In Christian Marriage: The Beautiful Order for Christian Marriage, Dr. David Ayers provides an in-depth look at Christian marriage, beginning with its definition and design by God. Dr. Ayers explores God’s purposes for marriage, unpacking them historically, theologically, and biblically. He also looks at what social science research and data says about the purpose of marriage and how much this affirms what the Bible expects us to see in terms of how marriage works and what happens when marriage doesn’t work. Dr. Ayers includes some practical teaching on choosing a spouse and dealing with the premarital part of life, and examines some of the causes and issues surrounding divorce. The course concludes with guidance for building strong marriages including some strategies for churches to help build stronger marriages.
Describe God’s design for marriage
Explain how the Reformers corrected the early churches’ mistakes on human sexuality
Make better choices as you seek to find a mate
Describe the rise of recreational dating and its negative consequences for human relationships
Avoid common mistakes that increase the likelihood of future divorce
Explain the tragic effects of divorce on adults and children
Understand the significance of marriage from God’s point-of-view
Develop church programs/practices that help people build strong marriages
Recognize the importance of restoring the connection between marriage, sex, and procreatio
Introduction
Introducing the Speaker and Course
Unit 1: Defining Christian Marriage
Design: A Critical Issue
Defining Marriage: Opening Thoughts
Specific Elements of Marriage: One-Flesh Consummation
Specific Elements of Marriage: Common Law, Covenantal, Conjugal
Specific Elements of Marriage: Heterosexual, Lifelong, Freely Entered Into
Specific Elements of Marriage: A Reflection of the Trinity
Marriage Is Not a Sacrament
Unit 2: God’s Purposes for Marriage: Mutual Help
Purposes of Marriage: Roman Catholic and Protestant Views
Purposes of Marriage: Marriage, Sex, and Children
Mutual Help: Old Testament Examples
Mutual Help: Benefits of Marriage
Mutual Help: Self-Sacrifice
Mutual Help: Mutual Interests Unnecessary; Non-Gender-Specific Roles
Unit 3: God’s Purposes for Marriage: Sexual Fulfillment
Two Men Named John
Human Sexuality before and after the Fall
Confronting Errors of the Early and Medieval Churches
Reformers Recovered Biblical View of Sex
Recapturing Positive Views of Marital Sex
Puritans’ Views of Sex in Marriage
Sex and Marital Happiness
Error of Today’s Church: Sexual Liberalism
More Evangelical Statistics
Deeper View of Sex and Marriage
Unit 4: God’s Purposes for Marriage: Children
Procreation: Two Views
God Ties Procreating and Raising Children to Marriage
Children and Marriage Naturally Go Together
God Views Children as a Blessing
Children as a Blessing: Helpful Considerations
Major Problems in Belief and Practice among Americans
Cohabitation and Divorce
The Married Parent Advantage
Unit 5: Dating and Mate Selection
Pursuing a Godly Marriage Partner
Moral Examples and Moral Warnings
Pre-Dating Courtship
Rise of Modern Recreational Dating
Concerns about Recreational Dating: Using Adolescent Ideals for a Life Partner
Concerns about Recreational Dating: Pre-Marital Sex
Do’s and Don’ts of Dating: First the Don’ts
Do’s and Don’ts of Dating: Positive Practices
Unit 6: The Modern Divorce Plague
Martin Luther and Jesus on Divorce
Divorce Should Be Rare among Christians
Democratization of Divorce
Rise of Expressive Divorce
Recent Declines in Divorce Rates
Evangelicals and Divorce: Attitudes toward Divorce
Evangelicals and Divorce: Statistical Comparisons
Final Thoughts on Our Divorce Problem
Unit 7: Divorce: Associations, Causes and Prevention
Getting the Big Picture
Framing Divorce Practically
Impact of Divorce on Children
Causes of Divorce
Non-Marital Cohabitation
Church Attendance
Consideration of Early Marriage and Finances
Effective Communication and Conflict Management Skills
Risk Factors beyond Our Control
Remarriage and Age Differences
Differences of Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality
Final Thoughts on Divorce and Its Prevention
Unit 8: Building Strong Marriages
Families and Churches: Mutual Dependence
Pastoral Fears of Speaking on Marriage Issues
Appropriate Standards for Pastors and Leaders
Normal Christianity
Importance of Church Attendance
Ministry to Families
Teaching about Sex
Dating, Cohabitation, and Pre-Marital Preparation
Access to Expert Help
Conclusion
Strengthening Christian Marriage
Title: CS261 Christian Marriage: The Beautiful Order for Christian Marriage
Instructor: David J. Ayers
Publisher: Lexham Press
Publication Date: 2020
Product Type: Logos Mobile Education
Resource Type: Courseware, including transcripts, audio, and video resources
Courses: 1
Video Hours: 7
David J. Ayers is professor of sociology in the Alva J. Calderwood School of Arts and Letters at Grove City College, Pennsylvania. Until recently he also served as dean, and as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. He holds his PhD in Sociology from New York University and has written three books, Christian Marriage: A Comprehensive Introduction (2018), Experiencing Social Research (2001) and Investigating Social Problems (2004), as well as numerous articles and book chapters. He has taught courses on marriage and family for about thirty years.