My Thoughts…
This is the first book I've read by Mark Driscoll. I'll will admit it: I was drawn in by a desire to see what all the fuss is about, I have heard nothing but rave reviews. After getting the DVD based study in the mail my husband and I read it, my conclusion is that there's more smoke than fire. My guess some of the content is going to be shocking to some folks, but other books on Christian marriage also cover the same topics--Including a book by our Pastor. Honestly we both thought it was NOT for us…kind eh!
The first part of the book is about marriage. Mark and Grace share bluntly about their marriage and sexual history, including Grace's history of sexual assault…Ok I totally identify with that personally. Although they are very forth coming, I didn't like it…I can't put my finger on why.
Part two is about sex. Chapter Six is a theology of sex. Chapter 7 is written by Grace and talks about healing from sexual abuse…again I identify with this part. Chapter 8 is a great explanation of the dangers and exploitation associated with pornography. Chapter 9 talks about the attitude we should have toward marital sex--servant as opposed to selfish. Chapter 10 is the infamous "Can we___" chapter.
If you are a pastor, counselor, or life coach and reading this review I would ask that you read the book first and prayerfully decide whether you would recommend it or not.
I would recommend this book to certain people in my life…NOT everyone. However I am grateful for Mark and Grace's ministry in their home, for the sake of Christ's Church, and their commitment to tackle all things related to the gospel through the lenses of Scripture, their own experiences, and with a passion for Jesus Christ. I DO believe that their a many people who could benefit from reading this book and being involved in the bible study...
From the Publisher…
Most marriage books assume the author did it right. Most marriage books barely mention friendship. Most marriage books use "intimacy" as code for "sex." This is not one of those books.
In Real Marriage, Pastor Mark Driscoll and his wife, Grace, share how they have struggled and how they have found healing through the power of the only reliable source: the Bible. They believe friendship is fundamental to marriage but not easy to maintain. So they offer practical advice on how to make your spouse your best friend - and keep it that way. And they know from experience that sex-related issues need to be addressed directly.
About the Author…
Pastor Mark Driscoll is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington and is one of the world's most-downloaded and quoted pastors. His audience--fans and critics alike--spans the theological and cultural left and right. He was also named one of the "25 Most Influential Pastors of the Past 25 Years" by Preaching magazine, and his sermons are consistently #1 on iTunes each week for Religion & Spirituality with over 10 million of downloads each year.
Pastor Mark received a B.A. in Speech Communication from the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication at Washington State University, and he holds a masters degree in Exegetical Theology from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He is the author of fifteen books.
- Hardcover: 272 pages
- Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 140020383X
- ISBN-13: 978-1400203833
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