Beyond the Honeymoon: 25 Questions and Answers about Marital Intimacy

God’s plan for intimacy within the covenant of marriage is a beautiful aspect of His plan of happiness. But all too often couples—whether newly engaged or recently married—face the prospect of a sexual relationship uninformed and perhaps unprepared. In Beyond the Honeymoon, a highly qualified trio of experts answers dozens of the most common questions about marital intimacy—questions they’ve been asked over the years in their roles as bishops, therapists, Institute of Religion instructors, and Brigham Young University professors—including:

• How can engaged couples prepare for intimacy?
• What does the Church teach about preparation for the honeymoon?
• How often should couples be intimate?
• Does the Church have an official stance on what goes on in the bedroom?

With references ranging from prophetic counsel to advice from secular and clinical relationship experts, this invaluable resource answers each question with clarity and reverence. This volume is perfect for newlyweds and engaged couples preparing for marriage and encourages married couples to establish a sexual relationship that is the fulfilling and sacred experience it is meant to be

Mark D. Ogletree is a professional educator, having taught for over twenty years in the Church’s seminary and institute program. Since 2010, he has worked as an associate professor in the Department of Church History and Doctrine at BYU. Mark is the author of books and articles on topics related to marriage, family, mental health, and contemporary Church history. Mark and his wife, Janie, are the hosts of a weekly podcast, Preserving Families, that focuses on marriage, family, and mental health issues.

Kinsey D. Pistorius is a private practitioner specializing in therapy for female adolescents, women's issues, distressed couples and families, parent-child relationships, and sexual abuse/trauma. She attended the University of Texas at Austin where she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology; she earned her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Houston, Clear Lake; and she earned her doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy from BYU.

Douglas E. Brinley received his PhD from BYU in family studies in 1975 and then taught at the Institute at Weber State University for twelve years. He was hired to teach at BYU in the Department of Church History and Doctrine from 1990 until his retirement in 2009. He has authored, coauthored, or edited sixteen books, fifteen of which are on marriage and family topics. He spoke on the Know Your Religion circuit for three decades and at BYU Education Week for over thirty years.