1. 'The meaning of marriage', Tim and Kathy Keller
Now standard reading for Christian couples, this book from the Kellers takes a broad look at God’s purposes for marriage. Challenging secular narratives and our own self-centred assumptions about what we should look for from a relationship, their book is rooted in God’s word and packed full of wisdom. Essential reading for anyone considering marriage.
2. 'Married for God', Christopher Ash
Laying out key principles and putting forward God’s vision for marriage, sex and having children is Christopher Ash’s heart in this book. Drawing on a number of people’s real-life experience, and honest about the difficulties marriage can bring, Ash paints a positive picture of the joys marriage can bring and the purposes God can use it for.
3. 'What did you expect? Redeeming the realities of marriage', Paul David Tripp
Is marriage harder work than you were expecting? In this practical and honest book, Tripp takes account of the impact of sin upon marriages. Realistic about how marriage can sometimes be difficult, he applies God’s word and the Gospel to show how grace can truly transform relationships, and offers suggestions of practical commitments we can make to our spouse to help us flourish even in the midst of our brokenness.
4. 'Habits of the Household', Justin Whitmel Earley
Are you looking to implement daily rhythms as a family to help your children grow in love for God and for one another? Immensely practical, Earley’s book provides wisdom around key moments in the day like mealtimes, playtime and bedtime, as well as giving wisdom around the use of phones, how to not let work invade family life, and how to do family devotions together. The book invites parents to be excited by a positive vision for parenting, in which they play a foundational role in the spiritual formation of their children.
5. 'The anxious generation', Jonathan Haidt
A book that has been making waves in recent months, Haidt ponders the reasons for declining mental health in the last decade, particularly focusing on the rise of smartphones, and their impact on isolation, sleep deprivation and addiction. Packed with science and statistics, it is a useful read for parents who are working how to shepherd their children through the fast-changing technological landscape.
6. 'The sixty minute series', Rob Parsons
A series of books from the Executive Chairman of Care for the Family, covering almost all parts of family life, Rob Parsons has written books for Fathers, Mothers, Grandparents, and Spouses. All short, practical and easy-to-read, each is a useful introduction to key principles for living as a Christian and taking our familial responsibilities seriously.
7. 'The marriage course', Nicky and Sila Lee
Now run in more than 117 countries and undergone by more than 1.5 million people, the Marriage course, designed by Nicky and Sila Lee and promoted by Holy Trinity, Brompton, provides couples with the chance to listen to advice from Christian couples and to take the time to chat through all the big questions they might have for one another. Designed so that non-Christians can do it too, it is based on Christian principles, rather than quoting the Bible.
The Marriage Course can now be done either in person, or online, and we’d also highly recommend the Pre-Marriage Course too, for couples who are thinking about getting married or who have just got engaged.
8. Care for the Family
Originally begun as a department within CARE in 1988, Care for the Family became independent and is still going strong decades later! Hosting content for parents, spouses, and those who have bereaved, they offer a wide range of online courses, and have a packed events programme both in-person and online. They have developed materials for both Christians and non-Christian audiences, and their shop also contains a number of resources.
9. The Marriage Foundation
Interested in more research on the benefits of marriage? Looking to keep up to date with the latest statistics? The Marriage Foundation, founded in 2012 in response to the rising levels of family breakdown, is a powerful advocate for marriage, publishing research and raising awareness. Their vision is to see a society that thrives, because stable marriage has become the first choice for couples (including for young people).
10. The Taxation of UK Families report, CARE
In removing the recognition of marriage from the tax system in 2000, Britain became the only OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) economy of its size not to recognise marriage in its tax system. This report, a collaboration between CARE and Tax and the Family, highlights that a shift in Government policy is needed. What the UK needs is a tax system that is fair, and which does not trap people in poverty.