Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?

An interesting, encouraging and refreshing read as I approach 20 years of marriage. Fascinating perspective. Good examples and stories. I have recommended to a number of my friends and colleagues. A worthy approach even for non-Christians.

Sometimes a man has to get everything taken away before he wakes up. This book has really opened my eyes to my purpose in marriage.

I am so glad that I found it when I did. Please don't be slow like me and wait until your spouse is on the edge of leaving before you read it.

I was excited to read this book. I am impressed with Gary Thomas's insight into the institution of marriage. I have been waiting for someone to say these important things and put marriage in the correct spiritual framework .Although, he does concentrate his advice from the male perspective and does not deal with the contributing female dysfunctional element in marriage to the same degree as he develops the male counterpart.
However, I wonder why good writers often opt to read their own books. Its almost always a mistake. I understand that they feel passionate about what they wrote and want to make sure that passion is communicated through the reading. What they don't get, is that narrators are trained and skilled artists with gifts different from a writer. I was so annoyed by the poor recording conditions (way too much hall in the sound) and by the swallowing and saliva management mannerisms of Gary Thomas. The content demands an intimate voice with authority and compassion. Mr. Thomas's voice is strident and it feels as if he is shouting across a canyon at us.
I am writing a review because I admire him so much as a writer with meaningful spiritual insight. His material is great, but his delivery of it in this recording is certainly not up to the quality of its substanative content....a pity.

First marriage book my wife and I have read separately. We normally read marriage books together and point fingers at one another in the process ("This section is for you" *as we point to our spouse) This book is different it's about you and your connection with Christ and how marriage can help you form a stronger bond with your wife and the Lord.

This should be required material before anyone gets married. I cannot believe how it has changed my perspective. When you don't know what to do in your relationship, get this book. It will show you why God built us to need a companion and how to truly make it work...

Be prepared to change the way you view living with your spouse. This book will challenge your true motives and intentions for being married, and your standard of living before God. I am thankful to God for Gary Thomas' obedience in writing this book. Our marriage "before God" is better than ever!

Feels geared a little more towards men than women.

Yes

No

The book feels a little disconnected to me. Some points really struck home (the better spouse I want is the one I need to be) Overall a good read. We used book for a Womens Bible Study and it is a little too light for a study.

I have known Gary Thomas for his great book "Every Body Matters", that I highly suggest as well, but I had never the chance to hear his voice.
He is an amazing writer, his books contains so many insights, they make me a better person helping me digging deeply in my relationship with God. I highly recommend this book and the audio recording.

The content is really good. It presents a whole new perspective on pursuing God as a couple instead of on parallel paths.

He is an excellent reader and truly a pleasure to listen to as a couple.

I listened a chapter of this book each day on the way to and from work. Gary Thomas is interesting and easy to follow. His book isn't full of happy fluff, but rather a practical examination of God's real intention for marriage. He asks us to fulfill our unique rolls in marriage without expectation, as God intended.