MARRIAGES BLESSED IN CHURCH NOT LICENSED AT COURTHOUSE

In regards to this article I read in my local paper:
MARRIAGES BLESSED IN CHURCH NOT LICENSED AT COURTHOUSE
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(Might have to search for the article due to content changing daily)
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February 20, 2009
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Name: Rev. Marguerite Earhart
Street Address: P.O. Box 313
City: Spring City
State: PA
Zip: 19475
Country: USA
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Dear Abby:
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I read with interest about the idea of Churches only performing 'blessing ceremonies' without the minister signing the marriage license.
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This has been a topic of concern amongst Christians as far as Churches being forced to do things that are concretely against their beliefs.
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After pondering this I like the idea. This way Churches would not be forced to perform ceremonies if it conflicts with their church doctrine or biblical teaching.
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In this way the State can do as they interpret the law to do, and each Church according to higher law or according to their own interpretation and belief.
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I don't find that it be concretely NECESSARY for a minister of Christ's Church to be obligated to sign a marriage license.
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I see that there is a mixed view concerning obtaining licenses in the first place to be married.
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The concrete reasons would be that the law would verify age of the applicants to be of the age of consent, tax purposes for exemptions, and to keep an eye on those who would break the law in regards to polygamy, minors and such.
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In regards to polygamy alone it could be a tax nightmare which would end up someone not paying any taxes.
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Would the State then in regards to something like this take away any of the exemptions for everyone - it's a possibility. The State is not really obligated to extend any exemptions.
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There are those who want the Church to lose tax exempt status - or threaten to sue them - for speaking the truth or being forced to do things that directly conflict with biblical teaching. They do not have an 'income', but function on the generousity of others in direct benefit to the community.
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The State does try to maintain being active within the community.
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I'm finding that the real reason for this discussion is the growing antiChristian tone in society.
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If a couple do not sign a marriage license they are not offically married. Certain States would consider them 'commonlaw' after a period of 7 years or so - being then unoffically married.
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I find it to be a bit opportunistic as far as being able to then utilize State services that wouldn't be otherwise available to them.
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It would also go against the true spirit of marriage making it then easier to push the swinging door by not making a concrete committment.
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I believe that having to obtain a State license to be a good thing.
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If the State did not monitor in regards to the law and it's enforcement there would be anarchy. Society does not function well that way.
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The only downside I see is that it could be possibly inconvenient to a couple to have to go to the courthouse for a license/ceremony and then to go for a second ceremony at their place of worship.
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But if this is the way it has to be then it is. It works for me.
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But still a sad overall commentary. The Bible does tell righteous believers to 'come out from amongst them' and to have nothing to do with them. The time is coming for that separation to begin to occur I think.
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The Bible actually teaches that people should remain chaste and single. Marriage - especially in regards to children - is ok, but adultery and divorce is not.
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My opinion as a result of that is that I don't plan to marry anybody.
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Many blessings of peace to you
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