Christians today are living in a world where their conception of marriage is constantly called in question. This book explains what Christians understand by marriage and why they will not admit divorce and contraception to name only the most frequent grounds for criticism. It describes the closeness of the relationship between God and the married couple whose marriage is a sacred act fulfilling God's purpose. The meaning arid nature of the primary and secondary ends of marriage–procreation and mutual help-are examined in relation to Scripture and the teaching of the Church, especially as expounded by recent Popes. This book also discusses the distinction between the fullness of Christian love, which realizes the deepest needs of human nature and sanctifies the sexual 1ife, and the eroticism that argues that Christian marriage is contrary to instinct. A concluding section describes the prime importance of the family in Christian life and the relationship between mental health, juvenile delinquency and family life.