Marriage is a deeply important topic for Christians. Many think about it primarily in public policy terms (gay marriage and/or divorce). But I think it is more important for discipleship and church health reasons. I absolutely do not believe that everyone should get married. But I do think, that for those that do get married, the church has a significant responsibility to them and their marriage. And married people have a significant responsibility back to their church for mentoring younger marriages.
One of the best things that happened to our marriage was the last two years that my wife and I lead a newly married small group. If you ever want to feel good about your wisdom in marriage go hang out with a bunch of newly married couples. Some of the couples in the groups had been married a matter of weeks when they joined. They didn’t even know how to tell ‘their story’ yet.
I have read a lot of books on marriage. This is one of the ones that I would most recommend to people regardless of the length of time they have been married (or even if they are single). It is not perfect, I disagree with several points. But I respect the Keller’s ability to speak even when I disagree with them. The tone of this book is just right.
Takeaway: This is now my most recommended book on marriage.
My wife and I have led two newly married small groups in the last two years. And given my proclivity to over reading, and reading as one of my primary ways of processing, I have read a number of marriage books in our 15 years of marriage, especially in the last two years. Given that introduction, I think this is the most balanced, most thorough explanation of the purpose and meaning of marriage I have read.
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