Books For Discerning Marriage

[carmenchristi]

So I was debating whether to put this here or in Transmundane... but I'll just put it here. I was wondering if anyone can suggest some good books (preferably Catholic, but other Christian sources may be possible) for discerning marriage to read together with my boyfriend. We are looking for something that will help us bring up and discuss important issues that might not ever cross our minds or that don't typically come out in ordinary conversation, and something that will challenge us to grow in our relationship with each other and with God. Plus points to anyone who can suggest a title that is available also in Spanish... super plus points for titles available in Italian (our common language!).

Thanks!

[arfink]

I don't know about books concerning Catholic discernment on the topic, although learning Ignatian discernment in general would be useful here. I'll let someone else comment on that. I like this book:

 

http://www.amazon.com/1001-Questions-Ask-Before-Married/dp/0071438033/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379521393&sr=8-1&keywords=1001+Questions+to+Ask+Before+You+Get+Married

 

Yes, it's secular. But there is a lot of very very good stuff in there, the sort of stuff that anybody who is even thinking about being married needs to be talking about. Sure, some of the the questions are going to seem silly for Catholics (like birth control and abortion questions) but the vast majority of it, including a lot of the financial stuff, and even the sections about sex, have proven very useful for me and my GF.

[carmenchristi]

Thanks... this certainly looks like something I would be interested in. :)

[CatherineM]

Try 6stonejars.com

[Brother Adam]

chastityproject.com

[carmenchristi]

I don't know about books concerning Catholic discernment on the topic, although learning Ignatian discernment in general would be useful here. I'll let someone else comment on that. I like this book:

 

http://www.amazon.com/1001-Questions-Ask-Before-Married/dp/0071438033/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379521393&sr=8-1&keywords=1001+Questions+to+Ask+Before+You+Get+Married

 

Yes, it's secular. But there is a lot of very very good stuff in there, the sort of stuff that anybody who is even thinking about being married needs to be talking about. Sure, some of the the questions are going to seem silly for Catholics (like birth control and abortion questions) but the vast majority of it, including a lot of the financial stuff, and even the sections about sex, have proven very useful for me and my GF.

Thanks again arfink... I ordered this today. AND you get the plus points because it's available in Spanish ;) I'm waiting to get the English copy first though and see from there ;)

 

Thanks also to those who posted links!

Edited September 19, 2013 by carmenchristi

[OnlySunshine]

So I was debating whether to put this here or in Transmundane... but I'll just put it here. I was wondering if anyone can suggest some good books (preferably Catholic, but other Christian sources may be possible) for discerning marriage to read together with my boyfriend. We are looking for something that will help us bring up and discuss important issues that might not ever cross our minds or that don't typically come out in ordinary conversation, and something that will challenge us to grow in our relationship with each other and with God. Plus points to anyone who can suggest a title that is available also in Spanish... super plus points for titles available in Italian (our common language!).

Thanks!

 

Men, Women and the Mystery of Love: Practical Insights from JP2's Love and Responsibility

 

Love and Responsibility by John Paul II

 

Courtship and Marriage by Fr. John O'Brien

 

Christian Courtship in an Oversexed World: A Guide for Catholics

 

If You Really Loved Me: 100 Questions on Dating, Relationships and Sexual Purity

 

How Far Can We Go?: A Catholic Guide to Sex and Dating

 

Real Love: Answers to Your Questions on Dating, Marriage, and the Real Meaning of Sex