Marriage before God, or State?

Has our culture come to a point in the year 2008, where it is socially more important to marry before the State, than as a symbol of two people devoting themselves to each other before god? Marriage within the United States, is a way to legally link yourself to another person, however, it used to be about the cosmic bond that god would supposedly provide for two people. The deep religious views that used to dominate the realm of marriage, and the ceremonial practice of marriage, have become less and less experienced and conclusively forgotten.

Is it even important for marriage to be centered around god anymore? In centering the union on god, there is useful support for the couple during the difficult times of the marriage. God used to act as a backbone for marriage, or in other cases, as a reason to feel guilt because of failed marital practices. But nowadays, the role god plays in wedlock is far different. The role of God in marriage is slowly changing from the central focus of a family, to an ornamental accessory, that brightens the way a family is perceived by the surrounding community.

It is very difficult to see so many failed marriages around us. Each one is very important, and hurtful, to all people who are involved. I hope that this coming generation of prospective wedding planners will have a higher success rate than the last. We'll have to wait and see.