Marriage and Family Life

This book has been developed for easy application. To ensure a progressive flow, the book is organized on the principle of first things first. That is, the reader should begin as God did, with the creation of man, the expression of his purposes, and the foundation of relationships - marriage. This comprises Section 1 of this book.

Section 2 focuses directly on family life, especially parenting, beginning when the first child emerges on the scene. Family life in the western world has become increasingly complex, rife with potential pitfalls. These will be discussed in light of scriptural principles. Every family is uniquely constituted. Thus, the challenges that each family faces are equally unique.

In Section 3 special concerns that may be faced in family life are developed. This is followed with a bibliography and glossary of terms that will prove valuable for further research and information.

The final section is written with some trepidation. I will attempt to present some fairly complex information on counseling troubled families in a simplified form. Essentially, my hope is to provide the Christian and professional with a counseling model to assist in understanding, diagnosis and treatment of the symptoms of marital and family dysfunction at a beginning professional level. This is by no means a comprehensive approach, but a broad strokes application of therapeutic techniques and models that have been helpful in my counseling ministry. It is not a substitute for advanced clinical training.