This collection of essays by prominent lawyers, theologians, social scientists, policy makers, and activists examines the reasons why the once-treasured institution of marriage has been steadily displaced by a culture of divorce and unwed parenthood in the United States of America.

Part 1 The DecLine of Marriage Chapter 2 The Decline of Marriage as the Social Basis of Childrearing Chapter 3 Values, Attitudes, and the State of American Marriage Chapter 4 Myths of Marriage and Family Chapter 5 Comparative and Historical Perspectives on Marriage, Divorce, and Family Life Chapter 6 Decline of the Family: Conservative, Liberal, and Feminist Views Part 7 Religious, Legal, and Clinical Dimensions Chapter 8 Biology, Ethics, and Narrative in Christian Family Theory Chapter 9 Postmodern Family Law: Toward a New Model of Status Chapter 10 The Law and the Stability of Marriage: The Family as a Social Institution Chapter 11 Parenting from Separate Households Part 12 Rebuilding A Marriage Culture Chapter 13 Re-creating Marriage Chapter 14 Modern Marriage: Revising the Cultural Script Chapter 15 The Reinstitutionalization of Marriage: Political Theory and Public Policy Part 16 Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation Chapter 17 Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation Chapter 18 Afterword

An enormous contribution by an impressive set of family scholars. Promises to Keep is packed with information and should be 'must reading' for family researchers, students, religious leaders, mental health professionals and policy makers.