Mingling of Souls

December 8, 2014
Defining marital love as the mingling of souls, Chandler (The Explicit Gospel) proceeds to chart a course through the narrative poetry of the Song of Solomon. Using the Old Testament’s “book of love” as guide, Chandler leads couples (and singles looking for love) along the path of “a gospel-centered marriage,” through the stages of attraction, dating, courtship, engagement, marriage—all the way to sitting on the back porch with the grandkids around. The book’s advice is unapologetically counter to prevailing notions of love, dating, and marriage, firmly entrenched in a complementarian and neo-Calvinist view of sexuality. Chandler’s vision of God’s design will leave many people wondering if they can aspire to such heavenly standards in earthly relationships. Still, he is gentle with his rebuke, giving relevant, humorous, and eminently practical advice. Conservative Christians will find Chandler’s words on continuously kindling the fires of love hopeful and helpful. Others may also glean some advice from a guy who sounds like he is there in the trenches with you.