About the Guest:

Reverend Dr. Michael Jensen: Pastor at St. Mark's Anglican Church, Darling Point, Dr. Michael Jensen is known for his deep insights into the dynamics of marriage and remarriage from a faith-based perspective. With his rich experience in pastoral care, he has guided many through complex personal issues, emphasising grace, forgiveness, and thoughtful decision-making. Dr. Jensen is committed to blending theological knowledge with practical wisdom to support his congregation and beyond.

Michael also can be found hosting another brilliant poddy - With All Due Respect of which he co-hosts with the wonderful Megan Powell du Toit. Do check it out!

Key Takeaways:

• Remarriage in Churches: Breaking down the taboos and understanding the complexities associated with remarriage, especially within religious contexts.

• Higher Divorce Rates in Second Marriages: Analysing why second marriages are more likely to end in divorce compared to first marriages.

• Pastoral Guidance in Remarriage: The role of the pastor in helping couples navigate their relationships, both in the context of separation and remarriage.

• Forgiveness and Healing: The nuanced approach required for forgiveness in cases of marital unfaithfulness and the impact of past abuses.

• Marital Counselling Recommendations: Encouraging couples to invest in their marriages through counselling and shared experiences to rekindle joy and companionship.

Notable Quotes:

• "One of the interesting things about marriage in the contemporary world is that it's become more precious and idealised, often seen as a fulfilment of personal desires."
• "We believe perpetrators deserve love as well as victims, and forgiveness doesn't always mean letting the perpetrator do it again."
• "Marriage is a commitment that requires constant work and patience, not just expectations of perpetual happiness."
• "It's vital for people to have realistic expectations about marriage to avoid simply repeating past patterns."
• "Particularly in their 40s and above, people should invest in their marriages now because there's so much to work for if you're willing to work for it."

Click here to contact Janet & Amelia or ask them a question or click here to contact the She Wasn't Born Yesterday team!

She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Dr Amelia Haines, a sexual and relationship therapist, who have written Australia’s first book on empty nest syndrome called Empty Next.

Visit Empty Nest Chicks for more resources, click here for their book, or join the discussion on Facebook.

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