about it. We all want the best for our children but Brodsky has pointed out a major flaw in our modern approach. Too often, there is no sense of closure on our childhood years. The expectations of our elders are vague and unpredictable. Young people are not sure what they're even aiming for.

"Stepping into Adulthood" is a good read. It traces Brodsky's own story, surveys the whole topic of rites-of-passage ceremonies, and then offers counsel and suggestions.

Surely, a coming-of-age celebration needs to be part of our Christian culture, although it is probably something that will have to evolve over a period of time, spurred on, no doubt, by wonderfully provocative books like this one.