Core Values: The foundational core of a person’s being and the reasoning for almost every decision a person makes, the motivation for why they do what they do, and the basis for who they are.

There are no deeper and more basic questions than “Why am I here,” “What is the purpose of life,” and “Is there a God?” While these questions can be compartmentalized for discussion in a philosophy class, a theology course, or a religious setting, core values impact virtually everything a person does, says, thinks, and desires.

Core Values can be the source of great harmony or great division in a marriage. Where does a couple turn in the midst of tragedy? What values and morals will be passed down to future family generations? What will their basis be for perceiving right and wrong?

By uncovering each person’s Core Values, couples perch themselves from a unique vantage point. They are peering into the foundational core of a person’s existence. They expose the reasoning for almost every decision a person makes, the motivation for why they do what they do, and the basis for who they are.

Uncovering the Core Values:

[Take turns discussing the following questions.]

Meaning of Life: What is the ultimate meaning of life?

Worldview: What is the basis for most every decision you make? (feel good, have fun, help others, please God, etc.)

Source for Morals: Where do the personal morals you live by come from? (public opinion, parents, faith, peers, religious book, etc.)

Moral Basis: How is good and evil, right and wrong determined in your life?

Central Priority: What is the number one thing that motivates you for living your life the way you do?

Values Priority: Do you place more importance on inward character qualities or outward behavior?

Purpose of Life: What is a person’s purpose and reason for living?

Political Leaning: Currently liberal, conservative, moderate, socialist, or other? List any political affiliation.

Causes in Life: List social, political, religious, and other efforts and causes you have participated in.

[ Discuss together the following:]

• [What are] three of the strongest SIMILARITIES in Core Values you and your [future] mate have?

• How can the similar Core Values be a strength in your relationship?

• How can they be detrimental to your relationship?

• [What are] three of the strongest DIFFERENCES in Core Values you and your [future] mate have?

• How can the DIFFERENT Core Values be a STRENGTH in your relationship?

• How can they be detrimental to your relationship?

• Do you and your [future] mate share more or fewer Core Values? Discuss any concerns.

As the author says about this workbook:

“Over the years, I have studied the age-old teachings from the Christian Scriptures, digested the findings from decades of social research, talked with the nation’s smartest people on marriage, and listened to real life testimonies from countless married couples. I have examined most marriage and relationship books, surfed most marriage and relationship web sites, and reviewed numerous marriage enrichment programs. I have been trained in some of the best marriage/relationship programs that exist and participated in strategic discussions for national marriage efforts. I have counseled many couples, taught relationship basics to many more, and trained many, many pastors and leaders on marriage and family issues.

“Through all my studies and work, one question lingers in my mind. How do the generations raised in a culture with too much divorce and too many broken families capture a vision for their marriage? How do they acquire a vision that helps them experience all marriage has to offer? The Full Marriage Experience is the answer to that question. Before “I Do” was written specifically for pre-engaged, engaged, and newlywed couples to prepare themselves to live the Full Marriage Experience. If my wife and I can live it, most anyone can.”

And we totally agree! This is a terrific tool for anyone considering marrying. You can order it at their web site at www.FullMarriageExperience.com.