Living a Covenant Marriage

by Douglas E. Brinley, Daniel K. Judd (Editor)

In 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley indicated that his greatest concern was the disintegration of marriages and families worldwide. This book was created to address such problems and to provide some perspective and suggestions for LDS couples to "divorce-proof" as well as enrich their marriages. Elder Bruce C. Hafen, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, begins the volume with an excellent article adapted from his conference address on covenant (verses contract) marriages. Each of the remaining contributors to this volume is either a professional educator or a marriage counselor in private practice with extensive experiences in working with Latter-day Saint couples. This authoritative and insightful book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to strengthen his or her marriage relationship.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Lds, Marriage, Relationships, Church, Reference

321 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Hilary Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I really liked this book! The chapters are written by different people and are on different aspects of marriage. Some chapters were better and more applicable to me than others. The chapters that spoke to me, however, REALLY spoke to me! There was so much good advice and nuggets of information. I'll just share one thing here: I always knew that marriage was a three-way relationship between husband, wife, and God; but I'd never thought of it in terms of actual covenants. In civil weddings, they husband and wife write vows to say to each other as a covenant to each other. In a temple marriage, however, the husband and wife each make covenants with Heavenly Father. Just one of those things that I know but that I'd never really thought about in those terms before. Great book to help you feel closer to your spouse (and to know how to feel closer)!

[Summer]

I'm not sure how to rate this book. I found some of the advice and ideas in it helpful, but I also found some of the statements misleading. Overall, I'm glad that I read it, and I think I understood where the authors were coming from with their advice and opinions. I wish their had been more chapters written by women. Also, I disagree with some of the dismissive attitudes towards marriage counseling and psychology.

[Tanis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erich and I read this book together when we were newlyweds. Recently, I had a very strong feeling that I should read it again, and I'm so glad I did. It was so refreshing to read and to know that Heavenly Father cares about my marriage and the success of our family. I would say that I have a fantastic relationship with my husband, but there is always room for improvement. Reading this book helped me to see that I can make changes for the better in my marriage, but they have to come from within me. It's about taking every teaching of the gospel and applying it to marriage, and it's about taking my *many* imperfections to the Lord and humbly asking for forgiveness. I do try to do better each day - it was so nice to remember why it is important to try so hard. That the plan of salvation is about families being together forever, and families start with a husband and wife. Amazing book!!!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so loving this book. I think anyone who has been married for one year or more should read this book. I'm really understanding so much more about the doctrine of eternal marriage and the importace of it. It is a compilation on marriage from several different excellent authors, so you can kind of select what topic you want to study about. It talks about how to stay strong in the relationship even with many differences that come along in marriage. I've learned many things that one would have thought I'd have picked up long ago, but things that I can do to help strengthen the marriage relationship even more.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chapters in the book are written by different authors. I liked some chapters better than others.

***** I would give 4-5 stars to my top three favorite chapters:

5) Keeping Marital Love Alive
6) Ministering in Marriage
9) Resolving Marital Differences

There are some gems found throughout the book. I had fun highlighting and putting stars next to the things that were most applicable to me. The book inspired me to be a better spouse. I plan on sharing the things that stood out to me the most with my husband so that we can continue strengthening our marriage together.

[Melissa Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We all have feelings, someone makes us sad, mad, embarassed, but how we choose to react to those feelings, our emotions, is what can create a good or bad situation."

This book helped me analyze myself in how I react to life and the people in it. I was really sceptical at first, but it was the type of "counseling" I needed in my life right now in not only dealing with how to make myself better in my marriage, but in understanding other situations with family around me.

[Kellen Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives a fantastic perspective developed from a lot of experience from the contributors. From their years of working in the field of counseling and their mesh with the gospel they give powerful suggestions on how to have a happier marriage. This book however wouldn't only benefit members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but every marriage. It really will benefit any relationship because it forces you into your spouses shoes and that is eye opening throughout the book.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to read books, articles, and essays that will improve upon what I consider is an already succesful marriage. I know there is always room for improvement in everything. I minored in Marriage and Family Studies in college and have considered becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist so I love books in this category.

[Angee · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were parts of this book I loved; chapters that I felt spoke just to me. Then, there were other parts that had no application so I found the chapters boring. I will admit that the authors are very knowledgable though, which made for some interesting info. It was a good book overall and one I would recommend to any married couple.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning chapters make the book seem like it was telling you things you already knew... however, towards the end, there were wonderful concepts I hadn't thought of before. It was well worth it to read all of it, and it is great to make sure that things are still in check (or hopefully really helpful to others who may need more help).

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is by far one of my favorites. I recommend it to anyone who is married, has been married, wants to get married, or knows anyone that is married (so yea..that should cover everyone!) This book clearly defines the difference between just being married and living a COVENANT marriage. I absolutely loved it and should probably read it once a year to remember what marriage is about.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really am enjoying this book. This has wonderful insights on having a successful Marriage. It's helping me and my spouse become better and realize some of the selfish detrimental things we are doing to each other.

[Franziska · Rating 2 out of 5]

Geeze, I sure wish my mission president would have given me a better present than this book for our wedding. the book wasn't bad, but I still found it kind of boring, repetitive and mainly a little cliche.

[Tiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there was some really good stuff in here, I felt like the title was misleading. "Practical advice"--not so much. Lots of good theoretical and doctrinal stuff that was interesting, but I was hoping for more day-to-day tips.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for anyone to read who wants to "freshen-up" their eternal marriage (that we so often take for granted...right ladies??). This book actually has a great section on marital intimacy that was a real eye-opener with great information. I thought it was over-all a great book.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things got busy and I'm returning this one only 2/3rds read, but I have to say of all the marriage books I've read in the last few years, this is one of the best, though not every chapter, coming from different authors, is fabulous.

[Marilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and found the counsel given to be so important. I was lucky to have Daniel Judd as a professor in college and know how strong his understanding is on the doctrine. Great read for all who are married no matter how long.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has great advice. There is a lot of information in it as well. He used a lot of quotes from prophets. I would only read it if I was married though.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was very inspirational.

[Tosha · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book that helped remind me of what I should be doing within my marriage to help it progress

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for married couples to read together. We got this as a wedding present and has helped us maintain a good and open relationship.

[Bridget]

Have this book

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has good advice

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the essays are better than others. Definitely worthwhile overall.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far so good.

[Amy Allred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to any and all couples. If you relationship is strong or rocky, this book has great suggestions on how to build a stronger marriage and avoid problems later on. Loved it!

[Tiffani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book by far on Marriage. It has some excellent views on how to work through common struggles in every marriage relationship.

[Stanley Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brinley has once again put together a great chapter books with lots of practical information

[Joan Bardsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book...some practical advise that we can all use. Nice to read from a variety of professionals in one book, rather than just one opinion.

[Lindsay Weston]

This book was fantastic. I read this for a class in college also and loved it. I should probably go back and read it again. Marriage is something you should never stop working on.