“Love is love” is a cornerstone LGBT argument. It is said that we ought to encourage love regardless of the biological and social context. At best, it’s a pointless argument. At its worst, it reinforces a dangerous abandonment of responsibility and sexual morality.
Read MoreWhat about divorce? Divorce is obviously mentioned throughout the Bible. God Himself even experienced a divorce. So while we strive to live according to our "'til death do I part" vows, are there other Biblical reasons (aside from death) for a marriage to end? Is it possible to terminate a marriage covenant without sinning in the process?
Read MoreDue to the amplifying (or exacerbating) effects of marriage, it's utterly important that you attempt to understand what's at play and what you're working with before you get married. Here are a handful of questions that I think everyone should find answers to before they enter into the lifelong marital commitment.
Read MoreHusbands and wives generally don't appreciate unsolicited marriage advice. Even when facing high-risk situations, most people don't want someone else telling them what to do — they just want affirmation. But sometimes affirmation isn't healthy, just, nor deserved. Sometimes people need to be held accountable and asked to change. Sometimes unrelenting truth is the most merciful thing one can offer. And that's a bitter pill to swallow.
Read MoreFear is a tool. We all use it, and we all have it used against us. While there is a healthy degree of fear, called caution, most fear-mongering is excessive and unhealthy. And nowhere are the devastating effects of our own fears more immediate and destructive than within our relationships.
Read MoreIn the New Testament (and, curiously, not really anywhere in the Old Testament), there are a few letters that seem to suggest that wives should be universally obedient to their husbands. Among the patriarchal obedience advocates, no epistle is more popular than 1 Peter. But what did Peter actually write?
Read MoreIf the goal is to produce humans with the best possible opportunities for success, we're not achieving our goal. We've tried the fire-and-brimstone approach, and we've tried the more "flexible" approach, but neither seems to make much of a difference. Which begs the question: What's missing?
Read MoreThey often didn't see it coming...
As it turns out, the signs of adultery are often glaringly obvious. Here are a few warning signs to consider when evaluating the strength of your marriage.
Read MoreI've talked to many couples facing seemingly doomed marriages. More often than not, the root cause isn't infidelity or addictions or crimes. Usually, the heart of a maritally disengaged spouse is summed up in a single statement: "I don't love my wife/husband anymore." It's tragic and heartbreaking. Mostly because it's based on a lie.
Read MoreYour wedding is literally only a few hours. It will come and go in a stressful blur. Weddings are irrational fantasies — people gussied up beyond their means, pretending to know how to waltz, eating cake they can't afford, wearing other people's tuxedos, and holding fake flowers. And, once the limo pulls away, you'll be left picking rice out of your hair and with a very real marriage.
Read MoreMarriages end with all sorts of excuses. The reality though is that marriages only end for ten reasons. If you've already read The Marriage Commandments, you know what those reasons are. You know the 10 principles you have to keep to keep your marriage strong. But most don't know. So, based somewhat on those 10 principles, here is a quick rundown of 10 ways you might be ruining your marriage.
Read MoreThroughout the Bible, we can see God's purposeful inclusion of women. When we are inclusive of women, we're acting in the character of God. At many of Scripture's most pivotal moments, and at many of the first expressions of our theology, God granted women the honor of being the forerunners and standard-bearers. Moreover, we often see God granting revelation to women first.
Read MoreIn Christianity, there are many traditions and taboos related to sexual activity. We have been taught that certain acts are inherently sinful. We've been taught that "Christian marriages" don't involve certain sexual expressions. "Good" men and women just don't do "that" ...
Read MoreIt’s tragically interesting that the only promise most couples seem to really care about is the pledge to sexual fidelity. We hinge almost everything on this portion of our vows...
Read MoreTo the husband with the awesome career who feels that his lone — albeit vast — financial contributions go unappreciated, you are not doing anything for your wife. To the housewife who is upset because her exhausting childrearing efforts are never acknowledged, you are not doing that for your husband. Stop trying to get credit and praise from your spouse for sacrifices that you are not making for your spouse. Before you get mad, hear me out...
Read MoreEveryone has it wrong. While liberals are rejoicing and conservatives are wailing, they've all misunderstood the issue. The Supreme Court's decision to forbid states from banning gay marriage (effectively legalizing same sex marriage throughout the United States) should not be praised — but not merely for the reasons espoused by the loudest opponents.
Read MoreAt Revive, my topic was "The Marriage Commandments: Theft and Pleasure." During this session, I spoke on one of the many themes within The Marriage Commandments: The necessity for spouses to be selfless in their marriages. Drawing on the first, eighth, and tenth commandments, we explored how elevating the pursuit of one's own pleasure above the interests of one's spouse creates a toxic dynamic within marriage.
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