When He Doesn't Believe: Help and Encouragement for Women Who Feel Alone in Their Faith

by Nancy Kennedy

You Can Thrive–Not Just Survive–in An Unequally Yoked Marriage

Marriage is challenging, even under the best of circumstances. But for those of us whose husbands don’t believe or are not growing spiritually, marriage brings difficulties unlike those faced by other women of faith.

If you love a man who is not committed to Christ, you may feel frustrated, guilty, or anxious; discouraged and lonely. You likely worry about how your husband’s beliefs–or lack of them–will affect your children. Perhaps you, like so many women, have tried to “help” your husband find or deepen his relationship with God–only to find that you have, unbelievably, pushed him farther away. You may be wondering, “What do I do now?” Or, worse, you may have lost all hope. God is still in control.

Speaking from experience, Nancy Kennedy offers biblical truth, practical help, and comforting insight from women who have walked in your shoes–and who have come to better trust God and more fully understand what to do (and what not to do) When He Doesn’t Believe.

Genres: Marriage, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2001

Reviews

[J.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't find many books on this subject out there. Most sources lean more towards separation or divorce, quickly placing perceived "happiness" over holiness and sacrificing both. While there were a few things I did disagree with, they were minor. The subject was addressed beautifully and most concerns were addressed. I really appreciated the good doctrine and the author's willingness for honesty and transparency.

[Charity Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great, practical advice. I have walked this road and I agree with most of what she said and would give this to anyone walking this alone. You can even apply this book to your spouse is a believer but currently is mad at God and out of church.

[Amanda Gilles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Parts of this book were helpful-especially in getting married to a non-Catholic in the next 7 months and having the Catholic Church basically frown at me. However other portions were a bit much and I didn't quite agree with them.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was like she was writing about me! Every reaction/action/emotion that I have gone through over the past 5 years. Gave me new perspective and reassured me that I'm on the right path right now.

[Caitlin Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical encouragement for believing women living with an unbelieving husband. Her words are filled with honesty, grace, exhortation and hope from her personal experiences.

[Lori Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an inspiring book

This book is awesome. With the testimonies, stories, and anecdotes - I am not alone in my struggle. Great advice and heart processes to put into action.

[Amie]

I can't rate this book, because whilst it may be well-written & helpful to some, my own theological views are vastly different. I made it nearly half way through before I put it down, because the theological position she is coming from is so vastly different (and opposite) to mine that it was frustrating to me rather than helpful. I am in the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition, and an egalitarian on matters of marriage and women in ministry; the author is not. That doesn't make either of us 'right' or 'wrong'-- it just means this book is not a good fit for me.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was awesome. I would recommend it to any Christian married to a non-believing husband. It helped me to relax and enjoy my marriage without constantly trying to convert him. It is my responsibility to set a good example for him, but not to convert him. Only God converts. In his own time. Which is something else that it thought me. To pray and be still.

[Debby Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually rated this book as I was reading it because it was excellent from the start. Thinking about presenting this as a small group study... Kennedy touches on every aspect of what it's like to live in this situation. I found myself giggling about how much I can relate to her thoughts, actions, bargaining prayers, etc. Extremely comforting read. Loved it.

[Vikki SanSouci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful on changing the way I think about and treat my husband

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great encouragement! Not a checklist, but information.