Customer Reviews

Sacred Marriage: Celebrating Marriage as a Spiritual Discipline

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

I found Sacred Marriage to be one of the most honest and practical reads on marriage in a long time. It doesn't portray a lily-white Christian this-is-how-it's-supposed-to-be picture of man and wife, instead it fosters great acceptance of the way things really are in marriage, with a view on the greater purpose of growing closer to God, both individually and together. A worthy book for any library, and a refreshing book for any marriage that is wearying on the road to holiness.

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.

I can't think of another word to describe this book than - awesome. I am rarely impressed with books these days but this one really moved me deeply. This is only the second review I have written.
A great companion book would be The RoMANtic's Guide -- it speaks about finding the "man" or "woman" in romance -- not caving in to the impersonal commercial approach to romance most people do these days. It was very enlightening and helpful.

I picked this book up because my marriage was falling apart and I was feeling completely burned out and used up, ready to throw in the towel. Gary grabbed my attention beginning with the sub-title and progressively enlightened and challenged my own views of what marriage should be chapter by chapter. I appreciated his openness and use of personal examples and sound biblical theology. It changed me and my marriage enormously by equipping me with the knowledge and desire to refocus my attention to what was most important...to which I began reaping immeadiate rewards. Whether you are looking to enhance your marriage or save it this book is an essential read.

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.

highly recommended. should be a requirement to any couple contemplating marriage. gary thomas' book would put a lot of therapists out of business if we could just follow the directions. a real blessing.

I just need to say that if you are unsure of purchasing this book...BUY IT! It is wonderful.

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!

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.