Guest Author - Diana Pederson

Julie Ann Barnhill. ’Til Debt Do Us Part. Harvest House Publishers. 2002.

I picked up this book expecting to find a way to get out of debt before a marriage dissolves just based upon the title. Instead, I found a long discussion of the financial conflicts affecting many marriages today and how understanding God's plan for marriage can keep that marriage from dissolving.

The author shares the story of her and her husband’s financial conflict in a very candid way. It would be difficult for most people not to see themselves in at least one of the conflicts discussed. You’ll learn the “Seven debtly sins” and about Chapter 13 relief. Now, you’re probably thinking this is a book recommending something like declaring Chapter 13 bankruptcy. I’ll guarantee you this isn’t it and you will find “Chapter 13 relief” very surprising.

Recommendation

This book is hilarious to read but sad at the same time. It is written in a fun style that keeps you reading. I wonder if marriage counselors (Christian) handing this book to every engaged or newly married couple would eliminate many of the arguments couples have. I like the focus – it’s on the marriage relationship and not on the financial situation. Ultimately, keeping the marriage healthy by seeing it as God sees it will lead to fewer financial problems and fewer divorces.