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Forever and Always: The Art of Intimacy
This book reflects a multi disciplinary, integrative approach to the theology and practice of relational intimacy. It combines biblical data on sexuality and relationships with marriage and bonding research. The reader is then guided in applying the research to his or her relationships. In essence, this is a handbook for understanding and deepening the stages involved in bonding or attaching closely to another human being. Marriage, the most intimate of all human relationships, is described in Scripture as a "one-flesh mystery" (Eph 5:31-32). This mystery of human bonding is as beautiful as it is complex, particularly in a post-Eden world. Many of us are woefully aware of our relational deficits, yet lack vibrant marriages around us to emulate. Those of us who have not experienced relationships of health, safety, and security particularly find we need roadmaps along the way. Our desire is that in the pages of this book readers will find personal encouragement and direction that is both biblically precise and practical for their relational journeys. Our intimacy model is built upon God's bold promises to heal and redeem. His pathways bring life; he is the one true lover of our souls. Our intimacy with him is foundational to all other relationships."We live in an age where virtual reality and perverse sexual fantasy have often replaced intimacy in our most significant relationships, including marriage. In Forever and The Art of Intimacy, Steven and Celestia Tracy provide prophetic, pastoral, and practical insights on how to nurture and protect relational intimacy. I highly recommend this handbook as a guide for preparing for as well as restoring and enhancing the masterpiece of one's marriage."--Paul Louis MetzgerProfessor of Christian Theology & Theology of CultureMultnomah Biblical Seminary"Grounded in sound biblical Truth, Steven and Celestia weave their rich life experience and scholarly research into a guide for couples serious about pursuing intimacy in their marriage. Couples and marriage mentors will find the teaching and exercises the Tracys have developed around attachment theory and Morris' stages of bonding rich and challenging."--Michael SytsmaFound and Lead TherapistBuilding Intimate Marriages, Inc."With theological precision and a solid psychological foundation, the Tracys deliver a long-awaited message to the church, counseling community, and wounded hearts everywhere. Steve and Celestia model infectious openness about their own journey through marriage, leaving you feeling challenged and equipped to deepen your closest relationships. I will recommend this book to all my distressed clients crying out to be known and valued."--Roxane ThorstadClinical PsychologistJourneys Counseling Center"The Tracys have done all of us a great service with this wise and tender book. They themselves have worked for years to achieve a healthy intimacy in their own marriage and their reflections are of benefit to everyone. Steve and Celestia are godly, caring, sensitive people who have worked through these issues over decades. Their own marriage is a mature one, tempered by suffering, and marked by devotion to God and one another. The book is a treasure trove, earthy, real, heavenly, delightful. Expect to be blessed and enriched in your own relationships."--William David SpencerRanked Adj. Professor of Theology and the ArtsGordon-Conwell Theological Seminary "Here Steve and Celestia show by conviction, research, and experience that for a couple to know one another, at any level, requires wisdom.
- GenresChristian Living
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 4, 2024
I’m not sure how to rate this. On the one hand it’s a rare gem when it comes to Christian marriage books, especially books pertaining to marital intimacy.
Forever and Always is fully egalitarian in its views of men and women in marriage, is trauma-sensitive, abuse aware, and is packed with data and research. The chapters which discussed pornography, its core beliefs, and its effects are excellent. I also like how they break down intimacy into 8 stages that progress over time.
On the other hand, quite a bit of the data and research is dated, referencing old studies on male and female differences that have since been revised, debunked, or more fully and accurately explored.
Also, I’m very wary and cautious with any teachings that use terms such as “covenant marriage,� which is seen quite a few times in the book, although they do give some caveats in the footnotes. I am also hesitant with theology of suffering teaching—especially when it is taught in regards to marriage—and that is briefly touched on (also with caveats).
So while I would love to say this would be an excellent book to recommend to young couples preparing for marriage, I don’t think I could do that without it first being heavily updated. If I were to recommend it, I would say only read it after reading The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire, which has updated research and data to offset any potentially harmful takeaways from this one.
Forever and Always is fully egalitarian in its views of men and women in marriage, is trauma-sensitive, abuse aware, and is packed with data and research. The chapters which discussed pornography, its core beliefs, and its effects are excellent. I also like how they break down intimacy into 8 stages that progress over time.
On the other hand, quite a bit of the data and research is dated, referencing old studies on male and female differences that have since been revised, debunked, or more fully and accurately explored.
Also, I’m very wary and cautious with any teachings that use terms such as “covenant marriage,� which is seen quite a few times in the book, although they do give some caveats in the footnotes. I am also hesitant with theology of suffering teaching—especially when it is taught in regards to marriage—and that is briefly touched on (also with caveats).
So while I would love to say this would be an excellent book to recommend to young couples preparing for marriage, I don’t think I could do that without it first being heavily updated. If I were to recommend it, I would say only read it after reading The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire, which has updated research and data to offset any potentially harmful takeaways from this one.
June 25, 2019
Very helpful book for our marriage and reminding ourselves of the stages of intimacy and God's blueprint. Questions for each stage were great discussion for our marriage in this season and reminders of how far we have come and what we still need to work on to stay forever and always.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
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