Successful Marriage Prepping—Timothy and Stephanie Gordon

The Patrick Coffin Show | Interviews with influencers | Commentary about culture | Tools for transformation

In this episode, we sit down with Timothy and Stephanie Gordon to discuss their compelling new book, “Leave and Cleave: Nine Marriage-Prep Secrets, Once Taught, Now Censored.” We all see the havoc wreaked by divorce. The victims lie strewn everywhere. Why not nip the problem in the bud and start at the beginning—and the head of the marriage river, which is how marriage preparation is done? Tim and Stephanie Gordon, parents of seven, podcast hosts and authors, tackle the essential principles of preparing for a lifelong commitment within the framework of Catholic teaching, including (especially?) the challenging bits. Here they share their motivation behind writing the book, drawing from their personal experiences and the urgent need they see for revitalizing traditional marriage preparation in the Church. We explore key themes from the book, such as the importance of understanding the sacramental nature of marriage, the biblical roles of husband and wife, and the significance of leaving behind past attachments to fully cleave to one’s spouse. Timothy and Stephanie offer practical advice for couples, blending theological insights with real-world applications. Whether you're engaged, married, or simply interested in Catholic views on marriage, this episode provides valuable guidance and inspiration. Tune in for an enriching conversation that promises to strengthen your understanding and approach to Catholic marriage. In this interview, we cover:

• How marriage prep began to weaken after Vatican II
• Why confusion about the very definition of marriage leads to bad outcomes
• The Gordon’s own journey toward Catholic orthodoxy
• How the extended adolescence of our culture has cause massive disruptions to the very idea of marriage as a lifelong commitment
• Why Humanae Vitae didn’t quote persuade skeptics of Catholic teaching on contraception
• Why the traditional view of the roles of husband and wives is enjoying a resurgence among young Catholics

Resources mentioned in this episode: The Rules for Retrogrades main website (including the book “Leave and Cleave” under discussion)