As an American married to an Irishman and living in the UK, I was happy to come across a book on the topic of intercultural relationships. From couples just starting out to those struggling with problems in their marriage, In Love but Worlds Apart was written to help couples consider and address differences in “cultural values, beliefs, heart connections, tastes, languages, goals and practices.”
The book was not written specifically for Christians as the authors try to open a Christian worldview on marriage to a secular audience. As a Christian, I missed the emphasis of looking for God’s will in the choice of a spouse, but at the same time I appreciated the excellent explanation of the importance of forgiveness, common values in religious faith and an adherence to an unflappable lifetime commitment that could be communicated to a secular audience.
There is a great deal of content in this book – much of it excellent, although at times I found the progression of thought difficult to follow.There is actually a danger of feeling overwhelmed by too many things to consider!The Appendix, however, offers an excellent inventory of questions, presented thematically, which could almost be used by couples on their own.
As long as readers aren’t expecting a typically Christian marriage book, In Love but Worlds Apart could provide help and insight to a Christian couple.I feel that the book is ideally suited as a ‘give away’ for Christians seeking to develop a friendship with a non-Christian intercultural couple.Many of the questions open up opportunities for believers to share a Christian perspective in intimate dialogue with a view to eventually explaining the gospel.
