Book Review: Her Hand in Marriage
Author: Douglas Wilson, Publisher: Canon Press, Length: 95 pages
In this sort work, Doug Wilson sets forth the case for Biblical courtship in opposition to the modern recreational dating system. Mr. Wilson shows that a courtship, conducted between two Christian young people in the fear of God, prepares single men and women for the life long committment of covenantal marriage; whereas, dating only prepares people for divorce. Strange as it may seem, Mr. Wilson advocates the Christian father overseeing the relationship between his daughter and her suitor; if the father believes that a young man is not suitable for his daughter he must forbid her from courting him or bring the relationship to an end if it has already started. While this may be hard for the modern mind to swallow, nevertheless, it surely is fully in line with Scripture for a Christian father to exercise such authority.
Although most of us will probably think of courtship as something quaint or just plain weird, and in fairness it would be difficult, if not impossible, for young people to fully implement some of the things that Doug Wilson discusses (a fact which the author recognizes), nonetheless, courtship is a much more compassionate approach to relationships than the cruel dating system - which has ruined the lives of countless people. As with all books in the Wilson family series, Her Hand in Marriage deserves careful consideration, not only by unmarried people, but also by parents as their is much helpful advice on how to prepare sons and daughters for the world of courtship. All books by Doug and Nancy Wilson on family issues can be ordered from Covenant Media Foundation
Rating: 9/10
Warning: Doug Wilson did in the past flirt with the Federal Vision error on justification, although he seems to have come away from this now as I heard him affirm belief in justification on account of the imputation of Christ’s righteousness. Thankfully this only arose after the books on the family were written, so none of them are affected by this teaching.
