Marriage is for Keeps: Foundations for Christian Marriage: Wedding Edition with Marriage Rite and Readings

I bought this book when preparing for my wedding sometime in July 2006. It does not tell you what most modern couples would like to hear, but the truth, and nothing but the truth. It takes a great courage to write this kind of book. John Kippley did a wonderful job of reminding us of what Jesus, and subsequently the Roman catholic church teaches about marriage. It does not matter if you agree with him or not, the truth must be told. In addition to the moral guidance on what to do to keep your marriage away from divorce - the most hideous nightmare of today's marriages, you also have the rite of marriage and readings included in the book.

If you are getting married, Catholic or not, you need to read Marriage is For Keeps. Each chapter lays out a different topic about how to focus your marriage on the THREE of you - husband, wife and GOD in the center. Each section contains thought provoking questions for you and your mate and lets you ponder how you are going to grow as a person in your marriage. There are tough spots in this book! But marriage is tough too and that's what you are really planning for - a marriage, not a wedding. A must read, whether you are about to be married or already married and wanting to find that something missing. Especially interesting and tough is the chapter on the roles in the marriage. Kippley presents the notion of wives deferring to their husbands very thoughtfully, but also notes that it is counter cultural in the US of A. He remarks that men need to be worthy of the spiritual leadership of their family if they are truly going to lead. Hmm... lots of good stuff to ponder. Enjoy! It put my 10 year old marriage back on His track.

This is a good book about Catholic marriage, especially the NFP section. Read it! Give it to your friends.