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The Meaning of Marriage Study Guide: A Vision for Married and Single People
Modern culture would have you believe that everyone has a soul mate; that romance is the most important part of a successful marriage; that marriage does not mean 'til death do us part, but merely for as long as my needs are being met; and that when serious differences arise, divorce is the best solution.
According to the Bible, all of these modern-day assumptions miss what marriage is all about. In The Meaning of Marriage a six-session video-based Bible study Timothy Keller, along with Kathy, his wife of forty years, draws a profound portrait of marriage from the pages of Scripture that neither idealizes nor rejects the institution but points us back to the relationship between God and man. The result is a vision for marriage that is refreshingly frank and unsentimental, yet hopeful and beautiful. This six-session video Bible study is for anyone from singles to couples considering marriage to those who have been married recently or for a long time.
The six sessions are:
The Secret of Marriage The Essence of Marriage The Mission of Marriage Embracing the Other Singleness and Marriage Sex and Marriage
"
According to the Bible, all of these modern-day assumptions miss what marriage is all about. In The Meaning of Marriage a six-session video-based Bible study Timothy Keller, along with Kathy, his wife of forty years, draws a profound portrait of marriage from the pages of Scripture that neither idealizes nor rejects the institution but points us back to the relationship between God and man. The result is a vision for marriage that is refreshingly frank and unsentimental, yet hopeful and beautiful. This six-session video Bible study is for anyone from singles to couples considering marriage to those who have been married recently or for a long time.
The six sessions are:
The Secret of Marriage The Essence of Marriage The Mission of Marriage Embracing the Other Singleness and Marriage Sex and Marriage
"
Audiobook
First published August 3, 2015
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About the author
Timothy J. Keller
448 books5,775 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Timothy Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For over twenty years he has led a diverse congregation of young professionals that has grown to a weekly attendance of over 5,000.
He was also Chairman of Redeemer City to City, which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for faith in an urban culture. In over ten years they have helped to launch over 250 churches in 48 cities. More recently, Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 15 languages.
Christianity Today has said, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”
Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.
Timothy Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For over twenty years he has led a diverse congregation of young professionals that has grown to a weekly attendance of over 5,000.
He was also Chairman of Redeemer City to City, which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for faith in an urban culture. In over ten years they have helped to launch over 250 churches in 48 cities. More recently, Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 15 languages.
Christianity Today has said, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”
Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 9, 2023
What a wonderful reminder that marriage is something that is biblical first. Not something we use to fulfill ourselves, although it can be fulfilling. Not something we enter into to get someone to meet all of our expectations of happiness. But something we enter into with the intent to glorify a God who himself sacrificed everything for us. This book celebrates both marriage and singleness as whole and complete for our lives. Our culture has marriage all wrong. Keller puts it back into its rightful place for us to understand with absolute clarity —helping us to be better spouses and people!!
January 13, 2020
I believe this meant to be listened to in conjunction with the book and is not meant to replace the book
December 10, 2025
Really enjoyed this short overview of “The Meaning of Marriage” and how there was a discussion between couples from various backgrounds and experiences. Not only has my appreciation of love really grown after this book, but my love and affection for my wife has significantly increased after reading this! I was very helped by this and excited to read the full version soon! This is a MUST read unless you read the full version already lol but even if it’s still a cool insight.
June 20, 2023
I would have preferred an actual audio of the book so I don't have time to read physical books anymore.
This audio study guide was not that fascinating to me. I didn't really learn anything new.
It was interesting how they had a discussion with people with different situations (single, married & Christian, married & non-believers).
This audio study guide was not that fascinating to me. I didn't really learn anything new.
It was interesting how they had a discussion with people with different situations (single, married & Christian, married & non-believers).
April 17, 2025
Didn’t realize I grabbed the audio study instead of the actual book but these were some nice conversations. There were some good nuggets in there. Nothing too crazy revolutionary to me but maybe to others. I appreciated what the participants had to say.
January 25, 2020
My library had the audio companion to this book/study guide. The discussion oriented style is not my favorite format.
August 6, 2020
I will read the actual book as well, but the conversation here is one that should be happening more within the Christian church.
December 6, 2023
Very insightful from different viewpoints of unbelievers and Christians
November 17, 2025
Not a great study but heard the book is way better
January 12, 2026
Excellent, marriage book
September 14, 2016
The subject of marriage is approached in a thoughtful and balanced way in this excellent book. Tim Keller is well qualified to speak on the topic as the founder pastor of Manhattan's Redeemer Presbyterian Church since 1989, ministering to a predominantly single young urban professional congregation (now in the thousands), and as partner to Kathy for over 37 years. Many contemporary objections to the idea of the commitment of marriage as being unnecessary or "spoiling" a mutually agreeable cohabitation arrangement are sensitively yet thoroughly evaluated and the Western obsession of romantic love rightly challenged, yet the proper place of romance and affection emphasised. Notoriously difficult passages from the Bible such as Paul's teaching on marriage are analysed and clear guidelines given for both married couples and single people. Many commonly-held myths about marriage and dating are debunked and a clear path ahead signalled that dispels guilt and confusion. Tim and Kathy's profoundly wise and mature counsel is appropriately supported with powerful (and at times entertaining) accounts of their own personal experience in marriage and some of Tim's extensive experience in counselling on this topic. They also draw on a wide range of sources to support their argument, all fully referenced for the reader to follow on if they desire. This is the best book I have ever read on marriage and relationships.
March 17, 2016
Read this book in our small group. Loved the conversation is generated and made me sad that I hadn't had the knowledge when I was a teenager.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews