"The Marriage Builder: A Blueprint for Couples and Counselors" by: Dr. Larry Crabb

Age: 17+

Description: Bestselling author Larry Crabb cuts to the heart of the biblical view of marriage: the "one-flesh" relationship. He argues convincingly that the deepest needs of human personality--security and significance--ultimately cannot be satisfied by a marriage partner. We need to turn to the Lord, rather than our spouse, to satisfy our needs. This frees both partners for "soul oneness," a commitment to minister to our spouse's needs rather than manipulating them to meet our own needs. With "soul oneness" comes renewed "body oneness," where couples enjoy sexual pleasure as an expression and outgrowth of a personal relationship.

The Marriage Builder also identifies three building blocks essential to constructing marriage: the grace of God, true marriage commitment, and acceptance of one's mate. Discussion questions are included to aid couples who want to dig into it and apply the principles to their own lives and marriages. The Marriage Builder is for anyone who longs to transform marriage from trial to triumph.

My Rating: 5/5

One of the main things I appreciated in this book was the great job Dr. Crabb did of discussing the rough sides of marriage that some other marital books neglect to dwell upon.

Also, I found the visual aids to be helpful in my understanding of the material.

Notable Quotes:
--From the 1992 edition--
"Only within the context of relationship can the deepest needs of human personality be met." (Page 20)

"We were not intended to function according to the Master's plan without first equipping ourselves with the Master's provisions." (Page 21)

"Our highest purpose as husbands or wives is to be an instrument for promoting our partners' spiritual and personal welfare." (Pages 65-66)

Things to be aware of in The Marriage Builder:

Language:
- 1 "stupid"

Romantic Content:
- Naturally, sex is discussed quite often.
- Childhood molestation is discussed. 


Links to the book: Amazon and Goodreads.


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