The sub-title is "What if God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy."
I was given this book to read as part of my "Life-Group" by Nolan and Dana Egbert. Nolan and I have exchanged a few book recommendations over the past 3 years and he hasn't let me down yet - or not that I can remember (and I do tend to move on from bad reads quickly - my opinion only on the definition of "bad" read).
The title and sub-title of this book sets the reader up for some heavy expectations and Thomas didn't let me down. My wife, Cathy, read the first few pages and wondered "what was that all about? A few others in our group have said the same thing about the first couple of chapters. Cathy has moved on into the book and tells me she is enjoying it. Thomas could have added a bit of lightness to the beginning, but he didn't and I like it; the author starts off deep and then "lightens up" some by telling a couple of gut-wrenching real-life stories before getting deep again.
June 20, 2008: So far, I'm on chapter 7, I don't believe this is a book for someone floating through their marriage relationship, or not wanting to get down to the nitty-gritty of what that relationship really is supposed to be about. This IS a book about growing closer to Jesus through your marriage relationship.
What does the bible say about the bride and groom? Gary Thomas goes a long way towards answering that question.
What if my marriage relationship COULD bring me closer to being Christ-like?
Intriguing.
July 19, 2008: I've slowed down on this reading the past month. Cathy and I have had some challenges; not necessarily with this book, but our relationship has been strained a bit lately and it appears to have started about the time we started reading Sacred Marriage.
Yet, we haven't really discussed the book with each other except for a couple of passing comments.
So....I ponder and pray about my marriage and becoming more Christ-like. Cathy is a gift and she deserves me being a better husband.
Interesting trip!
11/15/2008: we, Cathy and I, have started back on the book, but going slowly.
July/2009: while I've finished the book, it remains by my nightstand for an occasional review. Subtitle continues to capture my thoughts on a regular basis, and not just about marriage, but all aspects of life...."what if work, was more about making me holy instead of many my money to make me happy?" Or, "what if challenges with people were more about making me holy instead of.....?"
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