Sample Questions for Marriage Prep and Enrichment

img_2575 From chapter 44 –

“Suddenly Mrs. Roberts remembered Mrs. Hollister’s comment that staying on the same path as her husband mattered a lot.  Mrs. Roberts wasn’t sure where her husband was headed, but she liked the direction it was taking him, and she decided she would try to stay on the same path as best she could.”

Questions for couples to choose from:

  1. Why is this passage significant in the story?  What does Mrs. Roberts remember about Mrs. Hollister’s gentle warning?
  2. How do you think Mrs. Roberts’ decision will affect her feelings for her husband and his feelings for her, especially as she follows through on it?  Does it seem strange to you that a mental decision to love in a certain way might contribute to romantic feelings?
  3. Have you ever made a decision to love your spouse or future spouse in a specific way?  As you acted out your decision, was it always in line with how you felt?  Did good feelings sometimes happen only afterwards or never at all?  (Be careful as you decide what to share with each other.  It can be hard to hear from a spouse, “I really wasn’t feeling in love you that day, but I decided to be nice to you anyway.”)  How does this chapter fit with your discussions about eros, agape and the will from chapters 17, 23, and 30?  Does Mrs. Roberts’ decision help you see anything new?  Share with each other times you have felt loved by the other’s eros, agape, and will.  If you are still feeling confused about these topics, read Dr. Edward Sri’s Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love, especially chapter five.
  4. In what areas of your life together are you currently “on the same path”?  Do you find that to be a good thing?  Have you had to make choices in the past to get on the same path together?  Are there any areas you would like to be more “on the same path”?   What are some small steps you could take to move that direction?  Do you feel ready to commit to those right now?
  5. As Mrs. Hollister mentioned to Mrs. Roberts, religion can be a very unifying thing for a couple, or a very divisive thing.  Take time right now to talk about how you are or aren’t on the same path religiously.  How is that affecting your relationship?  What will happen when you have kids or your kids get older?  Is there anything you could do right now to get a little more “on the same path” religiously and spiritually?