Marriage: The Mystery of Faithful Love

This book, along with JPII's Theology of the Body, really opened my eyes to the intrinsic meaning of marriage. Here von Hildebrand illuminates the reality of marriage as an objective bond resulting from the spouses' solemn decision to bind themselves to each other in Christ. Because of the objectivity of this bond, von Hildebrand clearly shows that once the solemn vows have been made marriage is outside of a person's arbitrary inclinations, and thus is irrevocable. Furthermore, he points to marriage as a fulfillment of the loving "I-Thou" communion of the spouses, the sacramental vessel through which they raise each other towards God in their love and create, in cooperation with Him, new human beings intended for heaven. In this way von Hildebrand particularly expresses the unique mystery of marriage as a natural good elevated and sanctified by Christ to even such an extent as to symbolize the union between Christ and His Church.In addition to making the important distinction between the meaning of marriage as conjugal love and the end as procreation, von Hildebrand also serves as a beacon of light on the true nature of love and freedom in a secular world which horribly twists both of these concepts. He quickly points out the absurdity of thinking that love is merely infatuation or attraction and argues forcefully that true love must have an intention of permanent, exclusive self-giving to the beloved, a self-giving which can only become entirely actualized in marriage. Von Hildebrand distinguishes between love of neighbor and conjugal love to show that conjugal love is not simply love of neighbor with superadded sensuality, but rather an entirely unique love oriented towards the beloved in a special way. He makes it clear that conjugal love consists of a realization of the beloved as an objective good and a selfless abandonment of oneself to that person for his/her own sake (In a later work, "The Nature of Love", von Hildebrand further develops the idea that a person's desire for union with the beloved, assuming it is motivated by his/her recognition of that individual's objective goodness, is not selfish but rather expresses that person's selfless response to the individual's value and thus belongs to the fullness of love). Von Hildebrand insists that with this love there must be a deep-seated conviction that the vocation of the beloved and oneself is specifically to be united to each other and that this union is intended by God for the salvation of each spouse. Additionally, he explains that, far from destroying love and hampering freedom, marriage liberates love from self-centered egotism through the selfless, permanent giving of each spouse and that freedom is fulfilled only through binding oneself to an objective good.Ultimately, this book is a powerful defense of the Catholic vision of marital love. I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering marriage or who is already married and wishes to deepen their spousal love.

This superb reflection on the true meaning of marriage should, and would --in an ideal world would-- be studied in school as part of whatever curriculum, as a necessary preparation for life. "LLove without an unqualified commitment betrays the very essence of love." The critics of marriage do not see that continuity--and especially faithfulness--is an essential characteristic of a truly great personality, and of a great relationship. In a marriage without commitment the most insignificant difficulty is a valid excuse for separating. Unfortunately, man wo is usually so eager to win a fight over others, shows little or no desire to conquer himself. Then the discussion builds toward the sacramental nature of the marriage relationship.

still a pertinent book! Good quick read that I then had to go back and study paragraph by paragraph! My four young marrieds are all reading this. The one son-in-law is using it for leading a Bible study

This book is good for engaged couples especially men so that they may understand the nature of marriage and the good it is and that which it offers. After we get married I plan to go back to this book to help me understand what I'm doing and what I should be doing to have a happy married life. I've read it twice and plan on reading it again.

Very interesting book. Hildebrand was German and his wife translated the book to English, so I found some passages a bit hard to understand but overall, easy to read.The topic is not taken seriously enough by the vast majority of people today. Most soon to be married and married would benefit from reading this book.Written by a philosopher who spoke out against Hitler and had to leave his homeland because of this, Hildebrand was a hero.

Great description of marriage. Only disagreement is the Catholic doctrine on Holy orders (I think marriage is the highest of Holy Orders). Also some will be offended by the Catholic perspective on children/childbearing.

Great book for anyone discerning the married life

Short and sweet but packs a PUNCH of LOVE! Why did I not look into this author before!?

Written in 1929 Deitrich Von Hildebrand has written a masterpiece that was decades ahead of his time and reflects the post Vatican II theology and is reflected in the Theology of the Body of Pope John Paul II. A very easy and inspiring read for anyone married or contemplating marriage.

This book is one of the most thoughtful books on the meaning and purpose of marriage and sex. It is written by a man who clearly and thoroughly explains the importance, honour and mystery of faithful love. Dietrich von Hildebrand has written a book of timeless truths. Although only 84 pages in length, there is more substance communicated in these few pages than most books twice its size. And even though it was first published in 1929, it is still relevant and perhaps even more important today.He addresses topics such as the significant difference between marriage and living together, distinguishing love from lust and infatuation, sex outside of marriage and that within marriage, and the spiritual meaning of marriage. The book is divided into two sections: Love and Marriage and Love and the Mystery of Sacramental Marriage. It is well written, and easy to read despite delving deeply into philosophical and spiritual matters as they relate to marriage. I highly recommend it!

Great book, though a tad dry in the philosophical heaviness.