Nationwide — Why is marriage so challenging for many couples? The answer to this loaded question is not merely emotional in nature; it is developmental. Most marriage improvement books focus on the need to change behaviors to change the relationship. However, what is usually lacking is the emphasis on personal transformation that is required for lasting progress. Marriage and Maturity by Jason L. Moore seeks to fill that gap by offering a new perspective on the missing link in marital fulfillment.
Topics include understanding marital maturity vs. immaturity; trauma, healing, and marital distress; caveats regarding pastoral counseling; challenging the “happy wife, happy life” principle; why adultery is not a sufficient basis for divorce; and strategies for developing marital maturity. Marriage and Maturity is sure to challenge views on the traditional approaches to this coveted relationship. This book is for everyone who is hoping to get married, is already married, or is counseling married couples.
Marriage and Maturity focuses almost exclusively on the individual, rather than on behavior patterns. The reason for this approach is simple: external habits stem from internal realities. Another difference is that many marriage improvement resources do not challenge relationship practices that comfortably fit within modern conventional wisdom. In confronting misguided relationship notions, we can arrive at properly aligned conclusions regarding the truth about holy matrimony.
Jason comments, “Maturity is to be understood as an expression of mental progress and proper growth. In contrast, immaturity reflects mental stagnation or even regression. Therefore, I define maturity as the outcome of proper psychological development, which leads to efficient living. This definition of maturity is applicable to marriage for many reasons.”
He adds, “Character is forged more often in the unpleasantries of life than in the pleasant moments. To truly become better versions of ourselves, we must commit to facing any disputes and disagreements with the right attitude, a healthy perspective, and, of course, a reasonable amount of maturity. If we do, the trouble in paradise may come to be viewed as not so troubling after all. In fact, momentary difficulties could be blessings in disguise.”
About the Author:
Jason L. Moore is a licensed professional counselor who has worked with children, teens, adults, families, groups, and couples. He has served as executive director of a family care center and is certified in suicide prevention, mediation, and premarital counseling. For more information, visit JasonLMoore.com.
