[MadPoet]

Originally Posted by Grizabella

I said it's not just about love, not that love is completely non-existent. It's pretty hard to deny it makes economical sense to get married. I don't so much care what the bible says about the matter, but historically, you're damn right it was about fullfilling economical needs.

People may choose to believe that marriage is more so about economics rather than love, but that is not why marriage was originally brought about. Can you truly argue that the biggest part of marriage, is about companionship? Whether someone chooses to enter that commitment they make when they are married because of money, or because of love, the outcome of marriage still remains the same - it is being bonded to another person, whether money is involved or not. You may be marrying for money, but at the same time you are still vowing to love and to cherish the person you are marrying. If not for love, marriage would not hold such an importance to a lot of people.

Originally Posted by Grizabella

Uh, no, it didn't. There were marriages in Greece and Rome and many other ancient cultures long before Christianity even existed. There are certain wedding traditions which originate with Christianity, but marriage certainly does not belong exclusively to Christians.

Then if marriage is not strictly a Christian sacrament, why the heck should homosexuals give a damn what Christians have to say about gay marriage? Why don't they simply carry on their merry way and ignore the Christians who don't agree with what they believe? Wouldn't that make more sense to you than this whole disagreement between Christians and homosexuals?

Originally Posted by Grizabella

The multitude of other cultures which practiced it despite their not being exposed to Christianity. Some christians would like to take credit for the sacred institution of marriage, but it's a completely baseless claim. There are certain marriage ceremonies that have their origins in Christianity, but that does not give them a monopoly on the entire idea.

Yet Christian beliefs did have a large affect on how the sacrament of marriage is celebrated, you said so yourself, didn't you? So while what you say is true, how can you disagree that the Christian beliefs haven't had a large affect on the way the sacrament of marriage is celebrated? Christian beliefs and customs play a part in marriage, whether it's a Christian marriage or not.