I think it’s worth exploring where the concept of marriage came from. Is it something that was created by man (meaning male humans) for some purpose of their own design. And, if so, is the concept of marriage one that people, societies and religions have adopted as “right†merely because they share the same thinking? (Bruce Lipton would call a meem)
Or is marriage something that is a part of the Divine order? Most animals do not mate for life. A few do, but most do not. So, why do humans? And why do humans believe that this is inherently “right� Because it is? Or because that’s what they’ve been taught?
And I know there will be some that will discuss the destructive effect on children if there were no marriage or long-term commitment. I do not believe this is true. The destructive effect that we sometimes see is at least in part due to the drama and trauma that people indulge in as they are ending a relationship and the ideas and turmoil that are as a result imposed on children (sometimes purposely). If relationships lasted as long as they were truly loving, nurturing, supportive and joyful, rather than as long as the piece of paper was in force, I believe everyone including children would be happier.
Finally, how many people do you know (not think, but know well enough to actually know) who have a joyful, loving, mutually supportive, nurturing and happy marriage? And how many people do you know who are just “married�