Three to Get Married

Three to Get Married examines marriage through a Catholic theological lens, focusing on the relationship between husband, wife, and God. The book presents marriage as a divine institution rather than merely a human contract. Bishop Sheen explores fundamental questions about love, sex, and human nature while addressing practical challenges faced by married couples. His analysis spans from courtship through the different phases of married life. The work confronts modern cultural attitudes about marriage and offers traditional Catholic perspectives on topics like divorce, birth control, and marital intimacy. The text includes discussions of psychology and social dynamics alongside theological arguments. The book presents marriage as a path to spiritual growth and human fulfillment, suggesting that true marital union requires the active presence of God as the third participant. Through this framework, Sheen constructs a vision of marriage that transcends both romantic sentimentality and pure practicality.

Readers consistently mention the book's clear explanation of Catholic marriage theology and its detailed examination of love, sex, and relationships through a theological lens. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear distinctions between love, infatuation, and pleasure - Practical relationship advice grounded in Catholic teaching - Accessible writing style that breaks down complex concepts - Relevance despite being written in 1951 Common criticisms: - Outdated gender role perspectives - Dense theological passages require multiple readings - Some readers find the tone too academic or formal Ratings: Goodreads: 4.44/5 (876 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (445 ratings) Sample reader quote: "Sheen explains the difference between sex and love in a way that makes total sense. This book changed how I view relationships." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers note they return to the book multiple times, with one Amazon reviewer stating they've read it annually for 10 years to strengthen their marriage.

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The Good Marriage by Peter Kreeft A systematic analysis of marriage's purpose, meaning, and sacred nature in the context of Christian anthropology.

Men, Women and the Mystery of Love by Edward Sri An interpretation of John Paul II's teachings on human love and sexuality applied to modern relationships and marriage.

Christian Marriage: A Historical Study by George Hayward Joyce A comprehensive examination of Christian marriage doctrine through church history and its development in theological thought.

🔹 The book's title "Three to Get Married" refers to the author's belief that a successful marriage involves three parties: husband, wife, and God. 🔹 Fulton J. Sheen was not only an author but also a pioneering television personality, hosting "Life Is Worth Living" which drew up to 30 million viewers weekly in the 1950s. 🔹 Originally published in 1951, this book challenged the rising divorce rates and changing attitudes toward marriage in post-WWII America. 🔹 Archbishop Sheen wrote the book while serving as a professor at Catholic University of America, where he taught philosophy for 23 years. 🔹 The book's teachings on marriage and love have influenced Catholic marriage preparation programs for over 70 years, and it remains in print today.