Be Prepared: The Definition of Marriage

The biblical definition of marriage which originated as a religous, faith-based institution and later became "regulated" (in a sense) by the government is simple: one man and one woman committed to each other for life.

Why does the government get to or even want to have a voice in marriage?  The history of government's role in marriage indicates that the government began issuing marriage licenses to promote the social & general welfare by protecting people from STDs, keeping accurate records, and giving the couple ample time to consider the commitment they would be making.  I think the strongest case for a biblical-based and derived definition of marriage is that it is in the best interest of everyone because it does promote the general welfare of society ... all of society, not just heterosexual Christians.

Biblical marriage is best for children and thus, best for society. (While exceptions exist to this principle, overall the research is undeniable.  Maybe we could phrase it that biblical marriage gives children the best opportunity to reach their full potential.)

• One of the most fundamental ideas about marriage that crosses historical and culture lines is that it is best for children.  God originally created marriage as the approved means for Adam & Eve to "be fruitful and multiply."


• Anytime the biblical definition of marriage is changed the result has been an increase in the number of out-of-wedlock births.  Unmarried parents break up at a rate of two to three times more than married parents.  The result: more poverty, more crime, and higher government costs to combat the poverty and crime which leads to higher taxes.  Consider these examples:
  
  
  
  • When same-sex marriages were legalized in Norway out-of-wedlock births skyrocketed in the first decade because one of the purposes of marriage was compromised and its true permanency contested.
  
  
  • The poverty rate for African American children is roughly 40%; for African American children being raised by both parents, the poverty rate drops to 13%!!
  
  
  
  

The marriage debate is not about civil rights, discrimination, or equality.
The "equal protection" clause in the Constitution exists to protect people, not actions or behaviors.  Marriage is an action by people, and laws do discriminate between certain actions and behaviors.  For example, I cannot go walking on I-75.  That would be bad for other travelers, for commerce, and for me.  So the law does not allow me to walk ... on an interstate.  But I can walk ... on a road with sidewalks, in a gym, or in a park.  Therefore, I do not think it is about discrimination to limit marriage to one man and one woman. Rather it is the law defining appropriate actions in an appropriate context that promotes the overall general welfare of our soceity.  In other words, biblical marriage promotes what is best for society by protecting what is best for children: being raised by their father and mother.  When this does not exist for children, the track record is not good and the cost on society is high.

In conclusion, let me say that single moms and dads that are devoted to godly parenting are heroes and need love, support, and prayers.  And yes there are exceptions to the principles stated or implied above; however, we cannot confuse exceptions with the general trend and the trend is clear that biblical marriage is best ... for everyone.