Should I Get Married [Paperback]

M. Blaine Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1990

M. Blaine Smith debunks many common myths about marrige and provides commonsense answers to questions about dating, sexuality, compatibility, and commitment.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

M. Blaine Smith is director of Nehemiah Ministries, based in Washington, D.C., and author of six books, including Knowing God's Will and The Yes Anxiety. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 214 pages
• Publisher: Intervarsity Pr (May 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830817301
• ISBN-13: 978-0830817306
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,847,356 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Blaine Smith's long career has included giving seminars and lectures, speaking at conferences, counseling, and writing. He is author of nine books, including "Knowing God's Will" (original and revised editions), "Should I Get Married?" (original and revised editions), "The Yes Anxiety," "Overcoming Shyness," "The Optimism Factor," "One of a Kind," and "Marry a Friend," as well as numerous articles (all books except "Marry a Friend" published originally by InterVarsity Press). These books have been published in more than thirty English language and international editions. He is also lecturer for Guidance By The Book, a home study course with audio cassettes produced by the Christian Broadcasting Network as part of their Living By The Book series.

Blaine served previously as founder/director of the Sons of Thunder, believed by many to be America's first active Christian rock band, and as assistant pastor of Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, then for 30 years as director of Nehemiah Ministries, Inc.

Blaine is a graduate of Georgetown University, and also holds a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. He and Evie live in Gaithersburg, Maryland. They've been married since 1973, and have two grown sons, Benjamin and Nathan.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars essential reading, July 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Should I Get Married (Paperback)

When I was having difficulty deciding if my now-husband was the "right" person for me, I searched for answers from family, friends, and prayer. I believe that prayer and my persistence led me to M. Blaine Smith's books. Even though his "Yes Anxiety" title covers making wise decisions in several different areas, his insight into relationships is remarkable. I read "Should I get married?" after it. During courtship and engagement, I held onto these two titles and referred to them constantly. I learned so much about myself and what love and long-lasting marriage should be! I had been ambivalent and at times unsure as to what I should do about the prospect of marriage, even after I became engaged, and I spent many hours pouring over these two books. The most important thing that I learned is that NO ONE can be absolutely sure about any decision they make - with the help of family, friends, and reliance on God and belief that He wants the very best for you, you can make a decision and stick to it. I was able to make one of the most important decisions in my life because of the important lessons I learned from Smith's knowledge. As some people have mentioned in their reviews, yes, these books are written from a CHRISTIAN perspective, and the author is clear about that. If you are not a Christian, you may not find much here unless you open your mind to the many truths stated. For Christian singles - please read the two books that I've mentioned in this review. I truly believe that they will be of as much benefit to you as they have been to me. Thank you, Mr. Smith, for helping a very confused young lady make a change in her life - marriage to a man who is not only her husband, but her very, very best friend!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should I Get Married?, December 28, 1999

By 

David Mossholder (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Should I Get Married (Paperback)

I've just finished reading the book "Should I Get Married" by M. Blaine Smith. It's by far the best book I've ever read on the subject of serious dating relationships. With an approach appealing to both character and commonsense, Smith walks you through question after question, fear after fear, and helps put things in their proper perspective.

Contemplating marriage but unable to make a final decision? Sick of the on-again, off-again syndrome? Wondering why you just can't seem to make relationships stick? Think you'll never ever find Miss or Mr. Right? Or want to help someone suffering in any of these situations? Then don't delay; grab a copy of this powerful book today!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for those thinking about getting married, December 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Should I Get Married (Paperback)

I was considering marriage to my girlfriend, but was still unsure about the prospect of getting married. I read other books about picking the right partner, etc... but Blaine Smith's book was exactly what I was looking for. It helped me understand the myths in society about who's the right person. The book helped me to understand what is really important in picking a marriage partner. As I continued to read his book, I realized what I thought was important for a relationship was really not that important and that I was missing the important compatility issues. It helped me to clear my thinking in deciding what factors represent a healthy relationship. For example, having the romance in a relationship "That Spark" is nice, but it isn't the most important thing in sustaining a long-term relationship like marriage. I struggled with my moderate romantic feelings with my girlfriend, but came to understand that this is okay since I had deep feelings of compassion for her which is a far greater value in a relationship than sexual arousal. The book covers key compatibility factors to help you decide if the relationship you are in is prepared for marriage. Plus, it also talks about what to look for if you are single and what you can do to find that potential mate. I highly suggest this book to anyone.