Gary Thomas
David C. Cook, 2013, 256 pp., $14.99
At first blush, one might consider The Sacred Search to be a pre-marital guide for couples—and it is—but the book tends to address questions and concerns raised by those in their 20s; for this reason alone, it is a compelling book for a young generation of daters and older teens, who could benefit from the sage wisdom Gary Thomas dispenses. Questions at the end of each chapter also provide a natural segue to conversation among a group of older teens, if led by a seasoned leader.
Outside of using the book for a class on marriage, youth leaders also would benefit from reading it in order to gain access to the trends, concerns and realities inherent in the pervasive attitudes about love and sexual fulfillment that exist today. There is no lack of honesty in The Sacred Search, and Thomas’ forthright and humorous approach to marriage makes the book a fun read. Chapter 9 alone—a lively but provocative list of marriage styles—is worth the price of admission, and couples would have a blast taking the quizzes to see how they rate.
In essence, Thomas makes the case that a marriage should be built to last and that no one should settle for a mate simply because of romantic, financial or physical infatuation. There is too much at stake, and the best marriages—in every aspect—are those where vulnerability, honesty, forgiveness and God’s love are foundational.
