June 8, 2020
Weber, former literature professor at Seattle University, follows up her memoir Surprised by Oxford with a focused look at her courtship and marriage. She recalls her suspicions of men and academic study of religion, which are both transformed during her conversion to Christianity while a student at Oxford. Then she tackles the topics of love and longing, as well as sex and marriage, and recounts her courtship with Kent, an American studying at Oxford, which culminates in his surprise proposal. Examining both the lead-up to and the spiritual significance of that commitment, she explains how falling in love made her more independent and how she came to view marriage as the ultimate show of faith for those who “rest together in Christ.” Theological reflections based on St. Augustine, whose beliefs make up many of the book’s epigraphs, both ground and complicate her views: “The possession of goodness is increased in proportion to the concord and charity of each of those who share it... he who is most willing to admit to others a share of it will have the greatest abundance.” Braided with her own marriage story are scenes with her father that shed light on her youthful ambivalence toward marriage before her conversion. Evangelical Christians will enjoy Kent’s thoughtful theological understanding of marriage and the joys of finding love.