God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation (Paperback)

~ Andreas Kostenberger (Author), David W. Jones (Foreword) "FOR THE FIRST TIME in its history, Western civilization is confronted with the need to define the meaning of the terms "marriage" and "family..." (more)
Key Phrases: betrothal view, cultivating masculinity, divorce once the marriage, Old Testament, New Testament, Holy Spirit (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

?In breadth of coverage, thoroughness of learning, clarity of analysis and argument and, I think, soundness of judgment, this solid, lucid, pastorally angled treatise has no peer. Evangelicals who research, debate, teach, and counsel on gender, sex, marriage, and family will find it an endlessly useful resource. The easy mastery with which the author threads his way through forty years? special pleadings gives this compendium landmark significance, and I recommend it highly.? ?J. I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College ?A generation ago the most influential book on marriage for me was God and Marriage by Geoffrey Bromiley. Now I have been married over 35 years and have sons who are near where I was in their marriages. For them?and for a whole generation under assault on the meaning of marriage and family?I am now looking to Andreas K?stenberger?s new and larger God, Marriage, and Family to do for this generation what Bromiley?s book did for mine. Unlike Bromiley?s book, K?stenberger?s book takes on the challenges of the present explicitly. That is more necessary now than it was 25 years ago. The special value of this book lies again in its pervasive exposition of Scripture. We are adrift in a sea of speculation without this. I am thankful for the book. I plan to give it to my grown children.? ?John Piper, Pastor for Preaching, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Description

We live in a time of crisis regarding marriage and the family, and only by a return to the biblical foundation can these institutions be rebuilt. To provide an integrated, biblical treatment of the full range of marriage and family issues, the authors of God, Marriage, and Family examine what Scripture says about God's purposes for humans in their marriage and family interactions. Their examination covers the special issues stemming from marriage, childrearing, singleness, homosexuality, and divorce and remarriage. With study questions and points for further discussion, this book is a comprehensive yet concise resource for anyone seeking a Scriptural response to our culture's complex challenges to God's intentions for marriage and family.

"In breadth of coverage, thoroughness of learning, clarity of analysis and argument and, I think, soundness of judgment, this solid, lucid, pastorally angled treatise has no peer. Evangelicals who research, debate, teach, and counsel on gender, sex, marriage, and family will find it an endlessly useful resource. The easy mastery with which the author threads his way through forty years' special pleadings gives this compendium landmark significance, and I recommend it highly."
-J. I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College

"A generation ago the most influential book on marriage for me was God and Marriage by Geoffrey Bromiley. Now I have been married over 35 years and have sons who are near where I was in their marriages. For them-and for a whole generation under assault on the meaning of marriage and family-I am now looking to Andreas Köstenberger's new and larger God, Marriage, and Family to do for this generation what Bromiley's book did for mine. Unlike Bromiley's book, Köstenberger's book takes on the challenges of the present explicitly. That is more necessary now than it was 25 years ago. The special value of this book lies again in its pervasive exposition of Scripture. We are adrift in a sea of speculation without this. I am thankful for the book. I plan to give it to my grown children."
-John Piper, Pastor for Preaching, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis

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Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Crossway Books (November 11, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581345801
• ISBN-13: 978-1581345803
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,666 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book for this subject available, June 14, 2005

By	Pat Storti (California) - See all my reviews

At a time of crisis in marriages and in family relationships, this refreshing and thought provoking book is one of very few that examines and tackles what the Bible has to say about marriage, family and other related subjects. There are ethical discussions on reproductive health and rights, and a discussion on the role of women in society. It may change your views on birth control and reproduction as Dr. Köstenberger addresses "how to think GOD'S way." It honestly discusses Jesus' teachings on homosexuality, the gift of singleness, celibacy, parenting, and divorce and remarriage. The ideas are not only for married men and women, but for all of us! They offer practical advice on the issue of purity, even for those who consider themselves anything but pure!
At a time of crisis in relationships, this Scripture based book shares examples of restoration of God's ideals for marriage and family, reminding men and women to take proper care of their relationships to ensure themselves the happiness they yearn for in marriage. It was helpful as Dr. Köstenberger addressed gender roles, men submitting to Christ, and the husband's authority over women with the husband being the ultimate authority over family. It presents the woman's role, discussing the Proverbs 31 wife, giving everyday advice on how to be a "suitable helper," presenting children, and providing her husband with companionship. He spends a chapter on sex and communication that I found helpful because he spoke from both the perspective of the wife and the husband, and addresses key issues for each.
There is a fascinating chapter devoted to biblical teachings about child rearing, obedience, proper discipline, and introducing children to a personal relationship with "God in Christ." While the child's responsibility toward their own parents changes after they have established a new family, Köstenberger emphasizes that children are mandated to honor parents, and that rebellion against parents is tantamount to disrespect toward God himself, putting it "on the same level as treason and idol worship."
I highly recommend this book. It is practical and down-to-earth, inspiring us to persevere in marriage as a sacred covenant entered into before God. Dr. Köstenberger writes on how to have a great marriage by keeping God at the center of our relationships, and to bear and raise children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. He addressed spiritual warfare and proper use of spiritual weapons.
His examples were great for supporting a case to defend marriage as well as a case against homosexual unions. I found the insight on divorce to be helpful. The end of the book contains a helpful personal and group study guide.
I would recommend this book to Christian as well as non-Christian couples. "Marriage and family are good gifts from a great God." I have already applied some principles of this in my life, and it DOES make a difference.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb and Biblically Balanced, May 28, 2007

By	Predicador (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews

This is one of the best books that I have read concerning God's intent for the marriage relationship. It covers the difficult issues of divorce, abortion, homosexuality, and others that many are afraid to address. The authors return the reader to Adam and Eve and Old Testament principles, progressing to Jesus' teachings and New Testament principles on each issue. A special section concerning spiritual warfare is provided depicting not only the "what" but the "how to" of spiritual warfare. I recommend this to anyone who desires a thorough understanding of God's desire for the marriage and family relationship.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid and encompassing, July 8, 2006

By	Mark L. Taylor - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had one of these authors for two classes in seminary and he was always informative and provoking. This book is an exhaustive, for the average person, biblical treatment of the subjects of marriage and family. Anyone who works with families and children should have this book, and will use it time and time again. I have worked it into parenting classes, and while it may be a little on the thick side for a new Christian it lends itself nicely to borrowing ideas and material to give a more shallow curriculum some meat. Get a few copies to give away during counseling and classes.