Christian marriage, a comprehensive introduction

Why should we care about marriage? There is a lot of confusion about the purpose of marriage today—outside the church as well as within it. Written by a distinguished Christian sociologist, Christian Marriage is a theologically rich, biblically robust, and sociologically informed treatise on the nature and value of marriage. Drawing on recent social science research, empirical data, and social history, David J. Ayers paints a picture of marriage as an institution meant for human flourishing. Along the way, Ayers addresses such topics as:
Dating and selection of a spouse
The importance of premarital counseling
Sex and procreation
Mentoring and supporting unmarried believers
Divorce and remarriage
And current controversies surrounding premarital sex and same-sex marriage.
Though the book is academically and theologically informed, it is written with a pastoral heart. It seeks to provide a rich resource for pastors and counselors on a topic of supreme importance to a vibrant church and society.

Publisher: Lexham Press
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781683592549

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David J. Ayers is professor of sociology in the Alva J. Calderwood School of Arts and Letters at Grove City College, Pennsylvania. Until recently he also served as dean, and is currently interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. He holds his PhD in Sociology from New York University and has written two books, Experiencing Social Research (2001) and Investigating Social Problems (2004), as well as numerous articles and book chapters. He has taught courses on marriage and family for about thirty years.

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“David Ayers has done the church a favor by writing this book. Hundreds of footnotes quoting and using various confessional documents, modern research, scholars in social psychology and family practice, and recognized theologians from church history are very impressive. He delves into issues the church needs to be discussing, and you will find his insights helpful and challenging. It is a fascinating book, and I highly recommend it.” Jerry O’Neill, president and professor of pastoral theology, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Pittsburgh, PA)