Real Marriage

RealMarriageDriscoll

Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together is a non-fiction book co-authored by Mark Driscoll, the former pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, and his wife, Grace Driscoll. Published in January 2012, the book covers various aspects of marriage according to the Driscolls, including sexuality, friendship, and mutual responsibilities within the context of a Christian marriage. The book generated significant media attention and controversy, particularly within evangelical Christian circles, due to its frank discussions on sexual practices and its conservative theological stance on gender roles and marriage.

Content Overview

Real Marriage is divided into three main sections: "Marriage," "Sex," and "The Last Day." The first section, "Marriage," explores the foundational aspects of marriage from the Driscolls' perspective, emphasizing the importance of friendship between spouses as the cornerstone of a healthy marriage. The second section, "Sex," addresses various sexual issues within marriage, advocating for a free, yet biblically guided, expression of sexuality between married partners. The final section, "The Last Day," discusses the legacy that couples leave behind, focusing on the long-term impact of a marriage well-lived.

Throughout the book, the Driscolls share personal anecdotes from their own marriage, aiming to offer candid advice and insights to Christian couples. They discuss challenges they have faced, including past sexual abuse, and how they have worked through these issues within the framework of their faith.

Reception

The reception of Real Marriage was mixed. Supporters praised the book for its openness and practical advice, appreciating the Driscolls' willingness to tackle topics often considered taboo in Christian discourse. However, critics accused the book of promoting harmful gender stereotypes and an overly prescriptive view of sexuality. Some readers and theologians found the Driscolls' interpretations of biblical texts on marriage and sexuality to be controversial or unorthodox.

Controversies

One of the most contentious aspects of Real Marriage was its discussion of sexual practices within marriage. The Driscolls argue that certain activities are permissible as long as they are consensual and occur within the confines of a heterosexual marriage. This stance sparked debate among evangelical Christians, with some arguing that it strayed from traditional Christian teachings on sexuality.

Additionally, the book's promotion and marketing strategies came under scrutiny. Reports surfaced that Mars Hill Church had used church funds to purchase large quantities of the book, thereby inflating its sales figures and securing a spot on the New York Times Best Seller list. This led to further criticism and controversy surrounding the book and its authors.

Legacy

Despite the controversies, Real Marriage has had a lasting impact on discussions about marriage and sexuality within evangelical Christianity. It remains a frequently cited work in debates over Christian teachings on marriage, and its frank discussion of sex in marriage has opened the door for more open conversations on the topic within some Christian communities.

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