One Flesh, One Heart: Putting Celestial Love into Your Temple Marriage

by Carlfred Broderick

How to turn your temple marriage into an eternity of celestial love.

Genres: Lds, Marriage

Hardcover

First published June 1, 1986

About the author

Carlfred Bartholomew Broderick (April 7, 1932 - July 27, 1999) was a 20th-century psychologist and family therapist, a scholar of marriage and family relations at the University of Southern California, an author of several books, and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1932, and he died of cancer in 1999 in Cerritos, California at the age of 67.

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brief but excellent book about improving marriage relationships. The author is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who has extensive experience as a priesthood leader and is also a professional marriage and family therapist. This book has both good doctrine and practical wisdom. His perspective on improving marriage is both hopeful and eminently realistic. I appreciated the blending of the spiritual perspective on marriage with the plain and straightforward truth about some of the sobering and challenging realities of marriage relationships in the real world, dealing with real and very imperfect people. There are many true principles taught in this book, including many from the scriptures, but also good counsel given based on his personal experience and observations in marriage, as a priesthood leader, and in his profession.

Throughout the book he addresses topics such as: unity, fidelity, trust and trustworthiness, kindness, love, duty, marital happiness, sexual fulfillment (lightly and in an appropriate manner) while also emphasizing the sacredness of sexual intimacy in marriage, righteous influence vs unrighteous dominion, order, agency, putting one's spouse first, controlling your temper, personal responsibility, repentance, patience, listening, and empathy. There are also chapters about celebrating and negotiating the differences between husbands and wives, some good thoughts pertaining to divorce and remarriage, and an excellent chapter about the challenge of dealing with depression in marriage. He also talks about the divine help and learning that is available to us as one proceeds day by day and step by step in improving their marriage and themselves, striving to reach the truly celestial marriage relationships that we are striving for in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This book was a valuable addition to my personal education on marriage and family relationships. I will definitely be reading it again in the future both to refresh my memory and ponder more deeply the considerable wisdom packed in the pages of this little book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised to reread this and still feel how relavent the topics are including a chapter on depression.

[Alanna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Grandma gave this book to me when I got married and it is a wonderful discourse on how to make your marriage celestial. Broderick was a close family friend, and my Grandma was excited to share his wisdom with her grandchildren. I've since passed it on to my sisters to share (which was what my Grandma requested), but I can't wait until it comes back to me so I can read it again!

UPDATE: If I ever did get the book back from my sisters, I forgot to record it here! In any case, I finally bought my own copy and just finished reading it yet again. It's just as good as I remembered it being. I love the stories Broderick shares and his deep dive into scriptures. Everything in this book is just excellent.

While all the principles in this book are spot on, I *suspect* that if I had something I was struggling with, I would still need a therapist to help work through it. It's one thing to read a book and say, "Yes-- this is the way it should be done!" but I think it's really hard to implement that between two people (especially if there's clearly an issue you're both struggling with). Your spouse would have to read it and also be on board and those would be some difficult conversations. A well trained mediary would probably be helpful.

[Mikaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is out of print and hard to find. Luckily, I found one in a used book store and I read it once a year to help me keep my marriage and my attitude on track. I find that after a year, I have forgotten everything I've read and need to remind myself on how I should be.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this book were insightful and gave me some things to think about and change. Other parts I found boring and kept skipping over. Maybe when I discuss it with my husband after he finishes reading it I will appreciate more of it.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. I think it's out of print, but if you want to borrow it, I've got a copy.
Brilliant insights about marriage. I should reread it every year.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for my Marriage Preparation class at BYU. I am sure that Bret wishes that I would have paid more attention! :)

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this when I was first married. It is out of print, but is carried at most city Libraries.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my all-time favorite book about marriage. I just reread it last night for our May book club.