DVD Review: Real Marriage

Real Marriage DVD-Based Study Kit

The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together

by Mark and Grace Driscoll

When I first agreed to review this DVD series I wasn't paying as much attention to who wrote it as much as I was focused on the topic. So it didn't occur to me that the authors, Mark and Grace Driscoll, were at the top of the "controversial" list these days. With that being said, my review is completely independent of any strong opinions that seem to be floating around about Driscoll and his theology. I also recognize that not being married also affects the relevance of this particular series for me, but I felt I should still be able to learn from it.

This DVD-series is made up of 11 chapters with each session lasting no more than 15 minutes. They talk about marriage as friendship, men's role in marriage, women's role in marriage, grace, sex and even porn and it's effect on a marriage. In theory this should have been a great series. I often believe that people are not as open or honest about real marriage - the good, bad and ugly associated with it. While I know that marriage is hard I thought why not hear from some long-time married folks about what it's really like to be married. And I think that the Driscoll's gave an honest perspective of their marriage. What they failed to do was present an engaging or even Biblically-based account of marriage. Scripture is mentioned throughout. And it might have been in context had I actually read the book that should accompany this series but it was not available to me. I do not think at this point it would be worth reviewing either as I didn't find myself in agreement with their thoughts and knowing more about the controvery surrounding the Driscoll's I find it difficult to respect what they have to say about a God-honoring marriage.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: The Canary List

The Canary List

By Sigmund Brouwer

Lately I've been more open to reading books from the Christian fiction genre. This particular book had an interesting name and an artsy book cover. While I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, sometimes I do! And it was a decently good choice this time around. 


The book is about a young girl with a special ability to sense evil, specifically demons in those around her. While running from someone who wishes to do her harm, she inadvertantly drags her unsuspecting school teacher into a conspiracy of epic proportions. The teacher's life spirals out of control as he does his best to not only clear his name but save his student from trouble.

Brouwer tells a compelling story that held my interest almost to the end. In general, I find a lot of suspence novels wrapping the story up too quickly without as much detail as I'd like to read. I found this to be true of The Canary List. I did find the exploration into the spiritual realm and the world of demons and angels to be fascinating even if not completely believable. All in all, I enjoyed this read and would probably categorize it into a good "summer beach read".

*I received this book free from Multnomah Books as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own*