In this important study, Ford summarizes the Christian understanding of marital and sexual ethics, contrasting modern ideas and customs with those principles and practices universally accepted by the Christian Church in past epochs. This work is an effort to disseminate the fundamental principles of Christian marriage to laity and clergy alike, and is structured to achieve that goal. Christian marriage has been conditioned by tradition, teaching and human exigencies but has survived largely intact in the modern world. Ford asks how this came about and what Christian tradition has to offer marriage in the new Millennium.