My cousin, who I have always been very close to is getting married in a few months. However, he is not a christian and he is getting married in a hotel in a secular ceremony. If god does not ordain the marriage, are they not actually married? Is there a passage which says man and woman must be married by god?
Obviously the secular community has changed marriage as it is at its heart a religious ceromony. However, I am unsure of whether or not a secullar marriage would be legal. I have discussed belief with my cousin, he does not seem interested, and I am feel very uncomfortable (obviously) about suggesting how to have a wedding to him.
To note I found this
Romans 13: Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
IF they are married by someone with the authority to marry in the state of the wedding, they will be married. Yes. Legally married. And that is married for God.
I agree totally. God is everywhere anyway and as long as you are legally married accoring to the laws of the country that you live in (we are told to obey the laws of our country) you are definately married.
many get married outside church now. getting married in a church isnt what makes you married, it is the legel part, and I believe that if you are a Christian God can and will bless your marriage wherever it takes place.
Thanks for the input guys
In Israel, marriage was primarily a domestic covenant issue. A couple was considered married when the covenant was established. This was usually accomplished when the bride-price was paid. There was no priest or judge involved. Marriage is a human social institution and is established variously in different cultures; marriage is not a "Christian" institution. I believe that issues concerning MDR are primarily a domestic affair with limited civil oversight. Thus your cousin's marriage is as viable as any other marriage.