This past year, my husband and I started a small group with two other couples from church, and decided to focus on marriage for our topic of study. We were kind of surprised at how difficult it was coming up with a relevant, interesting, book or dvd that answered questions honestly while not seeming outdated/hard to understand.
The book we originally started using, which shall remain nameless, grew boring after just two weeks, and we tossed it aside in frustration. Since then, we've been hoping to stumble across something more useful that will actually cover the struggles and universal problems wedded partners experience on a daily basis.
When the Real Marriage kit came up for review, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to see what else was out there.
This study comes from Pastor Mark Driscoll, and his wife Grace's, point of view. They discuss their own marriage in a conversational style, sitting next to each other on a couch in their church. Sharing personal stories, failures, and insights, they tackle numerous subjects including: friendship with your spouse, confessing pre-marital sexual sins, what is permissible sexually in marriage, having a "work" husband or wife, past abuse, etc.
While, our group hasn't had a chance to sit down and watch the dvd set together, I did spend time yesterday viewing various episodes-which are about 15 minutes each-to get a feel for what/how material would be presented.
I found it interesting, and liked that the Driscoll's seemed comfortable opening up about their own marriage, in the hopes of benefiting other couples who may be going through similar circumstances. They also cover topics that are often considered taboo in the Christian world, so I commend them for being willing to not shy away from the serious stuff.
I look forward to going through this set in more detail with our friends, and getting their take on things. I would caution using this with a large group, as the subjects covered make for deeper, more intimate, conversations that would be best handled in a smaller setting with those you feel comfortable around.
As a side note, this would be helpful for singles, those who are already engaged, and newly weds, looking to start an open line of communication with their spouse right off the bat.
I also suggest buying a copy of the actual full-length study book, as it's not included in the dvd set. Reading that would add a lot more depth to each of the discussion guides.
I received a complimentary copy of this dvd kit from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.
1 comment:
And for those of you that purchased this book, without knowing that it was a Christian book on the topic of marriage, I'm glad that you at least read it! Just know that the Driscoll's wrote this book with the intention of helping people.
Post a Comment