In October 2011 I reviewed this book for the forthcoming edition of JBMW, and the CBMW Blog has posted the review. [Update on 12/4/2012: The review is now available as a PDF.]
Timothy Keller, with Kathy Keller. The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God. New York: Dutton, 2011.
Conclusion:
I could apply many adjectives to the book:
- insightful,
- shrewd,
- disarming,
- realistic,
- convicting,
- pastoral,
- warm,
- gracious,
- penetrating,
- theological,
- relevant,
- faithful,
- incisive,
- accessible,
- clear,
- compelling.
But perhaps best of all (because of those traits), it’s edifying.
It has inspired me to glorify God by loving and leading my wife like Ephesians 5:21-33 commands.
Related: I blogged on this book three times in October:
- You Take Me the Way I Am
- Some Practical Counsel for Marriage Seekers
- “My wife has lived with at least five different men since we were wed—and each of the five has been me.”
Money quote from Keller in an interview:
In the long run, the more superficial things that made a person sexually attractive will move to the background, and matters of character, humility, grace, courage, faithfulness, and love will come to the foreground. So companionship, duty, and mutual sacrifice are, in the end, the sexiest things of all.
And here are three videos:
1. An interview with Tim and Kathy Keller:
2. Tim Keller presents the book to Google employees:
3. Tim and Kathy Keller present the book at The Gospel Coalition’s 2012 National Women’s Conference:
Mike Gantt says
I am in my 40th year of marriage and I am still finding new appreciation of it as a creation of God. Of course, I love my wife, and, of course, I’ve loved her more with each passing decade. But I’m speaking now of the appreciation I have now compared to the naivete I had decades ago regarding the institution itself. It is a more remarkable device than I can say, and for most of my life I have taken it for granted, even when I loved my wife. Blessed be God who has granted it!
mike wittmer says
Thanks for this interesting recommendation. I have an interesting problem–I’m a committed Christian living in Denver who wants to date but I’m not sure how to tell if a young woman likes me for the right reason. I don’t want to marry down, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find someone who can play in my league. Does Keller have any advice for me? Thanks, and God bless.
Timmy