Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together

I am surprised people still read books by Mark Driscoll after the downfall of his church due to his pride, arrogance & sin. There was so much corruption related to this book alone. Using church money to get it on the new york times best seller list is one of them by buying over 10,000 copies with church money. His church members certainly didn't know about that. Seriously, I wouldn't waste my time reading anything he has to say. He's unrepentant and should not be preaching anymore. It's sad that the general public never got informed of all that he did to make his church fall apart. Look into it. Educate yourself and see if you really want to be reading what he has to say. This is coming from a person who went to his church for over 5 years. Went thru this book and sermon series. But knowing what all happened, all the hidden corruption that came out in the last few months of the church, I would never read a book of his again. I wouldn't want advice from someone who's previous church (Mars Hill) was called the "most abusive, coercive ministry I've ever been involved with"- quote from Paul Tripp. Do yourself a favor and read a marriage book from an author who's qualified to give advice.

The institution of marriage was designed and set into motion by God, yet after the fall of mankind into sin the joining of a husband and wife is anything but married bliss. Two redeemed sinners stuck together for life might even seem like a recipe for disaster, yet through hard work and great trust in the power of God there is a blessing to be found. Through spiritual growth the binding of two hearts together as one is possible. The Bible reveals to believers the path married couples are to follow. In the pages of scripture the direction, purpose, and end result of marriage is chronicled. The challenge comes in the application, and it is with this practical instruction that Mark and Grace Driscoll are concerned. Within their book, Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together, this Christian couple seek to offer up their own marriage as a case study for other couples.

From the prologue, the goal of this written work is made clear. The authors want to help believers see how a real couple struggles to put into practice the principles of scripture. Therefore they offer up their lives and experiences for examination. They speak of their struggles and victory. They talk about issues that have been a central point of their wedded lives. Knowing their goal, it is easy to explain why there is so little scriptural exposition and so much story telling. They mean to fill the pages with pastoral counsel that arises out of a Biblical worldview rather than focus on particular verses as one would hear from a pulpit. The result is a two-fold division that separates the book into chapters on friendship and chapters on sexual intimacy. Although other subjects are mentioned, the primary focus does not deviate much from what is promised in the subtitle of the work.

Although the intention of the authors is noble and the authenticity of their lives refreshing, there is something to be said for making too much of personal experience. It is easy for one's own story to be projected upon all others, and it is difficult to keep one's own narrative from becoming the mandated narrative for all others. Within the book, readers will unfortunately learn much more about the desires, hopes, and wants of the authors than the goals, commands, and promises of God's word. Therefore when one comes to the chapter entitled, "Can We ______?" there is little present other than personal opinion. Throughout the Bible, the Lord uses veiled and poetic language to speak of physical intimacy expressed in the marriage bed. The Bible does not provide a position manual such as the Kama Sutra, which is a religious book for pagan religion. The reason for the absence of such material in the Bible is simple. Couples guided by the Holy Spirit and seeking the glory of God will express their physical intimacy in ways that please the Lord. Although there are certainly truths one can glean from the content of this work, readers would be better served with a book that sticks closely to the scriptures rather than devolving into authorial speculation.

Very complete, without embarrassment. A must have for all couples.

This book has been helpful to me and others

Book excellent

Best book for married couples to read. It gives every good advice and true stories of their owe lives. I love this book... Made me realize what I need to do to become a better more Christ like wife. Thank you

Great book on marriage.

Seriously you need to read this book! If you only buy and read ONE book this year make it this one! You will learn a ton! I don’t agree with his take on the Song of Solomon at the end but the rest of the book is superb! If you read it you will know what I’m referring to lol. 🙂 But the chapter to the men is beyond excellent. And the chapter on porn I think many people need to read. Seriously this is one of the BEST books ever written! Like ever 🙂 lol. God bless!

It's amazing to see how two people can use God's love and wisdom to build their lives around. Forgiveness is key

I love it!