Unity over Individuality

Tough Marriage: How to Make a Difficult Relationship Work, by Paul A. Mickey with William Proctor (Morrow, 1986, 224 pp.; $14.95, cloth).

Counselor and pastor Paul Mickey is convinced that only a “lean and mean” relationship can weather the trials of modem society.

Citing Scripture and using examples from his own counseling sessions, Mickey offers 12 commandments for a “tough marriage,” including such upbeat themes as “Speak the Truth in Love,” “Break Bread Together,” “Master New Tricks,” and “Kiss Mom and Dad Goodbye.”

Mickey does not mince words. He urges sacrifice over narcissism, calling today’s “l” orientation “the death knell of a marriage.” He identifies the “Messiah Complex” often found in persons of the cloth—and provides an apt solution. He lists the differences between passive living and “fallow time,” and says that even “fantasizing about divorce is an act of aggression.”

Marriage indeed is “tough.” But a strong, resilient relationship, idealized by both husband and wife, can negotiate hurdles and bypass the loosely considered, almost trendy idea of “commitment” for a more hard-hitting state of “obligation.”

Unity must triumph over individuality, Mickey instructs, for, according to Galatians 3:28, “There is neither male nor female … you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Book brief by Cathy Luchetti, coauthor of Woman of the West (Antelope Island)

Our Latest

Wicked or Misunderstood?

A conversation with Beth Moore about UnitedHealthcare shooting suspect Luigi Mangione and the nature of sin.

Why Armenian Christians Recall Noah’s Ark in December

The biblical account of the Flood resonates with a persecuted church born near Mount Ararat.

Review

The Virgin Birth Is More Than an Incredible Occurrence

We’re eager to ask whether it could have happened. We shouldn’t forget to ask what it means.

The Nine Days of Filipino Christmas

Some Protestants observe the Catholic tradition of Simbang Gabi, predawn services in the days leading up to Christmas.

The Bulletin

Neighborhood Threat

The Bulletin talks about Christians in Syria, Bible education, and the “bad guys” of NYC.

Join CT for a Live Book Awards Event

A conversation with Russell Moore, Book of the Year winner Gavin Ortlund, and Award of Merit winner Brad East.

Excerpt

There’s No Such Thing as a ‘Proper’ Christmas Carol

As we learn from the surprising journeys of several holiday classics, the term defies easy definition.

Advent Calls Us Out of Our Despair

Sitting in the dark helps us truly appreciate the light.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube