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Rating: 
Summary: A Moving Tribute to Lifelong Love
Review: Best-selling author Ravi Zacharias offers a moving, albeit awkwardly titled, tribute to lifelong love with I, ISAAC, TAKE THEE, REBEKAH.As its subtitle suggests, the book is about "moving from romance to lasting love," and in light of modern day attacks on the sanctity of marriage, its message is not only timeless but timely. While it is Zacharias' first treatment of this subject matter, fans of his more philosophical works, including CRIES OF THE HEART, DELIVER US FROM EVIL and JESUS AMONG OTHER GODS, won't be disappointed by his departure from "weightier matters of philosophical debate about truth and belief in God," as he states it. Centering on the Old Testament story of Isaac and Rebekah, Zacharias identifies them as a covenantal couple committed to loving each other unconditionally. In the process of telling their tale, he espouses a return to the enduring values of family, faithfulness and fidelity in the marriage relationship. Decrying the prevailing popularity of "sex without strings and marriage without rings," Zacharias shares invaluable insights for nurturing a marriage that stands the test of time. For example, in the chapter titled "The Living Act of a Dead Self," he writes that "if the first thing about committing the will is that it is a death to yourself, what comes to life is a disposition that seeks to serve." Zacharias lists personal maturity, premarital counseling and preparation for disagreements as the three characteristics of a couple properly prepared for life as man and wife. And with clarity and conviction, he drives home the point that "conflict resolution is the key to success in most marriages," an understatement if ever there was one. As Zacharias points out, the wedding is the easiest part of being married, and it is not until afterward that couples actually discover whether or not their words carry the weight of authenticity. To help couples striving to make their marriage a success, he proposes some governing disciplines that must translate into the lives of each partner. According to Zacharias, there must be a daily commitment to prayer, to the study of the scriptures and to active involvement in a local church, if couples are to cultivate the type of character that enables them to successfully navigate the stormy seas of modern day matrimony. Presenting foundational truths in the face of mounting threats to marriage, the book is a useful guide for establishing love that lasts for a lifetime. It is specially suited for use as a premarital counseling tool and related church resource; it's also recommended reading for any couple seeking to ground their relationship in biblical bedrock. --- Reviewed by Sean Fowlds
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Summary: Wisdom to help
Review: I picked up Ravi's book after reading an article where he told the story of his brother getting married through the process of arranged marriage. Ravi approached his brother prior to the marriage and basically asked him, "Brother, what if this girl is ugly?" His brother scolded Ravi and said, "Mark this down. If you will to love someone, you can." That intrigued me because today, we're of the mindset that you can only love someone physically beautiful. While I believe it's good our own dating system affords us the chance to have a beautiful mate, I wanted to know more about Ravi's take on willing to love.
This book is fantastic! Ravi lifts marriage out of our own cultural context and puts it in the place God intended it. While it is true that dating/marriage will have aspects of the culture buried within it, Ravi asks us to accept those only to a point. He points us to the story of Isaac and Rebekah - two "kids" who:
1) aceepted the need for a mate and allowed the parents to be involved,
2) willed to love each other,
3) sacrificed their lives for each other,
4) committed to sexual purity prior to marriage (his discussion in this chapter focuses on the believer's body being the temple of God and is very illuminating),
5) left the home of mom and dad,
6) had the great need for daily, genuine personal prayer and bible study, and
7) remained committed to each other even in the hard times.
As I mentioned before, this book will lift your thought of marriage on to a totally new plane. You'll find yourself questioning what you actually believe marriage is. You'll be left with much thinking to do, but will come to appreciate that marriage is a huge commitment in rejecting your own desires, accepting God's desires, and fulfilling your wife's desires (as she, in turn, fulfills yours). It's a beautiful book, in my opinion. Highly recommended. -andy
Rating:
Summary: Good read
Review: I think Zacharias did a great job with this book in highlighting important, practical steps in finding a spouse. I appreciated the stress he placed on the parents' role in the process and the importance of their involvement through it all. However, i wished he more fully disclosed his parents' thoughts and ideas through the course of his wedding after only sharing their initial objection with his marriage. Parental blessing is in an important aspect to him and i was curious as to the turn of events that produced their blessing (if at all).
Nonetheless, this is an insightful book and is a good reference in counsel for marriage and marriage-preparation.
Rating:
Summary: Super
Review: Ravi hits a home run with his latest book. Clear and straight to the point. A great read for any parent who wants to help guide their children in these difficult decisions and a must read for anyone who plans to marry or wants to improve the relationship of his/her marriage.
Rating:
Summary: Super
Review: Ravi hits a home run with his latest book. Clear and straight to the point. A great read for any parent who wants to help guide their children in these difficult decisions and a must read for anyone who plans to marry or wants to improve the relationship of his/her marriage.
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