Discover the Secret to Happiness with Brad Wilcox

Getting married can bring you happiness

Want to be happy? Get married. Studies have shown that the secret to happiness is marriage. Unsurprisingly (or maybe surprisingly in our modern age) it turns out that marriage is an excellent predictor of increased happiness.

No Battle of the Sexes | Dr. Stephen Baskerville

Dr. Stephen Baskerville is an expert in the politics surrounding family court and divorce. He is widely recognized as a leading authority on fatherhood, family policy, and sexual politics. His writings have appeared in leading national and international publications such as the Washington Post, Washington Times, Independent Review, Salisbury Review, Society, The American Conservative, Chronicles, […]

When will an open marriage make you happy?

(September 9, 2021) Dr J is once again a guest of Fr. Rob Jack on Sacred Heart Radio’s Driving Home the Faith. They’re discussing, among other things, an article on HuffPo written by a wife in an open marriage with her husband and his boyfriend, which is the subject of Ruth Institute’s latest press release.

The Fate of Nations Hinges on the Future of Marriage

Why one man and one woman? Because male and female complement each other, psychologically as well as physically. The Vatican’s Charter of the Rights of the Family notes: “The family is based on marriage, that intimate union of life in complementarity between a man and a woman.”

Ruth Inst. President Testifies for Texas Unilateral Divorce Repeal

April 27, 2021 For Immediate Release For More Information: info@ruthinstitute.org Ruth Inst. President Testifies for Texas Unilateral Divorce Repeal “No government should have a policy of always taking sides with the party who wants the marriage least,” said Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D., President of the Ruth Institute, on April 26, 2021. Morse was testifying […]

My story is hard to tell, but just telling it begins this healing.

I am a 28-year-old man, a separated husband, and a victim of the Sexual Revolution. I’m not only a victim of no-fault divorce, soon to be civilly divorced against my will, but also of LGBT ideology, pornography addiction, and cohabitation. I met my wife in 2014. We were sexually active before marriage and cohabitated beginning […]

Was Keeping Society “Out of the Bedroom” A Disastrous Idea?

Dr. Scott Hahn his wife Kimberly have six children (two of which are seminarians) and eighteen grandchildren. An exceptionally popular speaker and teacher, Dr. Hahn has delivered numerous talks nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics related to Scripture and the Catholic faith. Dr. Hahn has been awarded the Father Michael Scanlan, T.O.R., Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990, and is the founder and president of the Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology. From 2005 to 2011, Dr. Hahn held the Pope Benedict XVI Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical Proclamation at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA. From 2014 to 2015, he served as the McEssy Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization, University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. Dr. Hahn is also the bestselling author of numerous books including The Lamb’s Supper, Reasons to Believe, and Rome Sweet Home (co-authored with his wife, Kimberly). Some of his newest books are The First Society, The Fourth Cup, Romans: A Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, The Creed, Evangelizing Catholics, Angels and Saints, and Joy to the World. Scott received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a triple-major in Theology, Philosophy and Economics from Grove City College, Pennsylvania, his Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. in Biblical Theology from Marquette University. Scott has ten years of youth and pastoral ministry experience in Protestant congregations (in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Kansas and Virginia) and is a former Professor of Theology at Chesapeake Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1982 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Virginia. He entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, 1986. Readings &amp, Resources Dr Hahn’s website: scotthahn.com Dr Hahn’s St Paul Center: stpaulcenter.com Books The First Society: The Sacrament of Matrimony and the Restor

AUDIO: Was Keeping Society "Out of the Bedroom&quot, A Disastrous Idea?

Dr. Scott Hahn his wife Kimberly have six children (two of which are seminarians) and eighteen grandchildren. An exceptionally popular speaker and teacher, Dr. Hahn has delivered numerous talks nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics related to Scripture and the Catholic faith. Dr. Hahn has been awarded the Father Michael Scanlan, T.O.R., Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990, and is the founder and president of the Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology. From 2005 to 2011, Dr. Hahn held the Pope Benedict XVI Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical Proclamation at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA. From 2014 to 2015, he served as the McEssy Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization, University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. Dr. Hahn is also the bestselling author of numerous books including The Lamb’s Supper, Reasons to Believe, and Rome Sweet Home (co-authored with his wife, Kimberly). Some of his newest books are The First Society, The Fourth Cup, Romans: A Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, The Creed, Evangelizing Catholics, Angels and Saints, and Joy to the World. Listen This is an audio podcast of The Dr J Show. Full video episode is available here. Scott received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a triple-major in Theology, Philosophy and Economics from Grove City College, Pennsylvania, his Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. in Biblical Theology from Marquette University. Scott has ten years of youth and pastoral ministry experience in Protestant congregations (in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Kansas and Virginia) and is a former Professor of Theology at Chesapeake Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1982 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Virginia. He entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, 1986. Readings &amp, Resources Dr Hahn’s website: scotthahn.com Dr Hahn’s St Paul Cen

​Greg and Liz’s COVID wedding story

Greg: In February 2020, we were a thousand miles apart. I was at my new job in Richmond, Virginia, and Liz was working as a chef on a cruise ship sailing the Mighty Mississip’. I had bought an engagement ring and planned to pop the question come Eastertide… This was the last month of normal […]

Ruth Inst. Partners with Kenya Christian Professionals Forum to Celebrate Marriage Week

February 10, 2021 For Immediate Release For More Information: media@ruthinstitute.org  Ruth Inst. Partners with Kenya Christian Professionals Forum to Celebrate Marriage Week The Ruth Institute is pleased to announce its partnership with the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum to celebrate Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14). Ruth Institute Founder and President Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D., said: “We […]

Josh & Heidi’s story

My wife and I had only been engaged a couple months when the Wuhan Virus hysterics really took off. When different parts of the country began to shut down travel, businesses, and the like, we didn’t expect it would last long. With an August wedding, we were certain the country would be open by then. […]

National Marriage Week

(February 5, 2021) Dr J is once again a guest of Fr. Rob Jack on Sacred Heart Radio’s "Driving Home the Faith.&quot, What are you doing to celebrate National Marriage Week? It kicks off February 7-14, and we have lots to share with you… Listen For example, see our newest resource center on marriage.

Marriage Fact Sheet

Marriage Fact Sheet – February 3, 2021 Get the facts on how your marriage impacts civilization and why children need married parents more than ever! “I still feel that it (marriage) is the cornerstone of civilization, and an essential institution that stabilizes society, provides a sanctuary for children and saves us from anarchy.” Actress and 1970s sex symbol Raquel Welch. It’s sex o’clock in America – CNN.com In 2017, at least three-quarters of high school seniors said they planned to marry at some point in the future Young people aspire to marriage, so let’s offer them more than a Valentine » MercatorNet Married couples are much better off financially. Individuals who are married on average have a net worth 77% higher than those who are single. Marriage and divorce’s impact on wealth – Jay L. Zagorsky, 2005 (sagepub.com) Married couples have roughly double the wealth of those who never marry. Couples are healthier, wealthier… and less trim | Marriage | The Guardian Marrieds have a lower risk of disease — from diabetes and cardiovascular disease to respiratory problems. Couples are healthier, wealthier… and less trim | Marriage | The Guardian Remaining single has been called one of the greatest health risks people can voluntarily subject themselves to.Why Marriage Is Good For You | The Value of Marriage | Marriage Facts (city-journal.org) Husbands and wives are 10% to 15% less likely to die prematurely. Couples are healthier, wealthier… and less trim | Marriage | The Guardian People who are married have sex roughly twice as often as those who are single. Couples are healthier, wealthier… and less trim | Marriage | The Guardian Marriage lowers the risk that individuals will become victims of violent crime. In 2012, the Justice Department’s National Crime Victimization Survey showed married people had a violent crime victimization rate of 13.5 per 1,000 people. The rate for those who are divorced was 37.0 per 1,000. For those who’ve never been married, it was 40.7 per 1,000. Single People More Likely To Be Viole

Ruth Inst. Launches Marriage Project for National Marriage Week

February 4, 2021 For Immediate Release For More Information: media@ruthinstitute.org The Ruth Institute is celebrating National Marriage Week, February 7-14, by launching its on-line Marriage Resource Center.“We’re always eager to promote lifelong married love, especially this past year when couples faced so many challenges getting married,” said Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D., president and founder […]

Marriage in the Time of COVID

It felt like the universe was conspiring against my marriage. Usually I take hardship in stride; however, this began to feel personal. When I first heard of Coronavirus, I ignored it. It was far away and irrelevant. The virus seemed to want to prove me wrong. It was early March. I was six weeks away from getting married. The planning was going great: our venue looked amazing, our food was planned, my fiancee’s family had their travel plans, my groomsmen were all notified, a family member was going to perform the ceremony. It was what we had dreamed of. Then my university announced it was cancelling classes. Then our church suspended in-person meetings. We started to hear stories of travel being cancelled. Suddenly I was worried about my wedding. Changing plans wasn’t the worst part. The worst part was having no idea what was going on, or what to do. Do we send the invitations we have? Could we still have a reception? Where would we get enough hand sanitizer for the 200 people on our guest list? It was already beginning to be sold for $50 a bottle on Amazon. There were just dozens of questions with no answers. Move the ceremony forward? Move it back? Were we threatening our grandparents lives? Do we do the reception in waves? Do we cancel the big venue because we can’t have a large gathering? Will we ruin existing travel plans? Will we have a place to live if we move it forward? Or was everyone over-reacting, meaning we would be fine in 6 weeks? Having no answers was the difficult part. We had to sit down and work out which of the bad options were best. We decided to move our wedding forward. We contacted our closest family, figured out a good new time, cancelled honeymoon plans, and rushed to get as much together as we could. Things were looking good, in spite of the (minor) disappointment of losing our ideal wedding. We planned to try in 3 weeks, and set a new date for March 28th. The next weeks weren’t encouraging. The family member who was going to perform the ceremony had congenital heart failure and became d

Thanksgiving Message from Dr. Morse

Thanksgiving, more than any other American holiday, is a family holiday. No matter their religious heritage, on this day, Americans unite in giving thanks for their many blessings. Families long scattered gather together to share food and make memories. In years past, the day before Thanksgiving was always the busiest travel day of the year. […]

It Takes a Family to Raise a Villiage Student Conference

The Conference   On August 6th 2009 at the University of San Diego, 32 students from across America along with experts in their respective fields, came together for three days to discuss the institution of marriage; how it stands in today’s society, what challenges and jeopardy it faces and what we, as a free society, […]

The Institution Formerly Known as Marriage

The Iowa court’s recent decision does not simply broaden marriage, it radically changes its nature. While marriage previously served public purposes of attaching mothers and fathers to their children and one another, now marriage merely serves as affirmation of adult feelings.

How Marriage Lost in Iowa

Originally posted at the National Catholic Register April 16, 2009 by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse By now, everyone knows that the Supreme Court of Iowa has imposed same-sex “marriage” on the heartland of America, a mere 10 years after the people of that state had expressly voted against it. What very few people know is […]

Children of Divorce Suffer Negative Side Effects

Children of Divorce

Even though the popular notion is that children of divorce are resilient, the reality is that there are tremendous negative effects of divorce for children. Children learn to silence themselves.

So You Want To Defend Marriage? Come Hear the Story of Our Founder

Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse is the founder of the Ruth Institute, a global non-profit organization that defends the family at home and in the public square and equips others to do the same. She is passionate about equipping family advocates with the knowledge and confidence to defend the family at home and in the public square. Dr. Morse was a campaign spokeswoman for California’s winning Proposition 8 campaign, defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. She has authored or co-authored five books and spoken around the globe on marriage, family and human sexuality. Her work has been translated into Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Polish and Chuukese, the native language of the Micronesian Islands. Her newest books are The Sexual Revolution and Its Victims and 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person, coauthored with Betsy Kerekes. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Rochester and taught economics at Yale and George Mason Universities. Dr. Morse was named one of the “Catholic Stars of 2013” on a list that included Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI. Dr. Morse and her husband are parents of an adopted child, a birth child, a goddaughter and were foster parents for San Diego County to eight foster children. In 2015, Dr. Morse and her husband relocated to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where the work of the Ruth Institute continues. Readings &amp, Resources Love and Economics (2001), on Amazon "Competing Visions of the Child, the Family, and the School (2002),&quot, part of Education in the Twenty-first Century, by Edward Lazear "Making Room at the Inn: Why the Modern World Needs the Needy (2003),&quot, part of Wealth, Poverty, and Human Destiny, by Doug Bandow &amp, David Schindler Smart Sex: Finding Life-long Love in a Hook-up World (2005), on Amazon The Sexual State, TheSexualState.com

Catholics v. Teaching on Abstinence

(September 10, 2020) Dr J is once again a guest of Drew Mariani on his eponymous show on Relevant Radio. They’re discussing the new Pew survey on the acceptability of premarital sex among Christians. Listen

Everything to Understand About Marriage: It is still IMPORTANT

Originally from Pasadena, Fr. Sebastian Walshe is a Norbertine Canon of the Abbey of St. Michael in the Diocese of Orange, California, where he is a professor of philosophy and prefect of studies for the seminary program. After completing his studies at Thomas Aquinas College in California, he continued studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., receiving a license in Philosophy. Later, he attended the Pontifical University of St. Thomas at Rome (the Angelicum) where he received a Masters in Sacred Theology and a Doctorate in Philosophy. Fr. Sebastian is a regular guest on Catholic Answers Live. Readings &amp, Resources Fr Sebastian’s book, Understanding Marriage and Family, at Arouca Press Resources from the Ruth Institute "Privatizing Marriage is Impossible,&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at Public Discourse "Privatizing Marriage Will Expand the Role of the State,&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at Public Discourse "Privatizing Marriage is Unjust to Children,&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at Public Discourse "Does Marriage Have a Public Purpose?&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at MercatorNet and the Ruth Speaks Out blog "Common Questions about the Essential Public Purpose of Marriage,&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at the Ruth Speaks Out blog Love and Economics, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse The Sexual State, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, TheSexualState.com "Same-Sex ‘Marriage’ and the Persecution of Civil Society,&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at the National Catholic Register "The Catholic Church, Children and Same-Sex Parenting,&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at the National Catholic Register

DR J SHOW AUDIO: Everything to Understand About Marriage. It is still IMPORTANT

Originally from Pasadena, Fr. Sebastian Walshe is a Norbertine Canon of the Abbey of St. Michael in the Diocese of Orange, California, where he is a professor of philosophy and prefect of studies for the seminary program. After completing his studies at Thomas Aquinas College in California, he continued studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., receiving a license in Philosophy. Later, he attended the Pontifical University of St. Thomas at Rome (the Angelicum) where he received a Masters in Sacred Theology and a Doctorate in Philosophy. Fr. Sebastian is a regular guest on Catholic Answers Live. Listen This is an audio podcast of The Dr J Show. Full video episode is available here. Readings &amp, resources below cut. Readings &amp, Resources Fr Sebastian’s book, Understanding Marriage and Family, at Arouca Press Resources from the Ruth Institute "Privatizing Marriage is Impossible,&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at Public Discourse "Privatizing Marriage Will Expand the Role of the State,&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at Public Discourse "Privatizing Marriage is Unjust to Children,&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at Public Discourse "Does Marriage Have a Public Purpose?&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at MercatorNet and the Ruth Speaks Out blog "Common Questions about the Essential Public Purpose of Marriage,&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at the Ruth Speaks Out blog Love and Economics, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse The Sexual State, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, TheSexualState.com "Same-Sex ‘Marriage’ and the Persecution of Civil Society,&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at the National Catholic Register "The Catholic Church, Children and Same-Sex Parenting,&quot, by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse at the National Catholic Register

Stuck at Home all day? Quarantine Tips to Save Your Sanity!

Betsy Kerekes is the happily-married mother of three girls and a boy. She shares amusing, light-hearted stories about her husband and children at parentingisfunny.wordpress.com. Her first book with Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage, has three foreign translations. She also wrote 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person with Dr. Morse. She has published multiple articles, has been on numerous radio shows, and was a week-long guest on EWTN’s "Women of Grace.&quot, She has also done public speaking, including the annual "Parenting with Purpose&quot, conference in Washington, D.C. Her latest book is Be A Happier Parent or Laugh Trying. Betsy serves the Ruth Institute as online editor of our newsletter, our Facebook page, and much more. Readings &amp, Resources Be A Happier Parent or Laugh Trying, by Betsy Kerekes: ruthinstitute.org/store/ruth-books/be-a-happier-parent-or-laugh-trying 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person, by Jennifer Roback Morse &amp, Betsy Kerekes: ruthinstitute.org/store/ruth-books/101-tips-for-marrying-the-right-person 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage, by Jennifer Roback Morse &amp, Betsy Kerekes: ruthinstitute.org/store/ruth-books/101-tips-for-a-happier-marriage Betsy’s blog: parentingisfunny.wordpress.com article at Catholic Lane: "The Double-Edged Sword of Infertility,&quot, by Betsy Kerekes subscribe to the Ruth Institute’s weekly newsletter: ruthinstitute.org/make-a-difference/subscribe-to-our-newsletter "A Laugh In The Afternoon&quot, on our Facebook page: facebook.com/TheRuthInstitute

DR J SHOW AUDIO: Stuck at Home all day? Quarantine Tips to Save Your Sanity!

Betsy Kerekes is the happily-married mother of three girls and a boy. She shares amusing, light-hearted stories about her husband and children at parentingisfunny.wordpress.com. Her first book with Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage, has three foreign translations. She also wrote 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person with Dr. Morse. She has published multiple articles, has been on numerous radio shows, and was a week-long guest on EWTN’s "Women of Grace.&quot, She has also done public speaking, including the annual "Parenting with Purpose&quot, conference in Washington, D.C. Her latest book is Be A Happier Parent or Laugh Trying. Betsy serves the Ruth Institute as online editor of our newsletter, our Facebook page, and much more. Listen This is an audio podcast of The Dr J Show. Full video episode is available here. Readings &amp, Resources Be A Happier Parent or Laugh Trying, by Betsy Kerekes: ruthinstitute.org/store/ruth-books/be-a-happier-parent-or-laugh-trying 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person, by Jennifer Roback Morse &amp, Betsy Kerekes: ruthinstitute.org/store/ruth-books/101-tips-for-marrying-the-right-person 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage, by Jennifer Roback Morse &amp, Betsy Kerekes: ruthinstitute.org/store/ruth-books/101-tips-for-a-happier-marriage Betsy’s blog: parentingisfunny.wordpress.com article at Catholic Lane: "The Double-Edged Sword of Infertility,&quot, by Betsy Kerekes subscribe to the Ruth Institute’s weekly newsletter: ruthinstitute.org/make-a-difference/subscribe-to-our-newsletter "A Laugh In The Afternoon&quot, on our Facebook page: facebook.com/TheRuthInstitute

Does Your Family Make a Global Difference? Family Data Researcher Has the Answers

Dr. Pat Fagan is Founder and Director of the Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI) at the Family Research Council (now a part of The Catholic University of America). He is also a professional therapist specializing in child, family and marital therapy for couples considering divorce. He publishes and edits Marripedia.org, a Wikipedia-like resource on social sciences of impact of marriage and religious worship. Dr. Fagan has authored over thirty synthesis papers and has commissioned dozens of original research projects in marriage, family, child development, and religious practice. His decades of analyzing federal surveys and social science studies has proven that marriage is the foundational relationship in society, and fidelity is its foundational virtue. His research has shown that the cultivation of both faithfulness and marriage is integral to all vibrant cultures. Dr. Fagan began his career as a teacher in Ireland, then became a clinical psychologist specializing in child, family and marital therapy in Canada. Because of his deep concerns about government undermining marriage and the family, he entered the public policy field in the U.S. He assisted Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.), became Deputy Assistant Secretary for Family and Social Policy at the U.S. Health and Human Services under President George H. Bush. Dr. Fagan is a Senior Fellow of Family and Culture at the Heritage Foundation and a Fellow at The Austin Institute in Texas. Dr. Fagan and his wife Theresa have eight children and twelve grandchildren. Resources Dr. Fagan’s weekly blog on recent social science findings: marri.us/blog Faith and Family Findings: marri.us/faith-family-findings Marripedia (Wikipedia-like resource on social sciences of impact of marriage and religious worship): marripedia.org Jennifer Johnson’s Marriage and Equality: at the Ruth store or on Amazon.com

DR J SHOW AUDIO: Does Your Family Make a Global Difference? Family Data Researcher Has the Answers

Dr. Pat Fagan is Founder and Director of the Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI) at the Family Research Council (now a part of The Catholic University of America). He is also a professional therapist specializing in child, family and marital therapy for couples considering divorce. He publishes and edits Marripedia.org, a Wikipedia-like resource on social sciences of impact of marriage and religious worship. Listen This is an audio podcast of The Dr J Show. Full video episode is available here. Dr. Fagan has authored over thirty synthesis papers and has commissioned dozens of original research projects in marriage, family, child development, and religious practice. His decades of analyzing federal surveys and social science studies has proven that marriage is the foundational relationship in society, and fidelity is its foundational virtue. His research has shown that the cultivation of both faithfulness and marriage is integral to all vibrant cultures. Dr. Fagan began his career as a teacher in Ireland, then became a clinical psychologist specializing in child, family and marital therapy in Canada. Because of his deep concerns about government undermining marriage and the family, he entered the public policy field in the U.S. He assisted Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.), became Deputy Assistant Secretary for Family and Social Policy at the U.S. Health and Human Services under President George H. Bush. Dr. Fagan is a Senior Fellow of Family and Culture at the Heritage Foundation and a Fellow at The Austin Institute in Texas. Dr. Fagan and his wife Theresa have eight children and twelve grandchildren. Resources Dr. Fagan’s weekly blog on recent social science findings: marri.us/blog Faith and Family Findings: marri.us/faith-family-findings Marripedia (Wikipedia-like resource on social sciences of impact of marriage and religious worship): marripedia.org Jennifer Johnson’s Marriage and Equality: at the Ruth store or on Amazon.com

Staying Sane During Quarantine!? How to be a Happier Parent!

Betsy Kerekes is the happily married mother of three girls and a boy. She shares amusing, light-hearted stories about her husband and children at parentingisfunny.wordpress.com. Her first book with Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage, has three foreign translations. She also wrote 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person with Dr. Morse. She has published multiple articles, has been on numerous radio shows, and was a week-long guest on EWTN’s "Women of Grace.&quot, She has also done public speaking, including the annual "Parenting with Purpose&quot, conference in Washington, D.C. Her latest book is Be A Happier Parent or Laugh Trying. Betsy serves the Ruth Institute as online editor of our newsletter, our Facebook page, and much more. Resources and Readings Be A Happier Parent or Laugh Trying in the Ruth store 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person in the Ruth store 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage in the Ruth store "The Double-Edged Sword of Infertility,&quot, by Betsy Kerekes, catholiclane.com/the-double-edged-sword-of-infertility Betsy’s blog, Parenting is Funny: parentingisfunny.wordpress.com Subscribe to the Ruth Institute Newsletter "A Laugh In The Afternoon&quot, on our Facebook page

Ruth Institute Makes History

On Feb. 21st “We’ll Make History” Ruth Institute to Present Its Make-The-Family-Great-Again Petition to State Dept. Commission “On February 21st the Ruth Institute will make history,” said Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D., Founder and President of the Ruth Institute. “We will present our petition to Make the Family Great Again to the State Department’s Commission […]

Student Pro-life Activists NOT Single-Issue Voters!

Students Care About a Broad Range of Issues Related to the Sexual Revolution Despite common stereotypes, most pro-life activists are NOT single-mindedly focused on abortion. The Ruth Institute conducted what may be the first survey of pro-life student opinion on other social issues at the Students for Life Pro-Life Summit on January 25 in Washington […]

Marriage Reduces Abortion (plus 10 more reasons to support it!)

(January 23, 2020) Dr J is once again a guest of Michelle McAloon, Ellen Taylor, and Mike Romano on LA Catholic Morning. They’re discussing how marriage protects against abortion and how you can make the family great again. Listen 10 Reasons Your Marriage Matters

Thousands sign petition asking Trump to defend life, marriage and make family ‘great again’

September 18, 2019 (LifeSiteNews) – The Ruth Institute and LifeSiteNews have just launched a petition asking President Trump to “Make the Family Great Again!” Sexual revolutionaries have been using so-called “human rights” language, domestically and internationally, to promote their radical vision of society. This includes insisting that both abortion and “same-sex “marriage” are “human rights.” […]

Do You Want To Be a Happier Parent?

By Susannah Pearce June 4, 2019, at Integrated Catholic Life Raising children isn’t as easy as it looks in those soft-focus magazine and television ads. I think it might be some kind of ruse designed to bamboozle us into peopling the earth (and buying all the products for it). Actual children are messy, unreasonable, and […]

Be a happier parent – or laugh trying

It’s one way to have happy kids, a new book points out. by Mary Cooney and Betsy Kerekes This article was first published May 7, 2019, at Mercatornet.com. There is no doubt that parents today face tremendous challenges. Sometimes these challenges are overwhelming and stressful. Parents of young children and teens will appreciate Betsy Kerekes’ […]

Survivors Summit on Janet Mefferd Today

The Summit is almost here! One last podcast to tease it before we kick off at 5pm Friday: Dr J appeared on Janet Mefferd Today (last week) to give us a rundown of what to expect. Join us in person or on Facebook, where we’re livestreaming the events and festivities in partnership with the Family Research Council.

Respect Life 2018: Understanding the Sexual Revolution

(October 13, 2018) Dr J is the keynote speaker at the Respect Life Conference in Meriden, Connecticut. She gave two talks, this is the first one, "Understanding the Sexual Revolution,&quot, on what the sexual revolution is, its underlying ideologies, and how it moves forward. Stay tuned for her second talk in our regular podcast stream. Listen

Secular Arguments for Marriage Are Not Enough

by Jennifer Roback Morse This article was first published July 11, 2018, at Crisis. Scott Hahn is a prolific Biblical scholar with a huge fan-base among orthodox Catholics. He doesn’t need my help promoting his new book, The First Society: The Sacrament of Matrimony and the Restoration of Social Order. But I need some help […]

Cardinal Farrell’s message about priests’ involvement in marriage prep is absolutely wrong

by Friend of Ruth, Joe DeVet The following response was given to a volunteer for Engaged Encounter, who asked for an opinion on Cardinal Farrell’s remark that priests don’t have credibility in marriage preparation. Cardinal Farrell’s message about priests’ involvement is absolutely wrong–when he says they have no credibility, leading to the conclusion that their […]

On Secular Arguments for Strengthening Marriage

(July 13, 2018) Dr J is once again a guest of Drew Mariani on his eponymous show on Relevant Radio. They’re discussing secular arguments for strengthening marriage…and why they’re not enough.

A Closer Look at Divorce &amp, Remarriage

(June 12, 2018) Dr J is once again Sheila Liaugminas’ guest on Relevant Radio’s "A Closer Look.&quot, They’re discussing the Ruth Institute’s work with the survivors of the sexual revolution, specifically touching on divorce, remarriage, and the effects on children when their parents "move on."

Freedom Readers: The Government’s Duty to Marriage

(March 14, 2018) Dr J is speaking to Freedom Readers, a project of Grove City College’s Center for Vision &amp, Values. Her topic is "The Government’s Duty to Marriage: A Not-Exclusively Biblical Approach.&quot, Check out our podcast stream if you missed yesterday’s talk to one of Grove City’s classes, and stay tuned for Q&A afterward.

From Grove City College: The Government’s Duty to Marriage

(March 13, 2018) Dr J is speaking to a class of students at Grove City College near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her topic is "The Government’s Duty to Marriage: A Not-Exclusively Biblical Approach.&quot, Stay tuned for Q&A afterward, and tune in for tomorrow’s talk in the same vein to Freedom Readers, a project of the college’s Center for Vision &amp, Values.

Make Your Marriage an Even Happier One

Keeping your marriage healthy is paramount for your mental, physical, even financial health. By Betsy Kerekes This article was first published January 15, 2018, at Christian Post.   This time of year, people tend to look at their waistline, their exercise goals, or that unfinished project in the garage. How about a New Year’s resolution […]

Privatizing Marriage in Alabama

(January 24, 2018) Dr J is once again a guest on Janet Mefferd’s radio show to discuss the state of Alabama’s recent moves to eliminate marriage licenses and "privatize&quot, marriages. Their senate has passed a motion to handle marriages through affidavits between adults. Check out "The Government’s Duty to Marriage&quot, over at our webstore on ruthinstitute.org.

Healthy Actions and Expectations Before Saying "I Do"

(January 8, 2018) Dr J is speaking with John Rustin on his radio show, Family Policy Matters. The topic is healthy actions and expectations before saying "I do,&quot, and they touch on specifics regarding cohabitation, weddings, divorce, and marriage.

101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person

A chat with one of the authors. by Tamara El-Rahi This article was first posted at Mercatornet on December 5. 2016. Betsy Kerekes is Director of Online Publications at the Ruth Institute and co-author with Dr Jennifer Roback Morse of a new book: 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person: Helping Singles Find Each Other, […]

St. John Bosco’s Clergy Appreciation Dinner

(May 23, 2017) Dr J is the speaker at St. John Bosco Catholic Church’s annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner in Westlake, Louisiana. Her topic is "What the Ruth Institute Can Do for the Priests and People of St. John Bosco;&quot, she also made a special statement to the children who were present.

Feminist Baggage

(May 4, 2017) Dr J is once again Todd Wilkin’s guest on Issues, Etc. They’re discussing how hard it is to shake overarching political indoctrination, particularly when it’s focused on promoting yourself at the expense of all others–especially your family. Check out the referenced article from Crisis Magazine, "The Half-Made Bed and the More Excellent Way."

Change Your Marriage For The Better Today

A book review from TampaMeditations.com on 12/21/2016 you can start to change your own marriage today, simply by making a decision to be more generous: by being the first to forgive; by making allowances; by admitting you were wrong. These are an antidote to self-righteousness, the belief that “it’s not my fault”. There are other […]

Marriage Advice: Always Keep a Sense of Humor

In celebration of National Marriage Week, Ave Maria Press is featuring a short series of stories with important pieces of marriage advice. For more information about this celebration of National Marriage Week visit, www.avemariapress.com/marriageweek. While they probably won’t admit it, every married person holds on to some little things that annoy them about their spouse. […]

In Person: Dr J on Morning Drive

Mon, 13 March 2017 In Person: Dr J (March 13, 2017) Dr J is once again Dina Marie Hale’s guest on her "In Person&quot, segment of Mater Dei’s Morning Drive. They’re discussing the genesis and work of the Ruth institute–how a purely economic model fails to account for the work of the family.

Today I put my wedding rings back on.

I took them off about 15 years ago when the grudge started. The grudge was because I expected my husband to fulfill my every need. I had idolized him. I put him in the place of God. My husband was my knight in shining armor when we got married, and I placed this insurmountable burden […]

The Ruth Institute congratulates Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland for his clear teaching on marriage and morality

(February 27, 2017, San Marcos, CA) The Ruth Institute sent a letter of commendation and 24 white roses to Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, congratulating and thanking him for his defense of Catholic teaching on marriage. In his Pastoral Letter, “A True and Living Icon,” Archbishop Sample stated, “The indissolubility of marriage is a precious and essential teaching of the Church, revealed by Jesus and cherished in our unbroken Tradition… The marriage bond is indissoluble because the Gospel covenant is indissoluble, for the sacrament signifies Christ’s permanent union with his Church.” The Ruth Institute is a global non-profit organization dedicated to finding Christ-like solutions to the problems of family breakdown. Founded by world renowned author, speaker and academic, Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, the Ruth Institute has accumulated decades of research to support individuals and families harmed by divorce, the hook-up culture, and other forms of family breakdown. Dr. Morse stated, “We are particularly encouraged that Archbishop Sample addressed three possible misuses of Amoris Laetitia. Misuse One: Conscience Legitimizes Actions Contravening Divine Commandments. Misuse Two: Under Certain Conditions Divine Prohibitions Admit of Exceptions. And Misuse Three: Human Frailty Exempts from Divine Command. Time has shown the Archbishop’s foresight in this area, as many people, including people who ought to know better, are making these very mistakes.” Jennifer Johnson, Director of the Ruth Institute’s Children of Divorce project stated, “We are so grateful for Archbishop Sample’s clear teaching on the indissolubility of marriage. We hear from people who have been harmed by family breakdown, literally every day. Straying from Jesus’s teaching on the permanence of marriage has devastated millions of children and deserted spouses. We want the Archbishop to know these wounded souls deeply appreciate his words.” Dr. Morse is available for interviews about the Roses from Ruth Initiative, the Archbishop’s statem

Tips for Happy Marriage and Effective Parenting

(February 25, 2017) Betsy Kerekes, our director of online publications, traveled to Bethesda, Maryland to participate in the Family Institute of Washington’s annual Parenting with a Purpose conference. Her topic was "Tips for Happy Marriage and Effective Parenting.&quot, When she’s not keeping all of our ducks in a row at the Ruth Institute, Betsy also blogs at parentingisfunny.wordpress.com.

National Marriage Week 2017: 101 Tips on Morning Drive

(February 8, 2017) Dr J is Dina Marie Hale’s guest on Mater Dei Radio’s Morning Drive. They’re discussing the Ruth Institute’s newest book, 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person, authored by Dr. Morse and Betsy Kerekes.

A Closer Look at National Marriage Week 2017

(February 8, 2017) Dr J is once again Sheila Liaugminas’ guest on Relevant Radio’s A Closer Look. They’re discussing matters of the heart during National Marriage Week: 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person, marriage, the effects of divorce on children, government and cultural pressures, and more.

202 Tips: On Call with the Ruth Institute!

(February 7, 2017) Betsy Kerekes and Dr J appear jointly with Wendy Wiese on her eponymous radio show to discuss their two Tips books, 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage and 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person.

How to marry the right person

Five tips to get you started on the path to a happy marriage. by Betsy Kerekes   This article was first posted November 25, 2016, at Mercatornet.com.   If you are a take-your-vows-seriously type of person and believe in “till death do us part,” your life will be much simpler if you marry the right […]

Altar Society: About Ruth…

(November 21, 2016) Dr J was invited to speak at the Altar Society in Lake Charles on the work and history of the Ruth Institute.

Finding Mr. (or Mrs.) Right

This article was first published at Fathers for Good on November 23, 2016. New book outlines Catholic plan for marriage If the “101 Tips” of this handy little book could be summed up in a few words, they would be: Know thyself. The wisdom of Socrates holds true today, though the modern dating scene may […]

101 Tips on the Steve Deace Show

(December 8, 2016) Dr J gave an interview to Steve Deace on his eponymous radio show about the new book she just wrote with Betsy Kerekes, 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person.