"Didn't the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit
you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union" (Malachi 2:15, New Living Translation).
The joy of a happy marriage blessed with loving, respectful children
who easily transition from childhood into responsible adults is a dream
of most men and women. Found in almost every nation and culture, this
desire seems to be hard-wired into our minds and genetic makeup.
Traditionally, marriage has been an exclusive bond between a man and
a woman that includes that most intimate of acts, the sexual union.
Yet in recent years this pattern has been changing. Some are choosing
to have children apart from marriage and others are opting for same-sex
relationships. Nevertheless, it seems everyone wants the joy and blessings
of family.
Even many of those who deviate from tradition still want their relationships
to be called "marriages"; and their social units, "families." Homosexual
couples, unable to reproduce, struggle to adopt children or make other
arrangements so they, too, can have progeny.
Isn't it ironic that the social experimenters want the terminology
and fruits of traditional marriage but don't want to follow the traditional
recipe? Why is it that we human beings are so attracted to the terms marriage and family?
Marriage: Will it survive?
Looking at the state of marriage today leaves no doubt that the institution
is under serious attack. In Western nations, including the United States,
Canada and Europe, close to half of all first-time marriages end in
divorce. People who willingly say, "I do," increasingly end up changing
their words to "I won't anymore."
