Newheiser's writing style is very accessible and clear. I'm tempted to use the first part of the book ("Part 1: Marriage") as a tool for pre-marital counseling.
The book is comprehensive. It's hard to imagine situations arising which have not been somehow
dealt with in this volume. As such it is a go-to reference for Bible-believing pastors and counselors.
Newheiser is also relentlessly biblical, and makes it clear when he's just offering an opinion as opposed to a clear biblical principle. He is very even-handed and gracious to those scholars who disagree with his interpretations of the texts. For instance, when it comes to the exception clause, he very faithfully represents and interacts with the arguments of those who see no exception at all.
The book is organized in two major sections broken into seven segments:
Part 1: Marriage
A. The Foundations of Marriage
B. Entering into Marriage
C. Having a Successful Marriage
D. Challenges in Marriage
Part 2: Divorce and Remarriage
A. The Foundations of Divorce and Remarriage
B. Divorce and Remarriage Controversies
C. Practical Questions
Each of the forty chapters are titled in the form of a question (for example, chapter 12 is entitled, "What are the responsibilities of a husband"). This format enables Newheiser to deal very concisely with the particular issue. In my opinion, the expectations raised by the chapter titles are fulfilled by the content.
Newheiser has made an outstanding and important contribution to the biblical counseling movement with this book. Five stars, highly recommended.
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