Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?

by Gary L. Thomas
Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy? cover
Good Books rating 4.25
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  • ID: 3276
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-20
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer is absolutely in love with 'Daddy-Long-Legs' and finds Judy's voice charming, spirited, and funny. They appreciate the book's advocacy for women's education and the delightful epistolary format. 'Dear Enemy' is less satisfying but still has its own merits, including themes of women's work and education, though it contains some troubling early 20th-century views on eugenics.

The reviewer is absolutely in love with 'Daddy-Long-Legs' and finds Judy's voice charming, spirited, and funny. They appreciate the book's advocacy for women's education and the delightful epistolary format. The reviewer is absolutely in love with 'Daddy-Long-Legs' and finds Judy's voice charming, spirited, and funny. They appreciate the book's advocacy for women's education and the delightful epistolary format. 'Dear Enemy' is less satisfying but still has its own merits, including themes of women's work and education, though it contains some troubling early 20th-century views on eugenics. The reviewer urges readers to pick up 'Daddy-Long-Legs' immediately and to approach 'Dear Enemy' with different expectations.

Quick quotes

    I am so in love with this book! Thank you, [Jenny](http://jennysbooks.wordpress.com/) and [raidergirl3](http://raidergirl3-anadventureinreading.blogspot.com/), for bringing it to my attention. I can’t believe I lived for over a quarter of a century without it. I _needed_ it in my life, even if I didn’t know I did until a few days ago.

    Oh Judy, I love you! Can you tell how smart and funny she is?

    NO, SALLIE, NO!

everand.com · Unknown · 2025-10-20
insightful 4.50

The book challenges the conventional view of marriage as a source of happiness, instead presenting it as a means to holiness. It offers profound insights into the spiritual growth that can be achieved through the struggles and triumphs of marriage.

Sacred Marriage presents a radical shift in perspective, suggesting that marriage is designed by God not primarily for happiness, but for holiness. The book delves into the idea that the challenges and sacrifices inherent in marriage can lead to profound spiritual growth. It emphasizes that the struggles within a marriage can be transformative, helping individuals to become more Christ-like. The author uses personal anecdotes and biblical references to illustrate these points, making the book both relatable and thought-provoking. While some readers might find the message challenging, it offers a deeper understanding of the purpose of marriage and its role in spiritual development.

Quick quotes

    The purpose of marriage is not to make us happy, but to make us holy.

    Marriage is a spiritual discipline, designed to help us grow in Christ-likeness.

    The struggles in marriage can be the very things that draw us closer to God.

christianbook.com · Unknown · 2025-10-20
good 3.50

The reviewer enjoyed the epistolary format of 'Daddy-Long-Legs' and found the protagonist, Judy, to be a charming and relatable heroine. They appreciated her humor and resilience but felt her naivety was a bit overdone at times.

The reviewer found 'Daddy-Long-Legs' to be a delightful read, particularly enjoying the epistolary format which allowed for a unique and engaging narrative. The protagonist, Judy, was praised for her humor, resilience, and ability to find joy in small things. Her letters were described as light, funny, and conversational, making her a relatable and endearing character. However, the reviewer felt that Judy's naivety was somewhat exaggerated, which detracted slightly from the overall enjoyment of the book. The reviewer also appreciated the way Judy's letters reflected her thoughts and insecurities about her newfound opportunities and the people around her. The dynamic between Judy and her mysterious benefactor, Daddy-Long-Legs, was intriguing, and the reviewer enjoyed the playful and irreverent way Judy challenged the boundaries of their relationship.

Quick quotes

    I love a good epistolary novel.

    Judy is a great heroine — cheerful but not sickly sweet; she retains a certain amount of resentment towards her status as a foundling in general and the John Grier Home in particular.

    The only problem I had with 'Daddy-Long-Legs' is that Judy's naivety was a bit overdone at times.

abebooks.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-20
endearing 4.50

The reviewer finds 'Daddy-Long-Legs' charming and endearing, despite its outdated elements. They appreciate the heroine's growth and the unique epistolary format, which makes the story feel personal and engaging. The book's themes of independence and self-discovery resonate strongly.

The reviewer has a deep affection for 'Daddy-Long-Legs,' noting that it's a book they've loved for years. They acknowledge that the story might seem creepy or stalkerish by modern standards, but they encourage readers to approach it with an open mind. The heroine, Jerusha Abbott, is a standout character who evolves from a shy orphan into a confident young woman. Her letters to her mysterious benefactor, Daddy-Long-Legs, are filled with humor and heart, making the epistolary format particularly engaging. The reviewer appreciates the book's themes of independence and self-discovery, as well as its portrayal of early 20th-century college life. They also highlight the supporting characters, such as Judy's roommates and the potential love interests, who add depth and complexity to the story. Overall, the reviewer finds 'Daddy-Long-Legs' to be a delightful and enduring classic that continues to resonate with readers.

Quick quotes

    Jean Webster — Alice Jane Chandler Webster (1876-1916) if you want to be stuffy about it — was a grandniece of Mark Twain, and it shows.

    Meet our heroine. Jerusha Abbott was raised in an orphanage. (Spoiler alert: We never learn who she 'really' is. It is not that kind of book.)

    One of Judy’s most appealing traits is that she’s not perfect. She does make the basketball team — Julia, neener-neener, doesn’t — but she also fails two classes, and has to retake her exams.

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