MARRIAGE: DECLINE?? DEFINITIONS??

Interesting that around here in Utah when heterosexuals corrupted the concept of marriage they call it "progressive," and when the homosexuals corrupted the concept, it's called sin.  From marriage as political alliance to dowries  to women treated as property with no rights to polygamy to "la casa grande -- la casa bonita" to no-fault quickie divorces, heterosexuals have done the most damage to the concept of marriage over time.    Changing the gender ratio is only just the latest step in the devolution of marriage

Marriage is not a domestic agreement between two people. 

Marriage is a covenant between at least four entities

the man

the woman

the culture in which they live

and or

God

and children, who have a vested right to a solid stable extended family.  

Civil governments in general have done a lousy job in protecting and preserving marriage.  However, churches have not been entirely effective, either.    In fairness, though, neither the Old Testament or the New Testament are really clear on the subject of when God considers a couple “married.”     The Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has sections that do a more convincing job of defining that point. 

Marriage is not first and foremost about companionship.   Marriage should not be confused with companionship.   Marriage is about a stable legal framework to raise children.   Eventually most marriages if not all marriages get in-laws, friends, ecclesiastical leaders, and lawyers attached to them as well as children.     If a married couple is not careful, a marriage is a great way to insure that you get what you do not want. 

The president’s comments on marriage on 9 May 2012 only shows how little those in authority have thought out the definitions of family life, marriage, and domestic arrangements.  Domestic arrangements have a long and sometimes honorable history in the long chain of human events.  However, children deserve both a male and a female parent.