I interviewed John Clark, the author of “Betrayed without a Kiss: Defending Marriage after Years of Failed Leadership in the Church” - a new, excellent, and timely book from TAN Books defending the Sacrament of Matrimony. Everyone in the Church ought to read this fantastic book.
Check it out HERE on TAN Books or HERE on Amazon (also available on Kindle).
John Clark is a columnist, political speechwriter, and ghostwriter. He has authored two books on fatherhood and written approximately five hundred articles and blogs about Catholic family life and apologetics in such places as The National Catholic Register and the Magis Center. He is also an online course developer for Seton Home Study School. He was homeschooled by his mother, Dr. Mary Kay Clark, and holds a degree in Political Science and Economics from Christendom College. John and his wife, Lisa, have nine children and live in central Florida.
Summary
In this conversation, Will Wright interviews author John Clark about his book 'Betrayed Without a Kiss: Defending Marriage After Years of Failed Leadership in the Church'. They discuss the importance of marriage and its connection to the Church, the attack on marriage by figures like Henry VIII and Martin Luther, and the role of suffering in strengthening marriages. They also touch on practical ways to nurture a strong marriage and the issues with the annulment process in the Catholic Church. The conversation explores the concept of alienation of affection and its implications in divorce cases. It is revealed that alienation of affection is only recognized as a law in 6 out of 50 states in the US. The conversation also delves into the role of the church in divorce cases and the validity of marriages. The speakers discuss the need for pre-dating programs and sermons that address virtues and qualities of a good spouse. They emphasize the importance of reinforcing the idea that God loves marriage and the sacraments can strengthen marriages.
Takeaways
Marriage is a sacred institution that is intimately connected to the Church.
Figures like Henry VIII and Martin Luther attacked marriage as a way to undermine the Church.
Suffering can be a means of growth and sanctification in marriage.
Living sacramental lives and prioritizing prayer can strengthen marriages.
The annulment process in the Catholic Church has some issues that need to be addressed. Alienation of affection is recognized as a law in only 6 out of 50 states in the US.
The church is not concerned about what happens after consent is exchanged in a marriage.
Pre-dating programs and sermons that address virtues and qualities of a good spouse can be beneficial.
Reinforcing the idea that God loves marriage and the sacraments can strengthen marriages.
The church should stop asking the government to adjudicate the sacraments.
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Ep. 32 - The Attack on Marriage with John Clark