Do Christians believe that Atheists' marriages aren't real?

Question

Since it's a religious institution.

Answer 1

Great question!
(not being a christian, I can't help you with the answer)

But, after reading some answers below- the answer appears to be 'yes.' Some Christians are so incredibly blind to anything outside their faith that they believe non-christians are some-kind of sub-human species. Those who don't believe in their exact ficticious diety should not have the same rights. And- what's the difference as they're all going to hell anyway.

Answer 2

It is a good question. I think it should be stated a little different though.

Since marriage is a religious institution, why do atheists get married? I believe in marriage because God has ordained that relationship between a man and a woman as something very unique, special, and sacred. Marriage was not originated by man, law, or government, but by the Creator of man. So, do I believe that atheist marriages are real, yes! I believe all marriages are real. But I believe that an atheist is not an atheist who would adhere to an institution ordain by the God he so zealously denies.

Answer 3

Historically, marriage isn't necessarily a religious institution. Cultures throughout the world and throughout history have embraced marriage in some form or another, most of them non-Christian. Marriage is simply a commitment. All religious overtones attached to it are augmentations.

In America, many Christians claim marriage is a decidedly Christian tradition. Just like Christmas (The Yule Tide) and Easter (Pagan celebration of the spring equinox), marriage was hijacked by Christian dogma in order to promote Christianity.

Any Christian who doesn't acknowledge an atheist marriage should brush up on their understanding of world history and social anthropology.

Answer 4

Dante,
If an Atheist wants to have their marriage done in a Church they are certainly welcome to do so. But, a number of them are not interested in having GOD as a part of their marriage. GOD instituted marriage. Man has used marriage for a number of years in several countries to make decisions of responsibility and tax status. That has clouded the issue of marriage among people. Have a great day.
Thanks,
Eds, Christian

EDIT:
Meg,
Actually, Moses spoke of Marriage and allowed divorce there. He lived during the OLd Testament times and you may read about it in Matthew and Exodus. Have a wonderful time reading and studying this.


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Answer 5

I do, I don't think marriage is a religious institution anymore.

In the Old Testimate there was no marriage, how it is today anyways. You only had sex with one person and that was the person you were "married" to.

Answer 6

The probably don't. It's liable to be one more aspect of atheism that confounds and confuses christians. Just like how christians seem to think atheists are confused, pessimistic, immoral, or in some deep form of denial - all of which aren't even remotely true.

It won't occur to them that marriage is symbolic union, not some kind of magical divine pact. It also won't occur to them that marriages existed for thousands of years before christianity even existed.

Answer 7

I don't know? What is the whole deal about church and state being separate. Apparently marriage is granted by the state. Christians see it as a religious deal. Atheists do not.

Answer 8

My marriage is legal. A purely religious marriage is not.

Answer 9

It is not a religious institution. I was married by a judge, and it is a legal contract.

Answer 10

BINDING YOURSELF TO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH RELIGION. PARTNERING FOR LIFE HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE THE DAWN OF PREHISTORIC MAN. THERE IS EVIDENCE OF MONOGOMY THAT GOES BACK THOUSANDS OF YEARS, BEFORE THE INSTITUTION OF RELIGION. I FIND IT VERY OFFENSIVE THAT YOU MAKE THAT ASSUMPTION. TRY EDUCATING YOURSELF BEFORE SPOUTING REHTORIC. I WAS MARRIED AND BOUND TO MY HUSBAND IN A COMPLETELY NON-RELIGIOUS CEREMONY, AS DO MANY, MANY PEOPLE. GOD DOESN'T FIGURE IN, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.