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Covenant Hearts: Marriage and the Joy of Human Love
Many books claim to offer the secrets of a good marriage, but this book offers the absolute truth. Satan is ever striving to blur and contort the truth; modern society is experiencing a shifting toward a culture of divorce. In a way that no other book has, this book provides an eternal perspective about marriage. Noting that marriage can be the most sanctifying yet the m...more
Hardcover, 305 pages
Published
November 30th 2005
by Shadow Mountain
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This is a very good treatise on marriage; what marriage can and should be, how we've "lost the plot", how we can improve, and how marriage can ultimately enrich our lives, the lives of our children, and our society as a whole. The biggest complaint I've hear is that it is a slow read - I didn't find that to be true, but it does approach things from the academic side, so be forewarned (someone said it was like reading a lawyer, which I thought was pretty funny considering Bruce C. Hafen is a lawy...more
This is the book I read that prompted me to get married. Yes, really!
I had a pretty dismal Christmas that year. I felt an acute sense of lonliness for the first time in my life, so when January rolled around, I was determined that I would never let that happen again. But the hitch was this (yes, there was a hitch): I wasn't excited about getting married. I knew that I needed to desire marriage. It wasn't that I had any bad previous experience (I'd been single all my life), or came from a divorce...more
I had a pretty dismal Christmas that year. I felt an acute sense of lonliness for the first time in my life, so when January rolled around, I was determined that I would never let that happen again. But the hitch was this (yes, there was a hitch): I wasn't excited about getting married. I knew that I needed to desire marriage. It wasn't that I had any bad previous experience (I'd been single all my life), or came from a divorce...more
Nov 22, 2008
Mommywest
is currently reading it
Elder Hafen has a broad perspective of family relationships, particularly marriage, from his experience in family law, as a church leader, and as a husband and father. So far, I am absolutely loving this book! Especially in the light of the controversy surrounding Proposition 8, it is so good to read a well-documented book backed up by scripture that helps us understand the importance of marriage and its purposes.
A few points from the many in the book that I liked:
"The Victorian model treated women as DEPENDENT on their husbands. Today's liberationist model treats women as INDEPENDENT of their husbands and husbands independent of their wives. But the restored gospel teaches that husbands and wives are INTERDEPENDENT with each other. Equal. Partners."
"...This odd combination of sexual liberation has, with great irony, now liberated men - not only from a sexual conscience but also from the sense of family...more
"The Victorian model treated women as DEPENDENT on their husbands. Today's liberationist model treats women as INDEPENDENT of their husbands and husbands independent of their wives. But the restored gospel teaches that husbands and wives are INTERDEPENDENT with each other. Equal. Partners."
"...This odd combination of sexual liberation has, with great irony, now liberated men - not only from a sexual conscience but also from the sense of family...more
Someone gave this book to my husband and me for our wedding and I finally got around to reading it. This book was a wonderful, testimony strengthening defense of marriage in society today. It approached the topic from a number of different viewpoints, and explored the weakening of the family unit in our culture and the tragic effects it is having on our nation , particularly children.
One of the greatest parts of the book, for me, was the comparison to the "Love Story" of Adam and Eve and our mar...more
One of the greatest parts of the book, for me, was the comparison to the "Love Story" of Adam and Eve and our mar...more
What a beautiful book about the importance of marriage. Hafen emphasizes the difference between having a comfortable marriage and having a joyful marriage. Though not specifically a "how to" book, I picked up a lot of really great tips that I want to incorporate into my own marriage.
Some chapters are academic in nature, which make for slow reading, but overall the book is engaging and contains many real life stories. One thing I REALLY appreciated was Hafen's candid nature about the challenges t...more
Some chapters are academic in nature, which make for slow reading, but overall the book is engaging and contains many real life stories. One thing I REALLY appreciated was Hafen's candid nature about the challenges t...more
I think everyone should read this book! It was such a refreshing, positive, wonderful book on marriage and how to make your marriage a covenant marriage--working with the Lord.
Just a few quotes:
"Sometimes our dream of joyful marriage and family life is obscured by fog and dense clouds. The mists in Lehi's dream tell us that this obscurity is natural in this telestial world--there are even good reasons for the mixture of misery and joy these mists symbolize.
I testify that we can experience the...more
Just a few quotes:
"Sometimes our dream of joyful marriage and family life is obscured by fog and dense clouds. The mists in Lehi's dream tell us that this obscurity is natural in this telestial world--there are even good reasons for the mixture of misery and joy these mists symbolize.
I testify that we can experience the...more
Jun 08, 2011
Kendel Christensen
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone who wants to live a happier, more fulfilling life
Recommended to Kendel by:
My Mother
Shelves:
will-read-repeatedly
This was the perfect Sunday read and kept me enthralled for weeks. A must-read in my opinion. Brother Hafen has insights to life and marriage that are remarkably deep and complex... yet summarized and presented in very simple, natural way. Truly remarkable. I can't quote some of his more complex thoughts, but here are some of my favorite quotable parts of this book:
“A happy life isn't about getting what you want; it's about the attitude you develop toward whatever happens to you.”
(Bruce C. Hafen...more
“A happy life isn't about getting what you want; it's about the attitude you develop toward whatever happens to you.”
(Bruce C. Hafen...more
1 like · like · see review
I only read Part I of this book. One of my favorite parts is where Elder Hafen describes the two attitudes people can have about marriage. Are you a hireling or a true shepherd regarding your marriage? One of the reasons I didn't finish it was that I need maybe a LITTLE encouragement/reinforcement about how rewarding marriage can be--despite all its challenges--but by and large, reading a book that makes me want to have an eternal marriage is not necessary. I already want it!
A lot about the importance of Marriage and family and how modern society is leaning more towards self freedom over civic and family responsiblity, to the detriment of society. Also touches a little on how to strengthen your marriage or preparing for marriage.
Really got me thinking about gender roles and how ideal it is for children to have a mother and father in the home and if that is not possible at least a very strong mother or father figure in their lives. While I was reading this I came acr...more
Really got me thinking about gender roles and how ideal it is for children to have a mother and father in the home and if that is not possible at least a very strong mother or father figure in their lives. While I was reading this I came acr...more
Non-fiction. Church book. Not a "how-to" on marriage, but a "why" from a doctrinal and legal point of view.
Fantastic book. Every adult should read it. The only down-side is that it makes marriage sound too difficult to my liking, but still - VERY GOOD.
Favorite part - Pg. 66 We should let our companions learn from their experience without condemning them for it. And others - too many to quote!
Fantastic book. Every adult should read it. The only down-side is that it makes marriage sound too difficult to my liking, but still - VERY GOOD.
Favorite part - Pg. 66 We should let our companions learn from their experience without condemning them for it. And others - too many to quote!
"The promise of living together in love, both here and beyond time, is worth waiting for, worth trying and crying for, through all the days of life."
This book was a good refresher on why it's worth all the work we put into our marriages and families. It didn't blow me away, but it was interesting and informative. I would recommend it to anyone that wants a renewed perspective on the role of families for individuals and society for the here and hereafter.
This book was a good refresher on why it's worth all the work we put into our marriages and families. It didn't blow me away, but it was interesting and informative. I would recommend it to anyone that wants a renewed perspective on the role of families for individuals and society for the here and hereafter.
With marriage and family under attack, Elder Bruce Hafen unfolds the virtues of a covenant relationship and how important our familial ties are for our salvation and well being. A very in-depth look at the forces in our society that will tear us apart, and the aspects of living the Gospel that will save our marriages, families, and homes. A scary look at Satan's influence, but such a great message for Gospel living.
A life-altering, marriage-deepening look at relationships. Has solidified ideas about society and marriage for me, as well as bolstered my understanding of the history of divorce, what divorce does to children, family and society, and the difference between a covenant marriage and a contractual arrangement. Have read twice. Will read again and again.
I don't often give five full stars to books, but this one was fabulous. I loved the bold but loving approach to the topic of marriage and family in the view of the world vs. the view of the LDS Church. There were so many good points made in the book by Elder Hafen, adn I know it's changed my view of my marriage to my husband and inspired me to be a better wife and mother and to really take a stand to defend the family as described in the FAmily Proclamation. I highly recommend it. It's a great b...more
The beginning chapters and the ending chapters have some nice rhetorical discussions of the importance of marriage relative to society's overall well-being. The middle chapters are sort of counseling sessions on how to have/be a better marriage partner. While I didn't get into the stats related to the importance of marriage (stats can say anything) I thought the arguments were compelling.
This is one of those books that you need to own so that you can highlight it, make notes in it and read over and over again. This book does an excellent job of explaining the importance of the marriage relationship, not just personally but also in our society and why it is so important for marriages to succeed. Once your understand the underlying truth about marriage, you are better equipped to improve your own marriage.
The book was so informative and helpful. I definitely learned a lot about marriage and its importance in this book. It wasn't a quick page-turner, but it is a good read for those who are married! It is definitely good to think a bit more about how we can work in our marriages.
I started this and then it got buried so I kind of forgot about it. When I found it again, I was absorbed. It is very thoughtful and well-researched. Excellent book that made me want to try harder in my marriage and my faith.
I LOVED this book. It will remind you why marriage is so important. Which is refreshing since the loudness of today's society can easily drown out these quiet, yet powerful truths. All I can say is... READ IT!
I like Bruce Hafen's writing style, he was a lawyer so it kind of has a feel like D Todd Christofferson and Dallin Oaks. Great book on marriage, read it right after we got married.
Simply one of the best books I have ever read. If you want to know more about marriage, eternal marriage or simply becoming a better person this is an outstanding book to read.
Love this book- we give it to all of our friends getting married. Discusses much of the doctrine of marriage as well as the social and legal history. Also very uplifting.
This was a good book. It left me thinking of ways that I can improve in my own marriage, and has helped me recommit to giving 100% of myself. I also appreciated the way Hafen explains the importance of the family as a social unit and why it needs the support of the state. I've also been grappling mentally with the issue of gay marriage, and Hafen provided an argument that was helpful for me in reconciling my rational thought with my moral beliefs.
I think that reading this again in another 5 or 1...more
I think that reading this again in another 5 or 1...more
The best book on marriage that I've read. Hafen presents the subject in an informative and logical way. This should be required reading for all married couples after their first anniversary.
I finally finished this book! This was not a quick read for me, but an incredibly interesting one. I originally bought this book because the author mentions my grandparents in it and I enjoy books about protecting marriages and families. This book is a scholarly work about marriage in an LDS context of a covenant marriage (a contract between not only man and wife but God as well). It gives a lot of historical insights into what has happened in society to disintegrate traditional marriages and fa...more
I love brother Hafen's comparison of the parable of the good shepherd to how we should treat our marraige. I need to read this a second time.
A very good look at not only how marriage affects husband and wife, but of how marriage affects communities and society as a whole.
I think the thing I liked the best about this book was that it inspired me to try harder without making me feel condemned for how I am now.
I think every American should read this book especially the LDS population! It was a great insight to a busy bubbly world.
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Bruce C. Hafen has been a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy since 1996, having served recently as Area President of the Australia/New Zealand area. Earlier he was president of Ricks College, Dean of the BYU Law School, and the number two administrator (Provost) at BYU. Elder Hafen is known to Deseret Book readers for his frequent Ensign articles and his bestselling trilogy on the Atonement...more
More about Bruce C. Hafen...
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Apr 23, 2009 09:48am