Review of Tim and Kathy Keller’s book, “The Meaning of Marriage”

“Nothing is as practical as good theory,” goes the old saying.

It’s a good endorsement for Tim and Kathy Keller’s book, The Meaning of Marriage. While there are many practical books on marriage, the Kellers lay out the “theory” behind marriage—to practical effect. In other words, they explain the biblical principles behind the Christian concept of marriage, providing a good foundation for the practices that make marriage work.

As a pastor of a successful church in Manhattan, Tim Keller is a good model to those of us who try to communicate a biblical worldview to a secular audience, or an audience heavily impacted by secularism. His New York Times bestseller, The Reason for God, is helpful for addressing some of the “defeater beliefs” that keep people from seriously considering Christianity. In a way, The Meaning of Marriage is helpful for addressing some of the “defeater beliefs” that keep people from considering the Christian view of marriage, gender roles, and sex.

I particularly found it useful to read Tim Keller’s reminder that marriage is a disciple-making tool where we mutually learn how to become the people God intended us to be in Christ. In that way, marriage is a safe setting in which partners can give and receive truth wrapped love. Kathy Keller’s courageous explanation of biblical headship and submission will be helpful to many couples as well.

There are a few glaring typos (pages 108, 219, and 229), which are annoying after shelling out what you have to pay for hardbound books these days. But we won’t put that blame at the feet of the Kellers. Anyone wanting a richer Christian marriage, and anyone wanting to more effectively communicate the Christian convictions about marriage, should get a copy of this book.