Why?
2007-05-19 04:21:06 · 10 answers · asked by Ann S 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Depends on your particular beliefs and traditions. There is nothing in the Bible which says a minister has to approve your marriage, but it is traditional in most Christian churches. There is also nothing in the Quran which says an Imam has to witness a marriage, but it is traditional to have him there.
In my opinion, if two people commit to each other for life, no other person or government needs to approve it, but having the legal/religious paperwork done does protect both spouses if they have problems later.
2007-05-19 04:33:29 · answer #1 · answered by Smiley 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Marriage is an act of the will, not a rite or ritual. What makes you married is the act of your will, and the act of the will of your mate, that says to each other, I allow you to come into my life and become one flesh with me. It is the same as when you ask Christ to come into your life and become one flesh with you, in salvation. It does not matter who performs the rite, what matters are the wills of the two participants! It is an act of the will, not a ceremony. A ceremony is usually a part of the process, but it does not complete the action! A couple who is married by a judge is no less married than a couple who was married in a pastor or priest. God is the one who created marriage (Genesis 2:18-25). What matters is your heart before God, not the wedding ceremony itself.
However, no one is married in God's eyes if that marriage has not been recognized by the laws of the land in which the couple lives. God gave the laws and gave the government the authority to determine what constitutes a legal marriage (Romans chapter 13; Colossians 1:16). In the United States, a legal marriage is only binding with the necessary paperwork, and God honors those laws as well. God takes marriage very seriously; it is a sacred covenant not to be taken lightly. To not want to obey the laws of marriage in society indicates that you are not ready to make the unbreakable covenant marriage requires.
2007-05-19 18:11:28 · answer #2 · answered by Freedom 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
you just need to have someone there to make it legal. a celebrant, whoever has the qualification.
i am getting married soon, and we have chosen to have a pastor wed us. this is because we are both Christians and understand that a marriage is a Covenant, not just a contract, and we want someone to perform the ceremony, that shares the same beliefs and values as we do, as this will make the ceremony far more personal and nice for us.
you can go to a registar office if u want. but i think its nicer to get married around those you love and know, show the world that you are joining to that person and are proud of it.
God only requires that there are witnesses and that it is legalised. That way, people arent just getting "married" in there living rooms alone, and chuck on a ring and think its all good. Marriage is far more a valuable, beautiful thing than some people think. they think its about signing a paper or two, so that youve locked in that person, and if it doesnt work out, who cares, divorce is an option.
God sees marriage as far more than that. its forever, its sacred, its powerful, its a gift, its a challenge worth taking on, it requires unconditional love and giving of yourself to that other person. Putting someone else first. The ceremony should reflect how much you value your marriage. it doesnt have to be extravagant or expensive, but it needs to be legalised to show you are taking it seriously, and it needs to be before witnesses to show others the commitment you are making.
the whole minister thing is personal prefrence. personally, i prefer a minister to wed my partner and I, as like i said, they understand marriage to be what we see it as also. therefore the ceremony can be carried out accordingly :-)
2007-05-19 11:35:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Technically yes one is married in the eyes of God, but because the government got involved one has to have a license now and a ceremony performed by a priest, minister, or city official.
2007-05-19 11:32:23 · answer #4 · answered by tebone0315 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to have a ceremony, not necessarily before a minister, but someone who can legally perform the wedding.
As for the why, I just feel that way in my heart, it makes it more permanent.
2007-05-19 11:26:15 · answer #5 · answered by DeAnna 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Marriage is a civil union between two people. A JP can marry someone just as easily, with a lot less fuss and expense, and it's still valid.
2007-05-19 11:26:16 · answer #6 · answered by . 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because that is what being married is, anything else is just fornication. Proper marriage in reality (which isn't always visible) combines the two bodies into one.
2007-05-19 11:45:49 · answer #7 · answered by Midge 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Marriage is a commitment between a man and a woman before God (who is everywhere); you can make it in a church or a legal office as you see fit.
2007-05-19 11:29:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No. You can go before a justice of the peace and it's just as legal. Which is what I'm going to do because I'm an atheist. I'll also being having my wedding outside in nature.
Edit: Why on earth am I getting a thumbs down? Sheesh. Just because I'm going to have a gorgeous outdoor wedding and have lots of fun doesn't mean you have to give me so many bad reviews *pouts*
2007-05-19 11:25:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Yes, because it is ordained by Him as something sacred to be done a certain way. You are joined in Holy Matrimony.
2007-05-19 11:27:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋