Basic Definitions
In recent years,even the most basic
definition of“family”has been the subject
of much debate.Thus,it is important to
ground this study of marriage and family
by defining terminology as it relates to the
Christian perspective.We offer these
definitions not as the“last word”on the
subject,but rather as a“first word”or
beginning point to aid in your study of
marriage and family.
What Is Marriage?
Marriage is a multifaceted institution.We
definemarriageastheemotional,legal,and
religiouscommitmentinwhichamananda
womanshareemotionalandphysical
intimacy,roles,status,expectations,and
resources.IntheUnitedStatestoday,wecan
definemarriageasasocial,economic,and
legalcovenantbetweenamanandawoman.
Marriage Is a Social Arrangement.A
marriage is not a private,secret
arrangement.In a marriage,a man and
woman present themselves as a couple in
social situations.This is the function of
thewedding,which isa socialevent
witnessedby at least twoothersand
officiatedby a representativeof thestate.
Thecoupleissocially recognizedas
“belongingtogether.”Marriagechangesthe
way themarriagepartnersareperceived
andtheway they act in society.Part of the
socialcovenant in marriageisits
exclusivity—it excludesother intimate
relationships.Marriedcoupleswhoact as
singlepeoplein socialsettingsareinviting
problemsintotheir marriages.
Marriage Is an Economic Arrangement.
Marriagecreatesaunitofeconomic
consumptionandpresumessomesharingof
economicresources.Coupleswhodonot
wishtoshareeverythingwillneedtowrite
legalcontracts(prenuptialagreements)
precludingjointownershipofcertain
properties.Avarietyofstrategiesareavailable
tohelpcouplesmanageincomeand
spending.Wewillexaminesomeofthesein
chapter10.Whilenotallstrategiesare
biblical,allpresumeatleastsomesharingof
resources.Chapter 1
Marriage is a social, economic, and legal
covenant between a man and a woman.©iStockphoto.com/AndrazG