In what could be one of the most talked-about Christian marriage books in years, Grace and Mark Driscoll unabashedly confront (among other things) submission, finances and sex - including the 'Can we DO that?' questions couples are too embarrassed to ask their pastor

Contact: Jason Jones, Publicist, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 615-306-8627, jjones@thomasnelson.com; via Twitter: @Book_Publicist

NASHVILLE, Sept. 14, 2011 /Standard Newswire/ -- Unique for his candid -- and to many, controversial -- messages, Pastor Mark Driscoll is set to once again send shock waves throughout the evangelical world, confronting head-on and in broad daylight subjects that most would dare only explore behind closed doors -- if then.

Already the talk of Christian publishing circles months before its release, Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship & Life Together (Thomas Nelson, Inc.) -- co-authored by Driscoll's wife, Grace -- hits stores on January 3 and vows to be one of the most talked-about Christian marriage releases in years.

While the book spends significant space exploring Scripture, statistics, culture, (the rarely-discussed topic of) friendship in marriage and sharing highly-personal details about their own pasts and marriage, what's sure to get the most attention are the chapters on submission, biblical sexuality, masturbation, pornography and the 'Can we do that?' sex questions most couples, Driscoll says, are too embarrassed to ask their pastor.

Additional topics include everything from finances to date nights, dealing with family, overcoming bitterness, forgiveness, abuse and anger.

"I believe people desperately need what this book delivers -- candid, real-world, biblical teaching about marriage, sex, and the realities of creating a life together," said Brian Hampton, Senior Vice President and Publisher at Thomas Nelson. "Mark and Grace don't pull punches or gloss over difficult issues ... and that's what's going to make this book unlike any that's come before it."

The Real Marriage church campaign will launch on January 3rd, 2012 with an 11-week sermon series by Pastor Mark, a 10-city tour, and a major mobilization of the 500 church strong Acts 29 Network.

Accompanying resources will include a small-group video curriculum, participants guide and promotional videos.

In addition, there will be 300 pages of additional research available for ministry leaders including sermon preparation all for free at PastorMark.tv. Updates on the campaign and blogs by Pastor Mark and Grace will be available at PastorMark.TV/RealMarriage, which went live yesterday.

Among the topics explored and questions answered:

* What the Bible says about friendship in marriage, why being your spouse's best friend changes everything and how to achieve it.

* Submission and respect -- marriage's most misunderstood tenets and what they should really look like.

* Honoring your spouse emotionally, technologically and financially.

* Pornography and sexual sin inside and outside of marriage.

* What the Bible says about masturbation and oral sex.

* The 'Can we do that?' questions you're too embarrassed to ask your pastor.

* How to deal with intimacy issues and create the joyful and fun sex life that God intended you to have.

* What type of man are you?

* What type of lover are you?

* And what type of marriage do you have?

Follow Pastor Mark on both Facebook and Twitter (@PastorMark)

* Review copies are limited and have been sent to a select number of outlets. To request an additional copy, interview Pastor Mark or receive more information, contact:

Jason Jones, Publicist
jjones@thomasnelson.com  
via Twitter: @Book_Publicist