^what she said^
Also that link you provided seems like its a site that twists scripture to fit its needs. If we aren't to serve two masters, then why does God say render to ceasers what is ceasers? And why does he say to obey mans laws unless it interferes with Gods laws? It would mean there are to conflicting scriptures.... which obviously they are not.
In the end we have free will and are accountable to God for what we choose to do. Do people want to risk their marriage being invalid in God eyes? I certainly don't. In my fiances country the only form of marriage is by getting a special certificate that lets you marry. Then after it gets filed at her embassy to show we are legally married.
As stated I think Mrs. Luther nailed why most people probably find a way to avoid legal marriage. Divorce will always be a fear for some BUT... if you truly trust God then you get married and do not worry about what "could" happen. We are not to live in fear of anything.
I don't remember you answering the question I had regarding the Quakers. If you want to look up many Quaker marriage records... you have to check with the Quakers... because they didn't register their marriages with the state. Are they just "shaking up" because they didn't want the government regulating their private associations???
Don't you see... many devout believers DON'T want the GOVERNMENT meddling in their private associations. Marriage should be a private contract. It shouldn't be a GOVERNMENT monopoly. George Washington didn't have a marriage license. Nor did Abraham Lincolin. Common Law marriage laws were passed to give the government the grounds to recognize private marriages should either party wish to take things to civil court. Beyond that... couples often resolved things privately.
I look at it like this... the institution of marriage has been ruined by government. The courts have made it a high stakes gamble that isn't worth it. The government nearly offers incentive to divorce with "no fault divorce law" (UNBIBLICAL, something that goes against God) and extortion in the form of "Spousal Support" (often for the offending spouse), etc. Anyone who has faced a terrible divorce, and has any common sense, will not subject themselves or anyone else to this heathen court system.
Paul himself states:
1 Corinthians 6
English Standard Version (ESV)
Lawsuits Against Believers
6 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? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers![
a]
So, why should I enter a contract that would FORCE me and my mate to be subject to the courts of the unbelievers?
In addition, the GOVERNMENT program called marriage today is about to recognize gay marriage. Why do I want my marriage associated with that system???
I say, as a Christian, Christians have grounds to do as the Quakers... take marriage back. Re-establish marriage as a private contract that is entered privately and ended privately if necessary.
Here's an example Christian Marriage Contract:
======================================
Christian Marriage Contract
I. The Authority
In the Name of God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, we, _____________________ and ______________________ , hereby, before these witnesses, are joined in holy matrimony, as God intended in
Genesis 2: 21-25, from this day forward until death.
The sole authority in and for this marriage shall be the Almighty God as revealed in the Holy Bible. His words shall be final Authority in every decision and/or dispute.
II. The parties
_______________________ is a man of sound mind and character, and of lawful age, attesting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the preeminence of the Word of God.
_______________________ is a woman of sound mind and character, and of lawful age, attesting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the preeminence of the Word of God.
III. The Benefits
Both of the parties shall have the usual and customary duties of marriage including, but not limited to, the following:
It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to maintain suitable standards of hygiene.
It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to meet one another’s sexual needs both physical and emotional in a spirit of love, openness, and respect.
Mutual society
It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to maintain open communication for the benefit of the home.
It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to maintain a peaceful home environment.
It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to maintain respect for one another’s personal property, papers, and effects.
It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to maintain appropriate respect for one another’s family.
Mutual rearing of children
It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to maintain acceptable parenting standards with regards to the children.
It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to employ reasonable levels of disciple with regards to the children.
It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to maintain suitable standards of hygiene with regards to the children.
It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to maintain suitable standards with regards to the education of the children.
Mutual support, including, but not limited to:
Financial: It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to maintain suitable levels of income to sustain the home.
Moral: It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to maintain suitable standards of moral character.
Spiritual: It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to respect and encourage one another’s spiritual development and needs.
Domestic: It is specifically agreed that each party will endeavor to assist with chores and the maintenance of the home. An addendum with regards to the suitable division of household chores/duties may be added to this contract as agreed upon at a later date.
IV. The Prohibitions
The following activities or behaviors shall be considered violations of the marriage contract:
Adultery is defined as any sexual activity or conduct with any person or persons not a party to this agreement.
Abandonment shall be defined as either the filing in state court of any instrument seeking either legal separation or legal dissolution of the marriage, or desertion from the marital home for a period of no less than six months - whether support is paid by the deserting party or not.
Assault against a party or child of this marriage:
Assault is defined to be injurious or potentially injurious unwanted physical contact. A child of this marriage shall include any child of either party who is living with the parties and any adopted child.
Criminal behavior shall be defined as one party’s willful and ongoing activities in violation of law such as would subject that party and/or the household to criminal sanctions and incarceration.
Dangerous behavior shall be defined as one party’s willful participation in behavior that has not been agreed upon by both parties that subjects the other party and/or the household to physical danger.
Ejection shall be defined as one party’s ejection of the other party.
Ejection is the removal of the other person from the marital home.
Ejection need not be by force to be prohibited by this agreement.
Ejection may be demonstrated by removal of the other party’s personal property from the marital home, the changing of the locks, or the mere demand by one party that the other party leave the marital home.
Habitual drunkenness or drug intoxication:
Habitual drunkenness or drug intoxication, whether criminal or not, is prohibited. Habitual drunkenness or drug intoxication shall be deemed to include a party’s being under the influence of alcohol or drugs to a noticeable or perceptible degree more often than ___ days per month.
It is specifically agreed upon and understood that becoming physically or mentally ill is not prohibited conduct. The other party’s becoming physically or mentally ill is not, in itself, prohibited by this contract and cannot be the basis for seeking a remedy under this contract.
It is specifically agreed and understood that becoming financially poor is not prohibited conduct.
V. To Whom Appeal is Made
The first appeal, when one party believes the other party has violated the prohibitions above, shall be in accordance with
Matthew 18: 15-18, that is, the offended party shall take the matter to the accused party.
If no resolution results from the first appeal, may demand physical separation from the accused party. See “The remedies” below.
If no resolution results from the first appeal, the offended party shall take the matter to the accused party with two or three impartial witnesses.
If no resolution results, the offended party shall call for the church or family counselor to judge and counsel concerning the matter.
The proceedings of the church or family counselor shall be recorded to whatever extent possible.
The standard of proof shall be preponderance of the evidence.
If a party is found to be at fault, the church or family counselor shall render a decision concerning separation and/or divorce and concerning suggested financial restitution.
All decisions of the church or family counselor shall be binding upon the parties for permanent separation or divorce.
VI. The Remedies
Resolution and reconciliation:
Resolution and reconciliation shall be defined as counsel from godly ministers who are of sound mind and character and believers in the Word of God in attempt to resolve circumstances and issues related to any violation of the above prohibitions.
Separation:
Separation shall be defined as the leaving of or removal of one party at the demand of another party based upon allegation(s) of violation(s) of the contractual prohibitions above. Where physical separation is initiated, the accused party shall leave the domicile, especially where children are part of the household. Physical custody of any children shall remain with the respective parents. The separation demanded, unless otherwise agreed upon or ordered, shall last no longer than 90 days unless the allegation(s) are verified by preponderance of the evidence before the church, family counselor, or state court of law. Resolution and reconciliation may proceed by mutual agreement. Upon a showing that the allegation(s) of contractual prohibitions are true, either by the church, family counselor, or a state court, the separation will be deemed permanent, subject to future consideration, resolution, and reconciliation initiated by the parties involved.
Divorce:
Divorce shall be defined as the complete dissolution of this marriage contract and may only be sought by a party claiming and showing a violation of the contractual provisions against adultery or abandonment. Initial separation shall follow the procedure above. After a hearing of the matter before the church, family counselor, or state court, the prevailing party may, if a state marriage license has been obtained, file for a civil dissolution in state court.
VII. Witnesses and abuse of process
If the church or family counselor determines by clear and convincing evidence that a party has been untruthful or has induced a witness to be untruthful in any proceeding before the church or family counselor, said party shall be deemed guilty of abandonment.
If the church or family counselor deems that a party has repeatedly engaged the process without just cause, that party shall be deemed guilty of abandonment. For purposes of this paragraph, “repeatedly” shall be no fewer than three times.
It is acknowledged by all parties involved that this contract expresses a purely spiritual agreement and is sovereign with relation to all civil legalities.
The undersigned parties do hereby agree to the terms of this contract:
___________________________
Husband
_________________________
Wife
The undersigned do hereby witness the agreement of the parties:
___________________________
Witness
