Marriage Studies

The following books are required reading in the course “Marriage Studies” taught by Roc Bottomly at Focus on the Family Institute.

Anderson, N. T. (2000). The bondage breaker. Eugene, OR: Harvest House.

Anderson, N. (1996). The steps to freedom in Christ. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light.

Burkett, L. (1989). The complete financial guide for young couples. Colorado Springs, CO: Victor.

Chapman, G. (1992). The five love languages. Chicago, IL: Northfield.

Dayton, H. (1996). Your money counts. Gainesville, GA: Crown Financial Ministries.

Dillow, L. & Pintus, L. (2002). Gift-wrapped by God. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook.

Eggerichs, E. (2004). Love and respect. Nashville, TN: Integrity.

Elliot, E. (1984). Passion and purity. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell.

Hunt, M. (1996). The financially confident woman. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman.

Nelson, T. (1998). The book of romance. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

Parrott, L., & Parrott, L. (1998). Getting ready for the wedding. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Parrott, L., & Parrott, L. (1995). Saving your marriage before it starts. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Penner, C., & Penner, J. (1994). Getting your sex life off to a great start. Dallas, TX: Word.

Piper, J. (1990). What’s the difference? Wheaton, IL: Crossway.

Seamands, D. A. (1981). Healing for damaged emotions. Wheaton, IL: Victor.

Smalley, G. & Trent, J. (1990). The two sides of love. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Stanley, S., Trathum, D., McCain, S., & Bryan, M. (1998). A lasting promise. San Francisco: Josey-Bass.

Swenson, R. (1992). Margin. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

Thomas, G. (2000). Sacred marriage. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Thomas, G. (2004). Sacred parenting. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Waite, L.J. and Gallagher, M. (2000). The case for marriage. New York, NY: Doubleday.

Winner, L.F. (2005). Real sex: The naked truth about chastity. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazo Press.

Wolgemuth, R. and B. & Devries, M. and S. (2003). The most important year in a woman’s/man’s life. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

The syllabus describes the course as follows – - –

DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this course is to provide academic instruction on Focus on the Family’s “pillar principle” of the Permanence of Marriage. Many are asking, “How do I build a lasting marriage?” This course provides the basic steps toward a practical, biblical answer. The course is specifically designed to train students in the concepts, attitudes, and skills necessary to build a lasting marriage. Our goal is that each student will recognize the enormous value of a godly marriage, will be able to begin wisely, will have the determination to stay married, and will enjoy the rich rewards of finishing well.

The students study the biblical principles, read current authors, work practical exercises, and write a personal philosophy/preparation plan. The course explores four essentials for building a lasting marriage: understanding God’s design, recognizing the difficulties, building connection, and preparing responsibly.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand God’s design for marriage.

2. Recognize the difficulties all couples must overcome to build a lasting marriage.

3. Develop the life skills vital to building strong connection in marriage.

4. Prepare responsibly for marriage.

TOPICS:

Marriage Purposes

Marriage Responsibilities

Gender Differences

Personality Differences

Effects of Supernatural Evil

Effects of Past Damage

Time Margin

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Money Management

Sexual Intimacy

Having Children

Birth Control

Mate Selection

Courtship

Engagement-Wedding-Honeymoon-First Year