Commitment to the Covenant: Strengthening the Me, We, and Thee of Marriage is a work of scholarly nonfiction strengthening marriage from three broad content areas—the things we need to do personally to improve our marriage (Me), the things we need to do together as a couple to strengthen our marital relationship (We), and the things we need to do personally and together as a couple to invite God into our marriage (Thee). While other publications focus either on religion or a particular academic discipline separately, we combine social science research with scripture, doctrine, and the counsel of latter-day prophets and apostles. We do this by drawing upon Richard’s sociological training and his work in the Church Educational System, as well as Debra’s training in marriage and family therapy and clinical psychology and her experiences as a psychotherapist. We believe that this multifaceted approach provides a rich perspective that can help a wide audience of LDS couples along their own marital journeys.

This book is a reflection of our professional and personal testimonies of the truthfulness of these principles. Writing this book has blessed our marriage as we have strengthened our own commitment to the covenant. We pray that you too may be blessed as you read from its pages.

We feel that Heavenly Father has been intimately involved in the process of writing and publishing this book. We are grateful for His guidance; He has continually prompted us as we have sought His direction. We would also like to express gratitude to Bruce Chadwick for his many hours of editing. Finally, we appreciate the assistance of Brigham Young University’s Religious Studies Center staff: Thomas A. Wayment, Joany O. Pinegar, R. Devan Jensen, Brent R. Nordgren, Tyler Balli, Mandi Diaz, Emily Strong, and Shannon Taylor.

—Debra Theobald McClendon and Richard J. McClendon