Marriage = Normative?
Marriage is normative.
Does that statement shock you? If so, you must run over and read Al Mohler's commentary on this subject. It is supurb! (Hat-tip to YLCF for the excellent link!)
Does that statement shock you? If so, you must run over and read Al Mohler's commentary on this subject. It is supurb! (Hat-tip to YLCF for the excellent link!)
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible assumes that marriage is normative for human beings. The responsibilities, duties, and joys of marriage are presented as matters of spiritual significance. From a Christian perspective, marriage must never be seen as a mere human invention — an option for those who choose such a high level of commitment — for it is an arena in which God's glory is displayed in the right ordering of the man and the woman, and their glad reception of all that marriage means, gives, and requires.He goes on to say:
In the larger culture of confusion, marriage is seen by some persons as an option for those who "need" it. Radical feminists have attacked marriage as a hopelessly patriarchal institution, binding women to home and family in what Betty Friedan called "domestic captivity." A revolution in the law has made divorce easy and quick, undermining the marital bond and redefining marriage as a tentative commitment.Another excellent tidbit:
I shared with those who attended the conference my concern that this delay — the deliberate putting off of marriage even among some who intend some day to be married — was "the sin I think besets this generation." Continuing, I also made clear that this is primarily a problem that should be laid at the feet of young men. While some young women may neglect the call of marriage, a far greater problem is the unwillingness of many young men to grow up, take responsibility, lead, and find the woman God would have them to marry. As a rule, young women show far greater commitment to marriage, far greater maturity about marriage, and far greater frustration about the fact that marriage has been delayed. I thought I had made that point clearly — but perhaps not.He cuts the heart of the matter here:
Singleness is not a sin, but deliberate singleness on the part of those who know they have not been given the gift of celibacy is, at best, a neglect of a Christian responsibility. The problem may be simple sloth, personal immaturity, a fear of commitment, or an unbalanced priority given to work and profession. On the part of men, it may also take the shape of a refusal to grow up and take the lead in courtship. There are countless Christian women who are prayerfully waiting for Christian men to grow up and take the lead. What are these guys waiting for?I urge you to read the full article. It is such a needed message in our day!
posted by Crystal Paine at 2:39 PM
2 Comments:
Thanks for sharing this link! (After seeing it here and reading it, I also linked to it on my blog). My husband and I were at the conference he refers to. (We became engaged a few months after it!). I find his message to be a very needed and that he is very perceptive in his analysis.
Might I recommend a book called "Getting Serious about Getting Married: Rethinking the Gift of Singleness" by Debbie Maken. It was recommened by Dr. Mohler.
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