Introduction -- Part 1 : The goal of marriage. Oneness : what it is and why it is important -- Spirit oneness : who meets my needs? -- Soul oneness 1 : manipulation or ministry? -- Soul oneness 2 : communication, or "What do I do when I'm angry?" -- Body oneness : physical pleasure with personal meaning -- Part 2 : Building the foundation. Building block 1 : grace -- Building block 2 : commitment -- Building block 3 : acceptance -- Part 3 : Discussion guide. Introduction -- Chapters 1-8 -- Appendix A : How to have a relationship to God, allowing him to satisfy your deepest longings for love and purpose -- Appendix B : How to place offensive events in a biblical context.

"Psychologist Larry Crabb cuts to the heart of the biblical view of marriage: the 'one-flesh' relationship. He argues convincingly that the deepest needs of human personality -- security and significance -- ultimately cannot be satisfied by a marriage partner. We need to turn to the Lord, rather than our spouse, to satisfy our needs. This frees both partners for 'soul oneness, ' a commitment to minister to our spouse's needs rather than manipulating them to meet our own needs. With 'soul oneness' comes renewed 'body oneness, ' where couples enjoy sexual pleasure as an expression and outgrowth of a personal relationship. The Marriage Builder also identifies three building blocks essential to constructing marriage: the grace of God, true marriage commitment, and acceptance of one's mate. Now for the first time, discussion questions have been added to aid couples who want to come to deeper understanding of marriage. Helpful to counselors and laypersons alike, The Marriage Builder is for anyone who longs to transform marriage from trial to triumph"--Back cover.