A great book on marriage

Last night Emma and I finished reading together Dave Harvey’s book on marriage, When Sinners Say “I Do”. This is an excellent book and has now become my go-to book on marriage, vaulting right to the top of the list. Why? Here are two reasons:

1. It is a radically gospel-centered book on marriage

Too many marriage books are just self-help tips warmed over. This book is different. It teaches us to live married lives from the gospel and for the gospel. You can hear the direction of the book even in the title – it’s about when sinners say ‘I do.’ Harvey skillfully, wisely, patiently examines the central place of the gospel of grace in our marriages. The book is deeply theological, but not in any kind of heady, abstract fashion. This theology is earthed in everyday experience.

2. It well-written, engaging, practical, and funny

Harvey writes with a humorous and down-to-earth style. The book reads well out loud (Emma and I took turns reading the book to each other). Harvey uses a lot of stories, some from his own marriage and some from other folks he knows. Each chapter was thought-provoking for us and some of the chapters got Emma and me talking on a significant level. Reading the book was well worth our investment of time.

I hope you will buy and read this book with your spouse.

Posted by Stephen Witmer on Jan 16, 08:29 AM