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hobbitofhamley's review

4.5

With so many harmful marriage books out there in the Christian world, this book was a breath of fresh air. I would absolutely recommend this to any of my married, engaged, or single friends who are looking to be married. It takes the all-important theological view of marriage, exploring - as the title expresses aptly - the *meaning* of marriage, as God created it. The why's and what for's. It's such a beautiful picture.

The reason I can't quite give it 5 stars (instead of 4.5) is that the chapter on sex felt a little incomplete. I do realize that sex isn't this book's main focus, but sex and the Christian sexual ethic *is* such a huge part of the theology of marriage, and I just felt like it left some concepts unexplained, especially for an engaged person or newlywed. 

4.5 ⭐ - best marriage book I've read to date!

bbennett96's review

5.0

Absolutely wonderful book! Great for those preparing for marriage, already married, or those who hope to one day be married. Keller focuses on the realities of marriage and how scripture should influence how you choose to love your spouse. Very practical and doesn't shy away from the fact that marriage is glorious and wonderful, but also the most difficult thing you can do.
courtneyab1201's profile picture

courtneyab1201's review

5.0
hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

alyssadippel's review

5.0
informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

If I had to choose a single book for someone to read before getting married, this is the book I would recommend. Keller have a talk at google that does a great job summarizing the book http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9THu0PZwwk

amahler219's review

DID NOT FINISH

Had to return to library 

brookw0rm's review

5.0

keller is a legend

Vibes were off when he said marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman. I couldn't get past it. Love is love.

briglovesreading's review

5.0
challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

yiqinteow's review

4.0

Tim Keller, a renowned pastor and author of multiple Christian books, delves into the domain of marriage in this work. He explores the biblical meaning of marriage and elucidates what it means to have a Christ-centered union.

Keller highlights marriage as an institution created by God, noting, “Paul saw that when God designed the original marriage, He already had Christ and the church in mind”. He references Ephesians chapter 5 to underscore marriage as a covenant rooted in commitment rather than a consumer relationship, adding, “to break faith with your spouse is to break faith with God at the same time”.

Keller addresses contemporary views on relationships and marriages, shedding light on the controversial subjects of gender roles, sex, and singleness. He challenges the modern romanticisation of marriage that prioritises fleeting feelings of love over steadfast actions of love. Furthermore, he interprets Ephesians 5:22's directive for wives to "submit to your husbands, as to the Lord" as a call for wives to be strong helpers to husbands who act as servant-leaders. The book affirms the completeness of single adults, drawing on the example of Jesus Christ to assert that one’s marital status does not define one’s completeness as a person. It also delineates the Christian sex ethic, advocating for sexual activity to be exclusive to marriage.

However, the book presents certain viewpoints that might appear restrictive. Keller seems to downplay the significance of life outside marriage and uses love languages ineffectively in differentiating affection from love.

Overall, although not groundbreaking, the book provides timely reminders and valuable insights into marriage, underpinned by biblical wisdom. Its messages could benefit from a more structured and succinct presentation, as the content sometimes appears verbose and repetitious.