Description
Book SynopsisThis collection of essays by prominent lawyers, theologians, social scientists, policy makers, and activists examines the reasons why the once treasured institution of marriage has been steadily displaced by a culture of divorce and unwed parenthood. Promises to Keep presents the full text of The Council on Families in America''s 1995 investigation, Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation, and the contributors provide suggestions for marital resurrection to counteract trends that have created tragic hardships for children, generated poverty within families, and burdened us with insupportable social costs. Sponsored by The Institute for American Values.
Trade ReviewAn enormous contribution by an impressive set of family scholars. Promises to Keep is packed with information and should be 'must reading' for family researchers, students, religious leaders, mental health professionals and policy makers. -- Howard J. Markman, author of Fighting For Your Marriage
A challenging set of recommendations which, if heeded, could profoundly and positively impact our culture. -- Dr. David L. Ferguson, Executive Director, Center for Marriage & Family Intimacy
A rousing, long-overdue call for public action. -- Brigitte Berger, Boston University
This volume, with its emphasis on making marriage work in the social context of the 1990s, will undoubtedly move the strained public conversation over the issue of marriage to a higher plane of seriousness. -- Don Eberly, founder of the National Fatherhood Initiative and Director of the Civil Society Project
It [is a] pleasure to read these arguments made by serious and concerned scholars on a topic as central as the health of the institution of marriage. * American Journal of Sociology *
An important contribution to a critical debate. * CHOICE *
This book is important especially for councelors, pastors and others in leadership positions who shape ministry and policy. * The Lamplighter *
Table of ContentsPart 1 The DecLine of Marriage Chapter 2 The Decline of Marriage as the Social Basis of Childrearing Chapter 3 Values, Attitudes, and the State of American Marriage Chapter 4 Myths of Marriage and Family Chapter 5 Comparative and Historical Perspectives on Marriage, Divorce, and Family Life Chapter 6 Decline of the Family: Conservative, Liberal, and Feminist Views Part 7 Religious, Legal, and Clinical Dimensions Chapter 8 Biology, Ethics, and Narrative in Christian Family Theory Chapter 9 Postmodern Family Law: Toward a New Model of Status Chapter 10 The Law and the Stability of Marriage: The Family as a Social Institution Chapter 11 Parenting from Separate Households Part 12 Rebuilding A Marriage Culture Chapter 13 Re-creating Marriage Chapter 14 Modern Marriage: Revising the Cultural Script Chapter 15 The Reinstitutionalization of Marriage: Political Theory and Public Policy Part 16 Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation Chapter 17 Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation Chapter 18 Afterword
