"As a paradigm patterned after the chaste union of Mary and Joseph, spiritual marriage upheld Christian doctrine; as a spontaneous practice, however, it aroused the suspicion of the very church authorities who extolled its virtues. Through this union women could achieve a measure of spiritual and physical autonomy, which threatened not only their husbands' authority but also that of the clergy. Elliott shows how spiritual marriage could be manipulated by male-dominated institutions as well: it enabled early medieval kings to mask their unilateral repudiation of infertile wives, the church to establish the roots of a ritually pure priesthood, and the late medieval clergy to underline female submission to patriarchal authorities. Far from being a curiosity peripheral to the study of Christian sexuality, spiritual marriage emerges as far-reaching in its implications and long-lasting in its influences."--BOOK JACKET.

The author of "The Case for Christ" now presents thoughts on the spiritual aspects of marriage.

"An exposition of the the church's union with Christ through the biblical analogy of marriage"--

This practical handbook for couples seeking spiritual growth is based on the premise that life's core relationships are not only special, they are sacred. The text promotes nine essential steps to improve spiritual growth, including soul-soothing gestures, "spiritual retreats", and adding spice through celebrations and rituals.

Do you feel like your heart gets lost in the daily hustle? With this book by your side, you can clarify your intentions and develop supportive systems to feed those intentions. Practice, devotion, discipline, and creativity act as primary guideposts in each module through the year. Born from Carrie-Anne's original online Fierce Grace Collective, this book is filled with heartfelt writings, elegant exercises and inspiring stories to ignite the lives and hearts of women around the world.

"Born again Christians are more likely to go through a marital split than non-Christians." "Atheists and agnostics are less likely to divorce than Christians." The Barna Report, Oct.-Dec. 1999 You have been obedient to what God had commanded. You are "equally yoked." You are a Christian, and you married a Christian. So what happened to" Happily ever after"? "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12 There is an all-out assault on marriages in the Church, and believers are ignorant to the enemy's devices and fall victim to his scheme to steal, kill, and destroy. Spiritual Warfare in Marriage will explain how you can contend for you marriage...and WIN!

Mary Anne Oliver develops an alternate to 'celibate' religious practices, drawing from the experience of couples and diverse sources in the Christian tradition. This work explores the dynamics of conjugal love.

The Spirituality of Christian Marriage By: Rev. Fr. Cyril O. Apassa Ed.D. The Spirituality of Christian Marriage shows readers that they are called to respond to God’s call to holiness – and that holiness is not limited to the sanctuary. Those who have been cohabitating should endeavor to legitimize their union. This is a resource book for those preparing candidates for marriage.

“We all know that the perfect family does not exist, nor a perfect husband or wife”. (Pope Francis – Feb. 2014) In his thought provoking book, John Cogavin, sets out to demonstrate how every wife and husband, despite imperfections, can deepen and develop their relationship through their spirituality. Reflecting on personal, Christian and married spirituality the book goes on to delve into the timeless question: What is Love? It facilitates the couple as they journey together on their special path, exploring each other’s individual uniqueness as human and spiritual beings. Tracing the history and significance of marriage in society, the book unfolds the fundamentals of the commitment of love, involving the totality of each person. Showing how as a couple grow in friendship, fun and freedom they become what it is they wish to be in their own space, time and place. A place where each can be vulnerable, feel like they belong and in a communion of hearts surrender to the other in the intimacy of love. The Spirituality of Married Life; can give a once-in-a-life time opportunity to step back from the hectic pace of life, to reflect on your own spirituality from a holistic and married perspective. The book will help those preparing for marriage, others setting out on the journey and those couples seeking added spiritual richness within their relationships. John writes from his own life experience. He is married to Elaine and they have three adult sons. The book reflects their search together as a couple supporting each other in finding real meaning and purpose in their married life.