No Greater Love

Overtly promotes a fundamentalist Christian approach following God's will to address marital problems, but look for elements consistent with a systemic approach and that of 12-step programs.

Jeff asks his son Ethan for approval of his plan to marry Katie, indicating she would become his mother. (0:16) Can a family function optimally in rearing a child by casting a step-parent in the role of "real" parent? What would be the risk in giving a child the responsibility of deciding whether a parent makes a particular choice for a new spouse?

Ethan's mother Heather explains to Jeff how alcohol, drugs, and depression affected her. Rather than make  amends, she asks forgiveness. (0:38) Here we see the contrast between the (apparently) Christian approach focusing on the injured party forgiving the offender and the 12-step approach focusing on the offender letting go of guilt by making amends.

When Jeff tells his friend Dave, "I'm releasing her," (1:38) his action mimics the 12-step notion of letting go (and letting God) also consistent with a systemic approach.

Heather's statement to Jeff, "You are the man I need." (1:42) reflects her choice to accept him as he is, a reversal of her resentment of some of his behaviors prior to the failure of their marriage and her disappearance.

amends | systemic therapy | higher power