THE WO/MAN I MARRIED IS NOT MY HUSBAND/WIFE by Harris Spence provides a unique opportunity to examine some of the traditional value systems and religious practices that have fuelled the continuance of the institution of marriage amidst the prevalence of the breakdown of marital relations and escalating rate of divorce.

It explores the Biblical definition of marriage as well as the complex issue of the conservative socio-Christian approach to marriage, marital problems and divorce. All this, combined with the negative effects of the lack of understanding and concern displayed towards individuals who have not had a stable marriage, is discussed in a practical way. The problem of choice is also addressed, especially against the background of our modern society.

There is the perception in some circles that couples who participate in the traditional marriage ceremony are joined together by God and will remain immovable amidst socio-economic pressures and the daily encounter with the influences of a decadent society. In this regard the reader’s attention is drawn to the fact that not everyone who stands before a marriage officer and goes through a marriage ceremony is indeed “joined together by God”, nor is the matrimony lawful.

Behind the seeming provocative title of the book is an unquenchable desire to learn much more about the very practical issues that have contributed to the general breakdown of marital relations and the spiraling rate of divorce, especially so in modern times.