The Sanctity of Marriage

Scripture and Church Assessment 2023

A significant theme throughout the Bible is marriage. The Bible begins and ends with a wedding, the greatest love song in Scripture is in its centre, and Christ’s first miracle takes place at a wedding.[1] Marriage serves three central purposes: procreation, wholeness, and demonstration of love. Throughout Scripture, marriage imagery is used to describe the relationship between God and His people, highlighting the nature and importance of unity with God in marriage. Infidelity and adultery are also stressed as the gravest offences against the sanctity of the marital covenant and God’s design for human relationship. Many challenges and cultural forces work against the biblical view of marriage in the modern world, taking the form of various attitudes, practices, and ideologies. Churches play a vital role in promoting and actualizing biblical marriage through supporting and counselling couples, being examples of healthy marriages, and defending the sanctity of marriage. Churches can also inculturate the Christian view of marriage across different cultures by first recognizing the need for meaningful translation and understanding of diverse cultural perspectives.

Marriage in the Bible

In the beginning, God created a good world. Eden was almost perfect, however there was one problem – the man He had created was alone. God created Eve to be a helper comparable to him. That is, God created marriage as the solution to man’s loneliness.[2] The image of God was made complete and idealised in this monogamous couple.[3] Marriage and family life is the normal calling for people.[4]

McQuilkin names three central purposes of marriage. One such purpose is procreation, as expressed in the command to “be fruitful and multiply.”[5] Marriage is the ideal environment for raising children. A second purpose is “wholeness,” fellowship, and union. Man was incomplete by himself[6] – he was not made for isolation and independence. Love puts an end to loneliness, and the price of this love is commitment. This wholeness in marriage first requires separation, as a man is to leave his father and mother and become “one flesh” with his wife.[7] His primary loyalties are shifted to his wife, and vice versa. The couple shares in a oneness of heart, mind, and body. They enter a covenant of self-giving, faithfulness, and lifelong commitment.[8] The unity in marriage is only made complete in oneness with God.[9] The final purpose of marriage, and perhaps the most important, is the demonstration of love. Marriage is a sign and demonstration of God’s character as the great covenant maker and keeper. The ideal marriage relationship acts as a reflection of God’s desired relationship with mankind.[10] The husband-wife relationship and the divine-human relationship are interrelated – and the more we understand about one relationship, the more we understand about the other.

The use of marriage as a reflection of divine-human relationships is a constant theme throughout the Old and New Testaments. Upon being delivered from slavery in Egypt, Israel joined into a covenant relationship, or marriage, with God.[11] However, Israel would become unwilling to make the sacrifices required to stay faithful to the covenant – which is reflective of the way in which sin can harm a marriage. Israel commits idolatry and is described as an adulterous people.[12] The prophets were people who spoke on God’s behalf, and whose messages largely consisted of calls to repentance and visions of the future Messiah and Kingdom. Many prophets described the relationship between God and Israel as that of a bridegroom and bride, or a faithful husband and adulterous wife.[13] The prophet Jeremiah describes the exile of Israel as a husband divorcing his adulterous wife, and yet God (the faithful husband) calls for His people to return to Him and be faithful to the covenant.[14] A very similar story can be found in Hosea, who married a promiscuous woman, and whose marriage reflected God’s unfailing love for an unfaithful and self-destructive Israel.[15]

It would be amiss to not speak briefly about Song of Songs. Though it may have originally been written as a poetic reflection upon God’s gift of love, as experienced by the relationship between a man and woman, it can also be read (in light of the Bible as a whole) as an image of love between God/Christ and Israel/the Church. Garden imagery also harks back to Eden, thus imagining Song of Songs as poetic accounts of an unselfish love untainted by sin.[16]

The New Testament also continues this marriage imagery. Jesus refers to Himself as the bridegroom,[17] and likens the Kingdom of God to a wedding feast.[18] Jesus also uses betrothal imagery to describe the end times in terms of the abrupt arrival of the groom.[19] In the time in which Jesus lived, betrothal could last for a year, during which the groom prepared a place for the bride, the bride prepared the wedding clothes, and the family prepared for the wedding festivities.[20] Paul writes that a Christian is “dead to the law” and now “married to another” i.e., Christ.[21] In Ephesians 5, Paul describes the relationship and roles of a husband and wife and compares these to that of Christ and His Church, telling the congregation to “follow God’s example.”

In Genesis, and again in Ephesians, it is made clear that the roles of husband and wife are distinct and complementary. Man is made as a “worker” and “keeper.”[22] As a husband, he is to love his wife, give himself up for her, make her holy, be responsible for cleansing her with the word, present her as radiant and blameless, feed and care for her, leave his mother and father for her, and do all this as Christ loved the Church – the highest standard of forgiveness and sacrificial love.[23] Summarised simply, a husband’s role is to love, lead, and provide.[24] In Genesis, the first woman is described as “helper” and “mother.”[25] Both of these roles are also concerned with selflessness, but in a different way to that of the man. In Ephesians, the wife is told to submit to her husband (a natural response to loving leadership) and respect him.[26] This humility and submission relates directly to the commission to be a helper, not a dominator – to strengthen, empower, and encourage her husband. There is a sense in Genesis in which man was incomplete by himself, but by his relationship with a woman, became a truer reflection of God. Both Genesis and Ephesians also testify to the importance of unity with God in marriage – marriage was created by and belongs to God, and as such, He should rightfully play a central role in Christian marriages. The ideal relationship between husband and wife acts as a reflection of the ideal relationship between God and mankind.

The theme of marriage also carries on into Revelation, an apocalyptic book which uses heavy symbolism to describe the events of the end times. After describing the battle at Armageddon and the destruction of New Babylon, the author writes concerning the marriage supper of the Lamb, referring to Christ’s union with His people. The announcement is made that the bride has made herself ready[27] – she, the Church, is faithful to Him. She is given fine wedding clothes, symbolising God’s grace and the righteous acts of the saints, and the marriage can now take place. It is after a description of the Last Judgement that the author of Revelation describes the marriage of Heaven and Earth,[28] of a proper fulfillment of the divine-human relationship which is only hinted at in human marriage. Some readers of the New Testament have described Jesus’ ministry as a betrothal, His return to the Father as the preparation period, and the time to come as the wedding (accompanied by the eternal wedding feast).[29]

Due to the significance of marriage in Scripture, it is hardly a wonder that adultery is condemned second only to idolatry in the Old Testament, and second to none in the New Testament.[30] Fidelity protects the marriage and wife, it provides for the children, and honours the relationship with God. In adultery, trust between partners is fractured to such a serious degree that Christ Himself stated that it could act as grounds for divorce.[31] Other than adultery, violations of God’s purposes for marriage can also include, for example, marriage to an unbeliever, fornication, homosexuality, and divorce (though there are accommodations in this case).[32]

Marriage in the Contemporary Church

The theme of “marriage” plays various roles in the life of the contemporary Church – namely regarding relationships, sexuality, and married life. The Bible highlights the importance of mutual love, respect, and submission between spouses, alongside the role of marriage in raising children and creating a stable family home – a “domestic church.”[33] Scripture is the foundation of Church teachings on marriage, which is seen as essential for promoting individual and societal wellbeing. Though the biblical view of marriage does have implications for those who are unmarried (particularly regarding sexual conduct and understanding one’s relationship with God), its implications are greater and deeper for those who are married.

For the Catholic Church, marriage is a Sacrament[34] – an efficacious sign and cause of grace[35] – which symbolises the union of Christ and the Church and gives spouses the grace to love one another as Christ has loved the Church.[36] Married couples are called to a lifelong intimate communion of faithful and fruitful love.[37] The biblical meaning of marriage has deep implications for a husband and wife’s everyday living, as they are called to submit to one another in sacrificial love, according to their distinct and complementary gender roles. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God’s people are called to humility, meekness, and submission – and this is particularly true for the married couple, who, by virtue of being in a covenant relationship, are called to prioritise the needs and wellbeing of their spouse. Many churches do well to offer married couples in their congregation a range of support, such as counselling programs for different stages of a relationship (e.g., pre-marriage, parenting courses). Churches should help and show concern for couples and families in their community, as family is the fundamental unit of society[38] and Christian marriages are best when they reflect and bear witness to God’s desired relationship with mankind.

The “marriage” theme not only tells Christians what they should do regarding relationships, but also states what they should resist doing. For those who are married, Scripture names several offences against the purposes of marriage. Because marriage is a lifelong commitment, adultery is a grave offense against marriage, and in a very real sense, such violations against one’s spouse are a violation against God Himself.[39] Divorce is also an offence against marriage, which is why it is important for churches to support couples and help them to make God-glorifying decisions regarding their choice of a partner and how they treat one another within marriage. Homosexuality is also considered an offence against marriage, for it neglects the purpose of procreation and cannot reflect God’s relationship with His people as a relationship between man and woman can.[40] For those who are unmarried, the most relevant violation of the purposes of marriage is fornication, as the purposes of sexual intimacy can only be proper within the committed marriage relationship.

Actualising Marriage in the Modern World

Though the Bible holds eternal truths, it is still an ancient text which contains features more suited to past circumstances. Actualisation refers to a rereading of Scripture to discover what it has to say, and how it can be applied, to the contemporary situations of the people of God.[41] It is important that Christians guard and promote biblical truths, preserve the holiness of the Church, and continue to reflect and glorify God in their lives – and actualisation plays a significant role in the pursuit of this. Regrettably, in the western world, there are many challenges and forces which work against the biblical account of marriage. Attitudes towards marriage have become more negative over time, accompanied by declines in marriage rates and an increase in the ages people are getting married.[42] Women are having fewer children and having them later in life, and it has become more common for couples to live together and have children out of wedlock.[43] In the eyes of many young people, cohabitation, sex, and children are no longer reserved only for those who are married.[44] Divorce and remarriage has also risen over time,[45] as well as the popularity of “open” or polyamorous marriages.[46] Homosexuality and the LGBT+ movement has also gained prominence over time, accompanied by an emphasis upon pride and the redefining and/or removal of the concepts of marriage and gender.

Beyond these attitudes, practices, and movements which work against the actualising of the biblical view of marriage, there are also underlying ideologies and worldviews. Feminism emphasises gender equality[47] and the dismantling of “patriarchal” structures. More often today, feminism serves to create tension between men and women, and asks women to imitate traditionally masculine traits, rather than celebrating feminine traits which come more naturally. Many prominent feminists oppose marriage and claim that freedom for women cannot be won without it being abolished.[48] Feminism tends also to oppose the kind of gender roles outlined in Scripture, particularly the notion of male headship in the family.[49] The idea of “submission” is also taken very negatively by proponents of feminism, incorrectly seen as a form of surrender or subordination, despite it more properly referring to humility. Individualism can also undermine biblical marriage, as it can emphasise autonomy and self-fulfilment at the expense of self-sacrifice, covenant, and commitment to the wellbeing of a spouse or family. Postmodernism, relativism, and scepticism can also lead to a rejection of objective truths (or of knowledge of them), effectively undermining the beliefs and values underpinning Christian marriage. Doubt can also lead people influenced by these worldviews to deconstruct the meaning of marriage, fear the commitment involved in marriage, and/or doubt the success of marriage. It is also worth noting that, alongside the decreasing religious population in general, religious weddings are becoming less common.[50]

Despite the many challenges of actualising Christian marriage in the west, there are ways in which the Church can continue to promote it. One significant step to actualising it more broadly in the world is to actualise it within the Church. It is important that Christians can act as good examples of marriage and be a witness for others. Poor examples will only discourage young people, and one cannot expect others to live well if the Church cannot do so. Churches should strive to foster good marriages within their congregation, by discipling them and supporting them to make decisions which are the most God glorifying and best for the couple and family. Churches can offer advice and counselling programs, drawing from both Scripture and sociology. It is unsurprising that the differences between men and women outlined in Genesis 2-3 remain true today, and that the curses of Genesis 3 can be linked to some of the most common reasons for divorce.[51] Christians can easily draw from Scripture to improve their marriage. Reaffirming and emphasising the importance and significance of marriage today, not just as a relationship but as a symbol, is also a step towards actualisation. Christians should be equipped to guard biblical truths and defend marriage from those who would seek to degrade it. Christians can also reach out to others by appealing to the universal human desire for love and commitment.

Inculturating Marriage in the Modern World

The truths of Scripture remain true for all nations. If actualisation is concerned with making Scripture accessible and meaningful to different time periods, inculturation is concerned with making Scripture accessible and meaningful across cultures.[52] Inculturating the Christian view of marriage can entail several challenges. Language and cultural differences can create tricky barriers for sharing the Christian worldview. It is important that the essential messages are faithfully translated in a way that is both respectful and preserves the truth, as some concepts can be difficult to directly translate or relate to without additional supports. Gender roles can also vary between cultures, though this is usually only in terms of extremity. The west is far more egalitarian than many other cultures, in which women may have fewer rights and opportunities than men. The Christian view that men and women are of equal value may not be shared by other cultures and religions. Some cultures may also have different ideas about sexual purity and practice very different forms of marriage – particularly in regard to polygamy, arranged marriages, and child marriages. It should also be noted that some cultures (particularly cultures with a Muslim majority) have negative attitudes toward the west.[53] In some east-Asian countries, the western values of individuality and independence can be perceived as selfish and irresponsible. Christians should keep in mind that Christianity can be perceived as a western religion and that attitudes may be negative towards its message because of this association.

Despite these challenges, there remain opportunities for inculturation. Though language barriers can be problematic, the collective understanding of languages and cultures only increases over time. Bibles are continuously being translated into other languages, and mission trips are becoming more practicable as the world becomes more globalised. A good understanding of cultural beliefs and practices regarding marriage can open opportunities for inculturation, as many wedding practices are unproblematic biblically. For example, Eastern Catholics in Kerala, India, have wedding customs heavily influenced by Hindu and Jewish customs, which have instead been appropriated to suit Christian doctrine.[54] Beyond the central purposes and roles in marriage, there is much room for cultural variation. To inculturate marriage, Christians must focus upon its key aspects, such as fidelity and oneness with God, and not cultural peripherals. Some cultures may also hold more “traditional” views about marriage and be more responsive to messages which promote family values and harmonious gender roles. Cultures which place a greater value upon tradition, duty, and servanthood may find the Christian view of marriage particularly meaningful, and Christians can draw from these foundational values to connect people to the biblical ideal of married relationships.

In Christianity, the biblical theme of marriage holds a central, multifaceted, and profound significance. Rooted in the creation narrative, marriage is seen as a solution to human loneliness, a means of procreation, an embodiment of love, and a reflection of God's relationship with humanity. The theme of marriage is interwoven throughout the Old and New Testaments, depicting the covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people. The biblical view of marriage shapes the teachings and practices of the contemporary Church, emphasizing mutual love, commitment, and submission between spouses, as well as the role of marriage in raising children and nurturing a stable family unit. While the biblical view of marriage faces challenges in contemporary society, it is essential for Christians to actualize and preserve this view within the Church and engage in meaningful dialogue and outreach to the wider world. Furthermore, inculturating the Christian view of marriage requires sensitivity to cultural differences and the faithful translation of essential messages across diverse contexts. By upholding the biblical account of marriage, Christians can continue to bear witness to God's design for marriage and contribute to the wellbeing of individuals, families, and society as a whole.

[1] Robert McQuilkin, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, 2nd ed. (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1995), 187. [2] Genesis 2:18-24 [3] McQuilkin, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, 200. [4] J. S. Wright and J. A. Thompson, “Marriage,” in The Illustrated Bible Dictionary: Goliath-Papyri, ed. J. D. Douglas et al. (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1980), 954. [5] Genesis 1:28 Note, however, that this is only one purpose of marriage. Inability to have children is not grounds for divorce. [6] Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-6 [7] Genesis 2:24 [8] Matthew 19:6 McQuilkin emphasises that without a lifetime commitment (an exclusive non-negotiable covenant), there is a tentativeness that undermines the relationship. He states that the crucial elements of marriage are fidelity and integrity, not the emotions associated with love. (McQuilkin, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, 191.) [9] Note that the relationship between Adam and Eve deteriorated upon their separation from God. [10] Ephesians 5:22-23 [11] Exodus 19:8 [12] Connected to this, God is also described as “jealous.” [13] Isaiah 62:5; Jeremiah 2:2; 3:1, 14; Ezekiel 16:8; Amos 3:1-2, 5:1-3; Malachi 2:11-16 [14] Jeremiah 3 [15] A reflection of the intensity of God’s love for mankind. [16] BibleProject, “Song of Songs Summary: A Complete Animated Overview,” YouTube, February 13, 2016, educational video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KC7xE4fgOw&ab_channel=BibleProject. [17] Matthew 9:15 [18] Matthew 22:1-14 John 4:1-26 has also been described as a reference to marriage, as it seems to follow a pattern of Old Testament woman-at-the-well scenes which resulted in marriage (Gn 24, Gn 29, Ex 2). However, instead of Jesus being joined to just the Samaritan woman, Jesus describes a future bond with all true believers. [19] Matthew 25:1-13, The bridegroom would return at an unexpected time, and the bride and bride-maids had to be ready to meet him. Jesus’ phrasing in John 14:3 is reminiscent of the way in which the husband of a betrothed couple would leave his wife to prepare a place for her. [20] Ralph Gower, The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times (Chicago: Moody Press, 1987), 65. [21] Romans 7:1-6 [22] Genesis 2:15 “Keeper” also referring to protection, guard, preservation, taking charge, etc. [23] Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Peter 3:7 [24] McQuilkin, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, 271-273. [25] Genesis 2:18; 3:20 [26] Ephesians 5:21-24 Submission, in this context, involves respect. It’s a continual attitude. In its non-military use, hupotassō was “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden.” [27] Revelation 19:6-9 [28] BibleProject, “Book of Revelation Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 2),” YouTube, December 15, 2016, educational video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpnIrbq2bKo&ab_channel=BibleProject. [29] Nancy Missler, “The Jewish Wedding & The Christian Walk,” Koinonia House, May 1, 2011. https://www.khouse.org/articles/2011/987/. [30] McQuilkin, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, 179. [31] Matthew 5:32; 19:1-12 [32] Matthew 19:8-9 It should be noted that polygamy is a grey area. While it is not the ideal relationship (1 Timothy 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6), it is not expressly forbidden anywhere in the Bible. However, one might notice that polygamous relationships in the Old Testament often featured jealousy between wives (e.g., Rachel and Leah), and that at creation, the ideal marriage is set between one man and one woman (Genesis 2). (McQuilkin, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, 200-204.) [33] Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd ed. (Vatican City: Vatican Press, 1997), 1655-1658, https://www.scborromeo2.org/catechism-of-the-catholic-church. [34] Around the 12th century, Catholic writers began to refer to marriage as a sacrament. However, it was not until the Council of Trent (1545-63) that this became official doctrine. Regardless, marriage must have already considered been considered significant, as evidenced in the Bible. [35] Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1131-1134. Sacrament as sacramentum et res (both sign and reality). [36] Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1661. [37] Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1660, 1662. [38] Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2207. [39] McQuilkin, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, 197. Genesis 39:9; Psalm 51:4; Amos 2:7 [40] Related to this, Paul describes homosexuality as “unnatural” in Romans 1:26-27 [41] Note also that actualisation cannot involve manipulation and is not a matter of projecting opinions or ideologies into a biblical text. Pontifical Biblical Commission, The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church, church document, catholic resources website, April 15, 1993, https://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/PBC_Interp-FullText.htm. [42] “April 2019: Contemporary views of marriage,” Relationships Australia, accessed May 30, 2023, https://relationships.org.au/document/april-2019-contemporary-views-of-marriage/. Christina Zhou, “Australia Talks National Survey reveals what Australians think about marriage and children,” ABC News, May 26, 2021. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-26/australia-talks-national-survey-children-marriage/100146390. Esteban Ortiz-Ospina and Max Roser, “Marriages and Divorces,” Our World in Data, accessed May 30, 2023, https://ourworldindata.org/marriages-and-divorces. “Marriages in Australia,” Australian Institute of Family Studies, accessed May 30, 2023, https://aifs.gov.au/research/facts-and-figures/marriages-australia. [43] Robert VerBruggen, “How We Ended Up With 40 Percent of Children Born Out of Wedlock,” Institute for Family Studies, December 18, 2017. https://ifstudies.org/blog/how-we-ended-up-with-40-percent-of-children-born-out-of-wedlock. Australian Institute of Family Studies, “Marriages in Australia.” Ortiz-Ospina and Roser, “Marriages and Divorces.” [44] And yet, research has continued to show that children do better within marriage relationships, and that cohabitation and pre-marital sex correlate with increased chances of divorce. Robyn Parker and Suzanne Vassallo, “Young adults’ attitudes towards marriage,” Family Statistics and Trends, accessed May 30, 2023, https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/assets/documents/hilda-bibliography/other-publications/pre2010/Parker_etal_Young_adultsU2019_attitudes_towards_marriage.pdf. [45] In Australia, the introduction of no-fault divorce played a considerable role in the increase of crude divorce rates. The sexual revolution can also be attributed with a number of ills in modern relationships. “Key Statistics from the National Survey of Family Growth - D Listing,” Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, accessed May 30, 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nsfg/key_statistics/d.htm#divorce. “Divorces in Australia,” Australian Institute of Family Studies, accessed May 30, 2023, https://aifs.gov.au/research/facts-and-figures/divorces-australia-2023. “Marriages and Divorces, Australia,” Australian Bureau of Statistics, accessed May 30, 2023, https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/marriages-and-divorces-australia/latest-release#divorces. Ortiz-Ospina and Roser, “Marriages and Divorces.” [46] Michael Castleman, “Open Relationships Are More Popular Than You Might Think,” Psychology Today, November 15, 2019, https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/all-about-sex/201911/open-relationships-are-more-popular-you-might-think. [47] Or, as some would say, “gender superiority.” [48] E.g., Sheila Cronan, Kate Millett, Germaine Greer, Marilyn French, Jesse Bernard, and Shulamith Firestone. [49] Feminism often tends to promote a more egalitarian partnership. Note, however, that this is not counter to Scripture, which views both man and woman as of equal value. Judith Treas, Jonathan Lui, and Zoya Gubernskaya, “Attitudes on marriage and new relationships: Cross-national evidence on the deinstitutionalization of marriage,” Demographic Research, May 14, 2014. https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol30/54/. [50] Relationships Australia, “April 2019: Contemporary views of marriage.” Australian Institute of Family Studies, “Marriages in Australia.” [51] Put in very simple terms, women become anxious and controlling, while men tire of work and become passive. “The Top 12 Reasons for Divorce,” PsychCentral, accessed May 30, 2023, https://psychcentral.com/relationships/top-reasons-for-divorce. Douglas LaBier, “Women Initiate Divorce Much More Than Men, Here's Why,” Psychology Today, August 28, 2015, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-new-resilience/201508/women-initiate-divorce-much-more-men-heres-why. [52] Pontifical Biblical Commission, The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church, sec. 46. [53] Bashar Albaghli and Leonardo Carlucci, “The Link between Muslim Religiosity and Negative Attitudes toward the West: An Arab Study,” The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, September 30, 2020, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10508619.2020.1824720?journalCode=hjpr20. [54] Sanjana George, “Manthrakodi – A significant symbol of a new beginning,” WeddingsOnline, n.d., https://www.weddingsonline.in/blog/manthrakodi-a-significant-symbol-of-a-new-beginning/.

Reference List

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Ortiz-Ospina, Esteban, & Roser, Max. “Marriages and Divorces.” Our World in Data. Accessed May 30, 2023. https://ourworldindata.org/marriages-and-divorces.

Parker, Robyn, & Vassallo, Suzanne. “Young adults’ attitudes towards marriage.” Family Statistics and Trends. Accessed May 30, 2023. https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/assets/documents/hilda-bibliography/other-publications/pre2010/Parker_etal_Young_adultsU2019_attitudes_towards_marriage.pdf.

Pontifical Biblical Commission. The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church. Church document, catholic resources website, April 15, 1993. https://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/PBC_Interp-FullText.htm.

PsychCentral. “Top 12 Reasons for Divorce.” Accessed May 20, 2023. https://psychcentral.com/relationships/top-reasons-for-divorce.

Quinn, Carissa. “Jesus Offers Living Water and… Marriage?” BibleProject, 2020. https://bibleproject.com/articles/jesus-offers-living-water-and-marriage/.

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Treas, Judith, Lui, Jonathan, & Gubernskaya, Zoya. “Attitudes on marriage and new relationships: Cross-national evidence on the deinstitutionalization of marriage.” Demographic Research, May 14, 2014. https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol30/54/.

VerBruggen, Robert. “How We Ended Up With 40 Percent of Children Born Out of Wedlock.” Institute for Family Studies, December 18, 2017. https://ifstudies.org/blog/how-we-ended-up-with-40-percent-of-children-born-out-of-wedlock.

Wright, J. S., & Thompson, J. A. “Marriage.” In The Illustrated Bible Dictionary: Goliath-Papyri, edited by J. D. Douglas et al., 954-958. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1980.

Zhou, Christina. “Australia Talks National Survey reveals what Australians think about marriage and children.” ABC News, May 26, 2021. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-26/australia-talks-national-survey-children-marriage/100146390.