Book Reviews: Strengthening Your Marriage, Marriage and Family in the Biblical World, Class 804 Assi

Strengthening Your Marriage

Mack, Wayne. 1999. Strengthening your marriage. 2nd ed. Phillipsburg: P and R Publishing Company. ISBN: 0875523854.

1. The book aims to strengthen marriage with biblical techniques and guidance, the author addresses the important role of husband and wife so that marriage can be strengthened according to God's will.

2. The strength of the text lies in the approach made on the importance of communication so that the couple can overcome difficulties and thus live a happy life together.

3. The weakness of the text is in the approach made about financial agreement, the text leaves something to be desired when it does not teach how the couple can overcome financial difficulties

4. In my ministry the book clarified the role of each one, and how the couple can have serious challenges when they do not live within their roles. In my personal life the book has helped me to strengthen my communication with my wife.

5. The book addresses the challenges of aging and what the biblical view on the dilemmas to be faced, the authors address the theme guiding how to age fully and well.

6. The strong point of the book is the approach on how sin led to man the condition of aging, because aging was not part of God's plan, which had eternal life as a promise for humanity.

7. The weak point of the book is the approach made about the myths of aging, the text could address more about sexuality in aging.

8. In my ministry the book taught me how to understand the role of the elderly in the church and how they can be useful in the church. In my personal life it has helped me to understand my own limitations and the care I should have.

9. The book discusses the beginning of family therapy, presents theories and techniques proposed by Murray Bowen, which help therapists understand their role in family therapy.

10. The strength of the text is the presentation of Bowen's technique known as Process Questions, where the therapist through questions helps clients think about their feelings and also helps control anxiety.

11. The weak point of the text is the approach about sexual dysfunction, the text could approach the subject in a deeper way and clarify more what the therapist's role is on the subject.

12. In my ministry the book helps to understand the importance of family counseling, so that everyone can grow and know themselves better.

In my personal life, it was very important, because it helped me to strengthen my role in my own family relationship.4 book

Campbell, Ken M., ed. 2003. Marriage and family in the biblical world. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 0830827374.

The book addresses how the great imperatives of their cultures and societies understood the function of family and marriage, it also addresses the family structure in the new will with the aim of strengthening the understanding of family and the challenges they face today.

The strength of the text lies in the approach of how ancient Israel understood marriage and family, as a group with hierarchy, and the union between relatives, which makes one understand the biblical behavior taught in the old as in the new testament.

The weakness of the text is in the approach of the new testament and family, the text does not go deep into family issues and the influences of other societies surrounding the new Gentile Christians.

For my ministry the book has strengthened the understanding of the origins of marriage and family foundations in Biblical cultures.

For my personal life the book helped to strengthen the relationships of how God always takes care of the family.