Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage

April 1, 2002
Lee Strobel, whose bestselling The Case for Christ has become a standard work of evangelical apologia, was once not a Christian at all, and was openly hostile to the faith. When his wife, Leslie, became a Christian several years into their marriage, he was furious, and their union seemed doomed until "Leslie figured out how to live out her faith in a way that began to attract rather than repel ." In Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage, the Strobels describe their experiences in order to help other Christians particularly women who are married to nonbelievers. Although their own ending (culminating in his conversion) followed the Christian storybook, they caution readers that it is better to concentrate on one's own spiritual growth and example than to have unrealistic expectations about a spouse's future conversion.

May 15, 2002
High school sweethearts whose marriage seemed to have been made in heaven, the Strobels enjoyed a good life with two children and experienced few problems until Leslie became a committed Christian, much to the dismay of her husband, a confirmed atheist. The Strobels struggled along in this "spiritually mismatched" state for quite a while until Lee made the conscious decision to become a Christian as well. The Strobels do not advise couples who strongly disagree about religion to marry, but their book offers useful advice to couples who are spiritually mismatched, either from the beginning of their relationship or through a change in belief. Ideas about raising children and advice for single Christians are also included. Written in the first person, usually by Lee, the text is readable and helpful. While not a substitute for professional marriage counseling, the Strobels' suggestions are based on years of practical experience and will be useful for a Christian audience. Recommended for church libraries and for public libraries serving a sizable Christian population. Mary Prokop, Savannah Country Day Preparatory Sch. Lib., GA

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.