Summary
In the article “A Marriage in Full” by Gary A. Anderson, the author puts his emphasis on the aspects of the institution of marriage. He starts his article with a criticism of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s letter on marriage. He mentions that “In a world that extols the autonomy of the self as the highest possible value, Bonhoeffer insists that in the sacrament of marriage we enter a covenant that presumes natural affections but goes far beyond them.” (Anderson, 1)
The author, then, considers examples from the Old Testament to prove that marriage is just about the individual application of love and has nothing to do with future development or God’s will. The narration of the Book of Ruth and Ruth’s story indicates that there is more to love than a simple man-woman relationship beyond materialism and God or divinity graces this metaphysical element. However, the author is quick to remind us that it is the common love that makes a marriage successful and not the other way around or the intervention of divinity.
This visualization of love and marriage, as seen by the author is in alignment with the modern world, it is the materialistic feeling between a man, and a woman that is what marriage is all about. The author indicates, like advocacy of this thesis, that “What makes Ruth particularly virtuous is not simply her desire to marry and have children but a willingness to understand her marriage in a way that will favor her adopted mother-in-law.” (Anderson, 4)
He also states that in the parameter of modern time having children in marriage is optional and economical and that proves the unworthiness of the biblical social system and pre-modern views on marriage and love.
Interpretation & Reflection
For many years, social scientists have debated the advantages of marriage due to the characteristics of people who marry and stay married. Do marriage itself – and the status of being a married person create certain advantages? The answer is both. Economically and educationally advantage people, who are religiously observant, and who grew with married parents are more likely to marry and stay married than others. Marriage itself can transform people’s lives, changing their lifestyles, habits, associations, and in ways that are personally and socially beneficial.
As the primary social institution leading familial and kinship relationships, marriage is a source of social capital. The social bonds created through marriage benefit not only family members, but others as well. As an example, a married couple is more likely to vote and to be involved in the community, religious and civic associations. Marriage embeds people within larger social networks; married parents have a better chance to recruit help, friendship, and emotional support in the community.
Through marriage, men become more involved with others. Married fathers serve as an important role models for their own children and other people’s children also. They can be a valuable social resource in communities to children who lack responsible fathers or positive male role models.
In their own future dating and marriage relationships, children benefit from the models set by their married parents. Children whose parents stayed married have more fulfilling dating relationships, a more optimistic attitude toward future marriage, and greater success in forming lasting marriages. Young men raised in a two-parent household also have more positive attitudes toward women, children, and family life than men who were raised by a single parent.
Married people are less likely to have moral or mortal risks, and are even less inclined to risk-taking after they have children. Their health habits are better and they receive more regular health care. They are less likely to attempt or commit suicide. A major life crisis, such as severe illness, job loss, and the needs of sick children or aging parents is easier for them to cope with.
An expanding set of binding obligations between spouses, between parents and children; and between married couples and their families are also created through marriage. As a result, marriage generates a higher level of help, support, and care from the extended family than any other kind of family arrangement. Married couples are also better able to help elderly parents and relatives, an important benefit in an aging society.
Marriage is also a central institution in civil society. It performs certain critical social tasks and produces certain social goods that are valuable to the community. Marriage does not solve all of society’s problems. There is still poverty and crime, disadvantage and discrimination. Marriage is not an anti-poverty strategy and should not be a substitute for effective anti-poverty strategies such as reducing the number of unwed teen pregnancies. The advantage of marriage should not be used to pressure everyone into getting married.
Marriage is far from perfect and getting married does not turn people into saints. But, in spite of its acknowledged problems and flaws, marriage remains a vital source of social good, individual benefits, caregiving, emotional attachments, and long-term commitments. People who are married, though far from perfect, try to behave in ways that benefit themselves, their children, and society as a whole. Thus, marriage is more about practicality and materialism rather than divinity accomplished.
Works Cited
Anderson, Gary A; A Marriage in Full; First Things (2008).