Why do Athiests Get Married?

Question

Ok before people get pissed off, this is a genuine curiosity.
I have heard a couple people say so they can commit themselves
to eachother and what not, but single people can do that! So
aside from legal reasons what does marraige mean to you?
Athiests only please!

Answer 1

So, am I to assume that only truly religious people get married? I mean I know a lot of people who say they believe but do not live according to their church or the Bible.
Ok, here I go seriously. People get married because it is a tradition and not so much religion. There are many people who choose not to marry in the church, though they do believe in God.
People marry because it is what is expected of them and to ensure the rights of their loved ones. Also, it was not so long ago that children out of wedlock was such a taboo that whole families hid the fact. Girls would go visit a family member in other states and have babies, or be kicked out of high school and be forced into marriage. People marry because society expects it.

Why do people who believe in God and the Bible get a divorce?

Answer 2

Because married people have inherited rights that unmarried commited people do not. A married person has the inherited right as next of kin. So if lacking a last will and testament the will be more likely be awarded the estate if contested in courts. The other can make medical decsion for the other, unmarried commited couples do not have that inherited right. And I know someone behind is going to say that marriage is a cermony performed under god. However, I am of the opinion that the word marriage has become synonomus with the words "civil union".

Answer 3

Honestly, I'm afraid that we athiests have no real connection to marriage other than that we feel it is the thing to do. In my case I am married to a christian so he obviously feels a stronger bond than I do. There is no relationship that is ever so hard to give up on than that of a marriage. If my husband and I weren't married there would be barely a thread holding me here. I know that sounds terrible, but there isn't much else I have to say about it. I have never had any sort of strong religious attachments and yet I still choose to be married instead of dating or going steady. My husband and I married after only 4 weeks, so I imagine we did so too soon, but we had both been married before and were looking for a life long commitment.... unfortunately that's a hard thing for me to dedicate myself to. So, in conclusion even if athiests do get married that doesn't mean they feel the same about the institute of marriage as Christians do. Best wishes

Answer 4

You say "aside from the legal reasons"....but the legal reasons are very compelling. The advantages of marriage in our society are great. Why else do you think gay people are fighting so hard for the right to be allowed to marry? "being married" means more than the legal aspects, but many people who have committed to each other feel "married" whether they are in a legal sense or not, and whether their union is approved by any religious body or not. There is no reason why atheists would be any less inclined to enter into a legal, binding relationship than Christians, Jews, Muslims, or any other "religious" people. Being in love is not a gift bestowed by God on his "chosen" people....it's a HUMAN emotion that has evolved along with us.

Answer 5

Your right, single people can commit to each other, and many do, without ever getting married. Marriage is a dedication, a proclaimed commitment to another person. That's why they get married. They love each other. Believe it or not, atheists are not soulless people devoid of the same feelings of love and compassion other people enjoy. Besides, there isn't anything inherently religious about marriage anyway, even if religious people tend to hijack the idea.

Answer 6

Marraige means the same to athiests as it does to christians. It is really hard not to get pissed off about this question, just because someone doesn't believe in god does not mean they can not fall in love. Your ignorance amazes me.

Answer 7

A bond, and commitment to the person you love, religious or not. Why do you have to believe in God to get married? When a catholic/christian marries, are they marrying the other person, or God? To me, the ceremony represents your love for one another, you share that love with your family and friends. I don't care if you are religious, or not, a wedding ceremony exists in many cultures and communities all over the world. I honestly believe God has nothing to do with marriage. It is a union between two who love one another and what to make that commitment for the rest of their lives.

Answer 8

WOW. I'm pissed. I don't generally mind you religious people up on your box, but I think you went and fell right off it this time!

What is marriage? Finding a lifelong partner to share the ups and downs of life. I believe it's called "love". Maybe you have heard of it???

Answer 9

Marriage is a civil union regulated by the state. It may or may not be performed by a religious person. It is a state of union that has emotional, legal, moral, and ethical responsibilities. Religion has little to do with it.

Answer 10

Marriage is not a religious thing. Despite what your God fearing hypocrytical christans might have you believe. People get married because they want to be happy and enjoy their lives with the person they love. We're all raised with marriage in our lives... not as a religious thing... but as a family thing.