I have to facilitate a discussion on conflict resolution for a group I'm a part of (have no idea why as that is definitely not my background or area of expertise). Anyway, I needed to quickly find some stuff to talk about and came across this book. It does a great job, in only 100 pages or so, of laying out reasons why we argue, why arguing without resolution is unhealthy for marriages, and provides a plan for dealing with conflict. It echoes some of the other information I've found as I've been frantically attempting to pack my brain with enough details to speak 'knowledgeably' about this topic. Solutions/steps Mr. Chapman mentions like empathetic listening, re-stating what you've heard until the other person agrees that you have understood his/her viewpoint, asking clarifying questions and so on all seem to be common 'you need to do these things if you really want to resolve conflicts' across the information I've been reading.
I really liked the idea of rating an issue - on a scale of 1-10, how important is this issue to you. I think that can help you/your spouse see whether you are truly passionate about something or whether you really could just let it go. He also doesn't insist that every conflict has to be resolved through compromise - though that is presented as one of the resolution methods. (I liked his suggestion of calling it "meeting in the middle" as opposed to compromising, so that you focus on what you've gained, as opposed to what you had to give up something.)
I think every marriage can benefit from the ideas presented in this book - I know I'm planning to put them into practice in mine. Also, although the book is Christian-based (and I am as well), that doesn't detract from it at all. I think the ideas presented would work well for Christians and non-Christians, as the solutions presented don't require that one be a Christian to implement them.