Marriage

by Spencer W. Kimball

Spencer W. Kimball was truly a man of God and is able to give advice on how 2 people should enter into a marriage and how to avoid divorce. Even though family and friends are still a part of everyone's lives, marriage is and should be a contract between 2 people with those 2 people working out their problems together with respect and understanding for each other.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Marriage, Lds, Self Help, Lds Non Fiction, Church

Hardcover

First published December 31, 1978

About the author

Born on March 28, 1895, in Salt Lake City, Spencer W. Kimball grew up in Thatcher, Arizona. After completing a mission and marrying Camilla Eyring, he settled in Safford, Arizona, to raise his family and run an insurance business. Years of Church and community leadership preceded his calling as an Apostle in 1943. Overcoming severe health problems, he became Church President on December 30, 1973, at the age of 78. He led the Church with spiritual power and energetic determination during a period of dramatic vitality and growth. His administration produced significant advances in doctrinal understanding, member unity, and gospel expansion worldwide. In the 12 years of his presidency, the number of operating temples doubled, the number of missionaries increased by 50 percent, and the priesthood was extended to all worthy male members. He died in Salt Lake City on November 5, 1985.

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid advice overall with just a few spots that seem a rather dated. Short, quick read worth thinking about.

[Lora]

I feel funny giving a rating to a nonfiction religious book written by a prophet of God, so I opted not to. Still, I wanted to add this one since I finished it today. The book is a combination of two talks-- one written to a couple preparing to be married the next day and the other a discourse on marriage and divorce. Lots of good food for thought. I love how Pres. Kimball is very straightforward about issues regarding marriage, children, relationships, careers, and such. I'm pretty sure plenty of people would get up in arms about some of his teachings in the book because of that straightforward approach, but I found it kind of refreshing. Beating around the bush takes so much work.

One funny part that has made me chuckle ever since was his counsel for newly married couples to avoid moving in with either set of parents for the sake of economizing. After sharing that many marriages have been broken up by well-intentioned relatives, he then remarked that it would be much wiser for the new couple to get their own humble place... even if that meant living in a TENT!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great little book with 2 essays written by President Spencer W. Kimball. He very bluntly writes about the do's and don'ts of marriage and I think we would all do well with the reminders in this book. One essay is specifically for a young couple who will be marrying the next day, I believe. I loved how he taught that during the depression of the 1930's there was a definite drop in divorce and he talked about how "adversity can cement relationships that prosperity can destroy." Facing challenges together definitely can help our relationships to grow stronger - if we do it the right way - and President Kimball has some great tips on how to do it!

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little book. The advice was great. However I was disapointed that it was the same as a story in "Faith Proceeds the Miracle". I was just so excited to read something new and it wasn't.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband gave this to me before we were married (before his mission actually!). We read it together and loved it.

[Jennifer]

I think every person should get a copy of this book at their wedding, and then read it every year after...great advice!

[James P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book that every couple should read together.

[Dana Stemig · Rating 5 out of 5]

The advice in this book was very helpfully as a newlywed 35 years ago.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice little book to be able to get and read before my upcoming marriage as it focuses on two different sections that are completely intertwined. As a result the reader can pick-up the book to read all the way through or just choose to read one section at a time than the other whenever they feel ready to tackle it.

The first section of the book is a speech that was given by Brother Kimball to a young couple whose names can most definitely be exchanged for the names of the new couple who are preparing to marry so that way the section is more personalized. As a result the young couple will be given plenty of information that is relevant to their upcoming life as a couple whether it is about how to forgive each other during fights, to keep family issues intimate, how to work in finances, the making of a family and so much more. Although some of the information is most definitely outdated for the more modern families the information can still be used while even some of the "outdated" suggestions make sense and should be considered by the young couple, especially if they have the means or time for those extras.

The second part of the book is based upon marriage and divorce while the president explores the different reasons that may lead to divorce, why a couple should persevere in their relationships, the blessings of marriage and the especial need for a temple wedding for members of the Church.

All in all these two sections make for a great introduction and advice help for those starting on the path of companionship with each other. As a result I would recommend it to married couples of any age and length for either as a starter to their union or even as a refresher for those who have been together no matter how short or long their time together.

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encontre este libro en el DI de Sandy. Una verdadera joya. Tiene dos ensayos dentro: (1) Juan y Maria inician su vida juntos y (2)Matrimonio y Divorcio. El primero es una lista de consejos a modo de entrevista previa al matrimonio supiendo un caso basico. El segundo es un discurso sobre un matrimonio exitoso y las razones de los divorcios en miembros de la Iglesia. Se lee rapido y lo disfrute muchisimo porque se aprende a cada linea. Estoy tan contento de haber dado con esta copia de finales de los 70

[Paul Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is out of print and hard to find. It has wonderful council for those who are married or about to be married. Suitable for young adults before they start dating, to marry. I am glad I was encouraged to read this book, it validated and re-enforced many existing attributes of my own marriage. This s a very quick read, 50 pages, but well worth having in your home.

[GRANT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, solid advice except for the line about discouraging marriage from different racial backgrounds. His point was to seek someone to marry from a similar background. "Race" is an artificial construct of that.

[Reed Wolfley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just his thoughts on marriage. No wonder why the book isn’t being published anymore. Did enjoy how important the family and marriage is to him.

[Jennavier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful, although it is a product of it's time.