Is it time for The Marriage Pledge?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by FlamingZword

Dear Aquila

I totally agree with you in this issue, it is time for the church to simply refuse to recognize government marriage.
According to the Bible, marriage is a God created institution, government has not part in it.

I think some states are beginning to think of getting out of the marriage business altogether, good for them.

I don't think the church should refuse to recognize government marriage. I simply think that the church should step away from seeing marriage as something that requires government involvement.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

Anyone heard of Michael and Debbie Pearl from No Greater Joy Ministries?

Here is a link to something that pertains to this thread:

http://nogreaterjoy.org/articles/the-wedding/

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

Curious if you did any research on Michael or Debi Pearl? They have some rather disturbing views on raising children.

That's all opinion based. No one has ever fully agreed on how to raise children. And what would work for some kids... won't for others. General rule... PARENTS... KNOW THY CHILDREN.

[Aquila]

The church should consider how the early Quakers viewed marriage.

[Aquila]

I've been talking about this for years. What... nobody has any comments?

[Rudy]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I've been talking about this for years. What... nobody has any comments?

There was a thread I started called "marriage license required" some time ago.

I think it is clear that it might be prudent to distance ourselves from government as much as possible.

I think church government should be consulted concerning marriage.

I don't know how much longer we have before utter-chaos happens in these United States. The church may have to go underground and private marriages along with it.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

Anyone heard of Michael and Debbie Pearl from No Greater Joy Ministries?

Here is a link to something that pertains to this thread:

http://nogreaterjoy.org/articles/the-wedding/

Heard of him years ago. Agreed there should be a Christian alternative to state sanctioned marrige. Writing our own contracts or simply both agreeing to follow Jesus all their lives.

And yet we know many if not most dont keep their promises. What happens then? A Father or Mother forsakes Christ. Does the state then get involved as to who gets the kids? The house?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Heard of him years ago. Agreed there should be a Christian alternative to state sanctioned marrige. Writing our own contracts or simply both agreeing to follow Jesus all their lives.

And yet we know many if not most dont keep their promises. What happens then? A Father or Mother forsakes Christ. Does the state then get involved as to who gets the kids? The house?

Does Scripture require that the government get involved in those matters???

Paul wrote...

I Corinthians 7:15 (ESV)
15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.

If an unbelieving spouse (or apostate spouse) separates and leaves, let it be so. Notice Paul advocates just letting them go. Paul then states that the believing partner isn't enslaved (or bound) to the relationship any longer. Why? Because God has called us to peace. Paul never advocates that the separating partner be brought before any civil court system of this world. In fact, Paul wrote prior to this:

I Corinthians 6:1-7 (ESV)
1 When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? 2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! 4 So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, 6 but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? 7 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?

We are admonished NOT to go before the unbelieving courts of this world. That would include the divorce court system.

If the unbelieving depart... let them go. We're called to peace.