This collection of essays by prominent lawyers, theologians, social scientists, policy makers, and activists examines the reasons why the once treasured institution of marriage has been steadily displaced by a culture of divorce and unwed parenthood. Promises to Keep presents the full text of The Council on Families in America's 1995 investigation, Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation, and the contributors provide suggestions for marital resurrection to counteract trends that have created tragic hardships for children, generated poverty within families, and burdened us with insupportable social costs. Sponsored by The Institute for American Values.

Contributions by: Jean Bethke Elshtain, David Blankenhorn, Don S. Browning, The Council on Families in America, Moira Eastman, Maggie Gallagher, William A. Galston, Janet Z. Giele, Norval D. Glenn, David Popenoe, Milton C. Regan Jr., Carl E. Schneider, Arland Thornton, Robert S. Weiss, Barbara Dafoe Whitehead