Posted by Strictly Skewed at 199.199.216.61 on February 19, 2004 at 13:54:28:
In Reply to: My Opinion posted by Paul U on February 19, 2004 at 11:49:48:
: The basis of marriage comes from - in all areas of the world - religion. The only reason the state/country is even involved is because it was a way to make money. IE - marriage licenses were not necessary until this century. When you wanted to get married you went to your church and were wed, as man and woman.
All right, even if we accept your premise that marriage arises from religious beliefs (and not some inner need to want to bond to one other person). Then so what? Clearly marriage has transcended religious beliefs, since even athiests get married. The definition has changed into a secular one. Deal.
: As a matter of fact the defition of matrimony is "The union of man and woman as husband and wife; the nuptial state; marriage; wedlock."
: Even though we live in an evolutionary society this is a bond that is sacred, has withstood thousands of years in Judaism and Catholocism, and should not be changed by the state. I would say other religions also but I am unsure of their beginnings.
Too late, it has been changed by the state, and there's nothing wrong with that. You might have guessed that I don't even agree with your premise, anyway. I mean, so what if a religious practice has been co-opted into secular society? Half of Christian tradition comes from Pagan rituals... at least the ones that it didn't take from Judaism. Why should the secular world be held to a higher standard than the Christians?
And I'm sorry, the fact that a book written by a group of old white men defines the word a certain way means absolutely nothing to me.