Forever and Always

by Tracy, Celestia G.; Tracy, Steven R.

• ISBN13: 9781606089606
• ISBN10: 1606089609
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-04-07
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Pub

Summary

This book reflects a multi disciplinary, integrative approach to the theology and practice of relational intimacy. It combines biblical data on sexuality and relationships with marriage and bonding research. The reader is then guided in applying the research to his or her relationships. In essence, this is a handbook for understanding and deepening the stages involved in bonding or attaching closely to another human being. Marriage, the most intimate of all human relationships, is described in Scripture as a ôone-flesh mysteryö (Eph 5:31-32). This mystery of human bonding is as beautiful as it is complex, particularly in a post-Eden world: Many of us are woefully aware of our relational deficits, yet lack vibrant marriages around us to emulate. Those of us who have not experienced relationships of health, safety, and security particularly find we need roadmaps along the way. Our desire is that in the pages of this book readers will find personal encouragement and direction that is both biblically precise and practical for their relational journeys. Forever and Always is built upon God's bold promises to heal and redeem. His pathways bring life; he is the one true lover of our souls. Our intimacy with him is foundational to all other relationships. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Celestia G. Tracy and Steven R. Tracy are founders of Mending the Soul, a U.S. based nonprofit organization that equips and resources communities of faith in sustainable, community-based models of care and healing. Steve is Professor of Theology and Ethics at Phoenix Seminary, and Celestia is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. They are the authors of numerous journal articles and several books on marriage, abuse, and trauma healing ministry, including: Mending me Soul, Student Edition (2011), Marriage at the Crossroads (2009), and Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse (2005).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. xi
Introduction	p. xiii
Foundations of Intimacy-Once Upon a Time
God's Original Design	p. 3
Intimacy Disrupted	p. 22
Creating Intimacy-The Art of Bonding
God's Blueprint	p. 47
Emotional Dimension: The Language of the Heart	p. 60
Relational Dimension: The Art of Cherishing	p. 79
Physical Dimension: The Power of Touch	p. 106
Sexual Dimension: Love's Magnificent Expression	p. 135
Appendices
Married Couples' Emotional Intimacy Quotient	p. 167
Singles' Emotional Intimacy Quotient	p. 169
Married Couples' Relational Intimacy Quotient	p. 171
Singles' Relational Intimacy Quotient	p. 173
Married Couples' Physical (Nonerotic) Intimacy Quotient	p. 175
Married Couples' Sexual Intimacy Quotient	p. 177
Singles' Sexual Health Quotient	p. 179
Bibliography	p. 181
Scripture Index	p. 189
Subject Index	p. 193
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.