This book contributes to the study of religion and family by focusing not only on the potential beneficial effects of religion on marriage, but also the possible negative impacts of religion on marriage and family relationships. Through a textual analysis of Christian marriage advice manuals and individual and couple-focused interviews, it offers an examination of long-term Christian marriages and the influence of social context on religion's potentially beneficial and harmful effects on marriage and family.

Acknowledgements

1. Introducing Discourse and Religious Culture

2. Love

3. Sex and Childbearing

4. Blending Religious and Secular

5. Rituals

6. Religious Dissonance

7. Belonging

8. Reproducing Sacred Marriages

9. Conclusion

Appendix: Methodology

References

Index

David F. Mullins is Professor and Director of the Sociology Program at the University of Saint Francis, USA.