The subtitle says it all. This book is about “facing the complexities of commitment with the wisdom of God.” In our day marriage is something that’s fought over, argued about, and defended. In the midst of all the polemic battles, can we really hear the wisdom of God?

Timothy Keller brings four roles to the table in this book:

1. Theologian: Timothy Keller’s understanding of theology is deep. To be sure, there are elements of his Reformed theology that I would take issue with, but not here. His view of marriage is deeply rooted in biblical theology.
2. Pastor: Keller is the long-term founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. His years of pastoral work have given him an insight into human nature and the needs of both married and single people. This book is the product of his care for people’s relationships.
3. Communicator: Pastors have to communicate—it’s part of who we are. Keller excels at this, as his New York Times bestseller status indicates. This book is easy to read and to understand. Keller makes profound subjects comprehensible with good case studies and analogies.
4. Husband: Timothy’s wife, Kathy, co-wrote this book. This co-authorship adds to the balanced feel of the book, especially on the topic of gender roles.

The Meaning of Marriage is a good resource for pastors looking for counseling material and a great resource for anyone who wants to get beyond the cultural battles to understand the mystery of marriage with the wisdom of God.

—Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller, The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God (New York, NY: Dutton, 2011).