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Rating: 
Summary: Great sub-title -- poor content
Review: A good sub-title: Gary asks the rhetorical question: What if God designed Marriage to make us Holy more than to make us happy?"But the book is a TOTAL downer from there ... The rest of the book is a manual for how a christian man can manipulate his wife to have more frequent sex with him. Chapter 11 -- on sexuallity says that men should even "swallow arguments because [they may] want something from [their] wife later that night" -- not exactly godly advice. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK -- READ Larry Crabb's "The Marriage Builder" instead.
Rating: 
Summary: Best Marriage Book In my Library
Review: Having been in the ministry for nearly thirty years, I must say that this is the most complete Christian approach to marriage that I know of. It is Biblical, spiritual, thoroughly practical and unlike most books on marriage, I have found this book to be equally appreciated by and understandable for both men and women. Husbands and wives are reading it together. They are seeing things they had not seen, they are laughing at themselves, and weeping as they see the grace of God that has always been present in their marriage. I'm having great responses from couples in pre-marriage counseling. It gives them a healthy sense of what they should expect in marriage without spoiling the idea of romance. I've recommended this book to dozens of pastor friends. Without exception they agree with my assessment of Thomas's work.
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Summary: Remarkable book -- PERFECT wedding gift!
Review: I almost passed up this book -- the subtitle put me off. But this is not a book about suffering in silence (nor is it directed towards those in abusive and dangerous relationships) -- this is a book for all those so-called average married couples who think their relationships are less than fulfilling (and isn't that just about all of us?), or feel that they're no longer connnecting as a couple. It's also an ideal book for engaged couples or newlyweds, to help direct their thinking from the very start on the most important relationship of their lives. This book does not offer a panacea for saving a bad marriage. Instead Gary Thomas challenges us to look at marriage from God's point of view. While the writing seems to be directed primarily at men, I saw myself on every single page. Thomas writes beautifully, and finds a way to touch the reader with humor, clarity and truth. I could go on for hours about how this book moved me. I've bought copies for all my friends -- this would make a PERFECT wedding or shower gift. Buy this for everyone you care about -- it will bless them all, as it did me. Thank you, Gary Thomas --
Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: I just need to say that if you are unsure of purchasing this book...BUY IT! It is wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: Sacred Marriage
Review: I read widely. Fiction, non-fiction... spiritual, fantasy, mystery, history. I'm catholic, not an evangelical christian. All that said, this is one of the best books I have read in 20 years. It would have to be to get me to write a review on a public web site. I read it, then my spouse and I read it together, aloud, at night before bed...and believe me, getting my spouse to do such a thing is no mean feat. Few books have had what I would call a "life changing" effect on me. This is one of them.
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Summary: Most useful book I ever seen on marriage!
Review: I've been in the ministry now nearly thirty years, and this is the most useful book on marriage I ever read. Every chapter is well thought out and tastefully presented. Not many books on marriage speak with equal clarity to both men and women. This book does. Married couples are reading it with understanding and deep appreciation. I'm also using it for those who are considering marriage. I have recommended it to many of the pastors with whom I associate. They all agree. It's Biblically based, deeply spiritual, and yet altogether practical. To my knowledge, this book stands alone in its approach. I rate this right up there with Thomas's latest book, "Authentic Faith." Gary's approach to the issues of living the Christian life is always practical, always powerful and always Biblical.
Rating:
Summary: Best book we've read
Review: There's a wealth of material out there about how to protect your rights, interests, and ambitions in relationships -- whether you are single or married. What Gary Thomas does so eloquently in this book is lift our noses from our navels, and have us contemplate God and His purposes for marriage. It's not all about us -- what a revelation! As Gary Thomas writes, "The first purpose in marriage -- beyond happiness, mutual care and provision, or anything else -- is to please God. The challenge, of course, is that it is utterly selfless living ..."
If you're a believing Christian, this book should greatly encourage you about why God gave you the gift of marriage and how you should steward it for His glory. As John Piper says, God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Conversely, seeking to glorify God in a marriage will bring our happiness because God is the ultimate source of contentment. If you're not a believing Christian, you still may be interested in checking out this book. It may positively challenge you that there is a divine design in marriage that you never considered. Here are some of the topics you can expect to consider while reading this outstanding book: 1) How marriage teaches us to love and respect others; 2) How a good marriage can foster good prayer; 3) How embracing difficulty can build character; 4) How marriage can make us more aware of God's presence; 5) How marriage can develop our spiritual calling, mission and purpose. Does this sound "heavy"? It is, but Gary's conversational writing style will draw you in from the first page, making tough truths enjoyable and easy to comprehend. To his credit, he doesn't back down from presenting the covenantal aspects of marriage, but he writes with humility, transparency, humor and empathy. Looking for a great bridal shower or bachelor party gift? This book should be on your list.
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Summary: A great book for real people with real marriages
Review: Too many Christian books dealing with marriage present an idealistic veiw of marriage. Gary Thomas presents a real view of marriage that is very refreshing, insightful, and most importantly, very helpful. What's great is that it is not just about marriage, instead it is about how God uses marriage to make us grow. I would recomend this book to anyone who's marriage is struggling, but also to those who's marriage is strong but in need of boost. Buy this book. You'll love it.
Rating:
Summary: Best book we've read
Review: We read this book a few months into our marriage, which was already (sadly) struggling. The shift in perspective was amazing and convicting to both of us; we now give this book to all our engaged/married friends as a gift and find ourselves quoting from it regularly. Great biblical base and practical advice on how to fix yourself instead of your mate! Of all the books we've read (or tried to read) on marriage/relationships, this one stands out high above the rest. Read this with an open heart and mind, and a true desire for a Godly marriage - you will not be disappointed. God bless!
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