Four in 10 say marriage is becoming obsolete

sermonindex Nov 18, 2010

WASHINGTON – Is marriage becoming obsolete?

As families gather for Thanksgiving this year, nearly one in three American children is living with a parent who is divorced, separated or never-married. More people are accepting the view that wedding bells aren't needed to have a family.

A study by the Pew Research Center, in association with Time magazine, highlights rapidly changing notions of the American family. And the Census Bureau, too, is planning to incorporate broader definitions of family when measuring poverty, a shift caused partly by recent jumps in unmarried couples living together.

About 29 percent of children under 18 now live with a parent or parents who are unwed or no longer married, a fivefold increase from 1960, according to the Pew report being released Thursday. Broken down further, about 15 percent have parents who are divorced or separated and 14 percent who were never ...

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rainydaygirl Nov 18, 2010

So sad to see this even among those who call themselves christian. There are many who I know who call themselves Christians and they are living with their partner with out any thought of what God has to say about such things...

rdg

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ginnyrose Nov 27, 2010

This really is no surprise when one considers the loose mentality many "Christians" have of the marriage contract. Many have imbibed the world's view that if things do not go as they want, they will jump ship and go for another person, thinking this other one will give them the happiness they are looking for. This mentality is the seedbed for failure: happiness is only found in Trusting the Creator, not in another human being because as fallen creatures we are wired to disappoint. Every time. We are not God and neither is anyone else...Now some may find that surprising - they may think they are god! If they don't know otherwise, I will be the first to stand in line to inform them otherwise!

ginnyrose

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Lysa Nov 27, 2010

Judge not lest you be judged... word of Jesus.

I’m not saying living with someone before they are married is right but we must TRUST THE HOLY SPIRIT in these people’s lives. My personal experience has led me to believe that when someone is asked about their religion and they say ‘Christian,’ most are just indicating what kind of burial they want!! (huge grin) It doesn’t mean they walk with God.

Who is the Pew Research Center anyway?

I don’t think it’s a Christian organization despite their name. Here is the original article with graphics and everything!
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1802/decline-marriage-rise-new-families?src=prc-latest&proj=peoplepress

God bless,
Lisa

sermonindex Nov 27, 2010

I think that the number is actually quite higher if we were to define marriage as "Biblical marriage"; the only real Marriage covenant, between man and God.[secret motives included..]

Many, many are married today out of a desire for security. "He or she won't cheat on me now..", or sanctifying themselves in society, or for financial security [ forcing future securuty through alimony and divorce settlements...impossible if not married..], and social more's.

Also the spirit of Romanticism is paramount. [Peter proclaiming "I will die before I forsake you!"] People "FALL" in love, birds sing, and the moon shines brighter. This will always fall off, but God's word and devotion remains....to the faithful............................................

"This mentality is the seedbed for failure: happiness is only found in Trusting the Creator, not in another human being because as fallen creatures we are wired to disappoint."

"Every time. We are not God and neither is anyone else...Ginnyrose.................."

This is true.

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ginnyrose Nov 27, 2010

Judge not lest you be judged... word of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 5:9-12: NASB

9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people;

10I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.

11But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

12For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church?

13But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.

To be obedient to this command requires discernment, evaluation and judging. The concept of immoraliy being sin does not begin in the heart of man, but God.

ginnyrose

sermonindex Nov 27, 2010

What Marries a man to a woman?

Using the bible only, please.

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ginnyrose Nov 29, 2010

Murray,

Here is an article that address your question "What marries a man to a woman?"

The Marriage Mystery http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/questions/marriage/themarriagemystery.html

An excellent read.

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jimp Nov 29, 2010

hi,with isaac and rebekah,he brought her into his mothers tent and took her as a wife and loved her...gen.24:67

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ginnyrose Nov 29, 2010

It appears that this gesture must have meant more that when we know about their culture. What do you say, jimp?

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JB1968 Nov 29, 2010

Fooey! People know what marriage is. If a person is not married they are living in adultery or fornication-sin. The Bible says that these shall not inherit the kingdom of God, unless they repent. Just because so many do it does not make it right.

sermonindex Nov 30, 2010

Thanks Ginny, but I was looking to hear from other posters on the matter. Thanks tho!

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MyVeryHeart Nov 30, 2010

Thanks Ginny, but I was looking to hear from other posters on the matter. Thanks tho!

Hi Murray,

"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." Matthew 19:6

God joins a Man to his wife. Just like he joins Christ to his Bride.

"FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church." Ephesians 5:31-32

It is a mystery to meditate upon.
God Bless.

sermonindex Nov 30, 2010

"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." Matthew 19:6

Ok this is where it gets sticky.

Now, what if you have a man and a woman who live together. They have children, they grow old together, not having any infidelity whatsoever, they die.

Where these two married?

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JB1968 Nov 30, 2010

No, its called Adultery.

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ginnyrose Nov 30, 2010

Where these two married?

No.

Marriage involves a "leaving and a cleaving." Check out the link I posted - there this concept is beautifully explained.

It is not a religious rite but a human one although religious people of all(or most) faiths have adapted it to some religious ceremony. This is why some will get married at a JP and know they are married.

ginnyrose

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MyVeryHeart Nov 30, 2010

Now, what if you have a man and a woman who live together. They have children, they grow old together, not having any infidelity whatsoever, they die. Where these two married?

God will be the judge. He is the one who joins together. Not Man.

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jimp Nov 30, 2010

hi, we are to obey the laws of the land and the laws of God ...saying this i do believe that if two become one flesh they are married in the eyes of God."they would be marrying and giving in marriage"... this is serious business and that is why it is not okay to have sex outside the states laws which require a license and a ceremony.jimp