Christian Marriage and Sexuality

Introduction

Marriage and sexuality are two of the few critically important areas that lie at the epicenter of the modern pursuit of happiness. The progress that an individual makes in these areas serves to define a major component of his/her life. As a result, the role and relevance of influences such as those posed by religion merits highlighting and understanding. The discussion will consider the modern take on issues of marriage and sexuality in comparison to the perspective that is recommended in Christianity. As a thesis statement, the discussion asserts that modern practices pertaining to marriage and sexuality are far from adherent to those that are recommended in Christian principles.

Discussion & Analyses

Marriage is not simply a state of relationships - it is a process. It is a functional process that constitutes multiple stages and sub-processes (Wheat and Gaye). As a result, it is only sensible to expect that an element as intricate as marriage will be riddled with the potential for complications and perplexities. Also, considering the fact that the process of marriage has a direct influence on multiple people, it becomes increasingly imperative to refer to reliable thresholds, benchmarks and principles for guidance (Driscoll). A married couple expecting to remain successful without doing so can be expected to run into a vast array of difficulties.

The modern day norms of marriage and sexuality have deviated far from those that are recommended in Christianity. Modern day norms tend to take a highly customized approach to problems pertaining to sexuality and marriage (Wheat and Gaye). The importance given to these norms can be surmised from the fact that they are no longer mere norms but have solidified into law (Dagnan). Examples can be found in numerous separation arrangements that are now exercised under the umbrella of the law as well as divorce settlements that are also becoming increasingly popular. These are non-traditional methods towards dispute resolution in marriage-related problems (Driscoll). An example of the Christian perspective towards divorce can be found in the following Christian statement:

Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. (Matthew 19:4-6)

In fact, it has become common to see strong opponents towards these modern day perspectives to marriage and sexuality (Wheat and Gaye). The continuously increasing prevalence of elements such as prostitution and other such trades of the flesh have changed the way that people look towards relationships. Furthermore, it is imperative to note that the very equation of marriage has experienced a near-revolutionary change in the last few decades. The practice of intimacy and the concept of having children do not mandate marriage any more. Marriage is now considered to be an advanced state of the relationship that is only to be ...