Single, Dating, Engaged, Married

By: Ben Stuart

Narrated by: Michael Lenz

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

Navigating the four critical seasons of relationship

The vast majority of young people will still pass through the key phases of singleness, dating, engagement, and marriage in their twenties. Yet they are delaying marriage longer than any generation in human history. Why?

For the first time in history, the average age for an American woman having her first child, 26, is younger than the average age of her first marriage, 27. More children than ever are growing up in fatherless homes, despite the overwhelming evidence that in every measurable way this is bad for the child. The Center for Disease Control also recently reported a dramatic rise in sexually transmitted disease nationwide. In Rhode Island alone, since the onset of online dating, reported cases of Syphilis has risen 79%, and HIV has increased by 33%. Though many young people can avoid early pregnancy and STDs, most cannot dodge the depression and feelings of isolation that characterize this modern generation. Studies show a dramatic rise in self-reported loneliness among the young. All of our technological connectivity has not made us feel more connected. In many ways, the very screens that are meant to link us to others have become shields blocking us from the deep intimacy we crave. Many have discovered that where there is a lack of intimacy, addiction often rises to take its place. How can a young person navigate such troubled waters? Is there hope out there?

Like a sailor on turbulent seas, we need to look up and see the North Star: the fixed points in the sky whereby we might navigate the objective realities in life. We need the skill-set to know how to journey through life and how to select the right people to journey alongside. In this book we will chart a course through the four relational phases that the vast majority of human beings on the planet will pass through in their twenties: singleness, dating, engaged and married.

©2017 Ben Stuart (P)2017 Two Words Publishing, LLC

I highly recommend listening to this book

I absolutely loved this book! Such a wealth of great information on how to navigate through one of the most important decisions in our lives.

2 people found this helpful

Perfect for people of faith, looking for answers about relationships

This book is wonderful! I loved the insights and scriptural reference all throughout. It has given me a completely new perspective about how to date and what relationships should look like. I feel as though I have a firm understanding of why a good marriage is so important and how to go about searching for one.

I am not alone in feeling dazed and confused trying to navigate the modern world of dating. The ideas taught in this book have helped me to focus on what really matters and to tune out some of the unnecessary distractions when looking for a partner.

1 person found this helpful

Clarity and perspective!

not a step by step formula, but a presenting of guiding principles of wisdom, joy, and commands in scripture that inform each stage of life encompassed by this book.
Very biblically accurate, especially when admitting what his personal opinions are, verses what are principles in scripture. Very God centered rather than man centered. very deep cutting, while also enjoyable and even funny sometimes.

1 person found this helpful

The Best Book Ever that I have read!

This book is for all people! And I think everyone should read it or at least read the trailer….

1 person found this helpful

Navigational Principles

Dating is a confusing time. What are the rules? What freedom is there in how we pursue someone else? Ben Stuart offers principles to help his readers navigate the relationship waters of life. He does this by focusing each stage on our purpose, which is to glorify God. Much of what Ben says goes against the culture's picture of dating. This is not done in a way of redefining dating for the Christian, but in reminding the believer of how we are called to live; grounded in a relationship with our Creator first. The main audience be those in their mid to late 20's, but this book is a great resource for just about anyone.

1 person found this helpful

Solid Book

Great biblical reference related to modern day dating culture. Modernizes biblical scriptures to apply to today’s single/dating/engaged/married world. Solid guidelines to pursuing a quality and Godly relationship.

1 person found this helpful

Some great truths within!

Some great truths, but geared towards a younger crowd, not a thirty-something single. There was a lot I enjoyed, but a lot seemed overly simplified, and at times almost condescending. There was some great explanations of submission as it concerns married life though.

1 person found this helpful

eye opening

I just really enjoy how he broke down how godly marriage should be .

1 person found this helpful

Super amazing book

This book is both entertaining and captivating and encouraging to someone who is their single stage of life and want his bearings on what he needs to look for. This is an encouragement to not give up, but to be patient and to live in my singleness to the fullest enjoying all the benefits of being single loving God to the fullest. I’ve grown from this book and would recommend it to anyone in any four stages this book talks about.

1 person found this helpful

Makes You Think

A book that does a great job presenting a Godly perspective on the modern age of dating. Ben did a good job presenting a general, overarching theme to romantic relationships and connected them to the smaller details and practical examples well. Definitely recommend this to the young adults of the generation, but also to older couples, since it does address how the current culture affects both married and single relationships.

1 person found this helpful