As I write this the US Supreme Court is debating the legality of same-sex marriages. And of course a lot of people are for it and others are against it. I've heard a lot of Bible verses thrown around regarding the subject. But here's my question.
What, according to the Bible, constitutes a marriage? If I recall correctly the Bible has a lot to say about marriage, but it does not define what marriage is. What is that step that a couple must take to be considered married, according to Scripture? Is it exchanging vows? Is it signing a piece of paper? Is it the ceremony? Would it count if a couple just declared themselves married and set up housekeeping together--or does something more have to be done? And if it doesn't--then who decides?
I'm curious. What is the difference--Scripturally, not legally (legally there is a great deal of difference)--between a couple that has gone through a ceremony and one that has not? Where is it stated that in order for one to be considered married one must do X, Y and Z? What are the requirements?
What, according to the Bible, constitutes a marriage? If I recall correctly the Bible has a lot to say about marriage, but it does not define what marriage is. What is that step that a couple must take to be considered married, according to Scripture? Is it exchanging vows? Is it signing a piece of paper? Is it the ceremony? Would it count if a couple just declared themselves married and set up housekeeping together--or does something more have to be done? And if it doesn't--then who decides?
I'm curious. What is the difference--Scripturally, not legally (legally there is a great deal of difference)--between a couple that has gone through a ceremony and one that has not? Where is it stated that in order for one to be considered married one must do X, Y and Z? What are the requirements?
