I've been wondering about this and can't find a reference to the idea of preachers marrying anyone. Any clues for me?

(Luke 20:34 KJV) "And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:"

(Luke 20:35 KJV) "But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:"

By the By, I was married by a preacher. I understand marriage feasts etc. I just want to know where the Biblical authority for preachers of the Gospel comes from regarding this practice.

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2000

Answers

Response to Where does the Curch get the authority t marry?

Mark....

Easy......there is no biblical authority. In fact, weddings in the first century church were civil cermemonies.

The church got into the marriage business during the time of Constantine when Christianity (aka, Catholicism)was made the "De Facto" religion of the Roman Empire and clergy were given civil authority to marry.

This carries into modern day marriages.....whereas.....I receive my authority to perform marriages from the state.

Personally.....for the most part.....I hate weddings!! Most are ladden with Roman paganism and have nothing to do with Scripture.

I love doing the cermemony of two fully dedicated Christians who understand what they are doing....and keep the "pomp and circumstance" to a minimum.

If you are asking, "Is it wrong for a preacher to do a wedding?"...the answer is "No"....as long as that joining together does not violate scriptures (as in the case of marrying a Christian and a non-Christian).

Just as there are no Scriptures that give authority....neither are there any that deny a preacher to provide "a service" for a committed Christian couple...because....he can do so by the authority granted by the state.

Far as I'm concerned....the state can take the power away anytime and it won't hurt my feelings.

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2000

Danny,

Thanks for your answer. Gives me food for thought.

Take care.

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2000

I had the impression that until sometime in the 19th century, common law marriages were quite common, and if we go back a few centuries, even were the rule, not the exception.

Except now, I forget where I got that impression. It may have been historical, or perhaps an implication of scripture and laws on the books that we now consider "archaic". I know until the last generation or so, legally speaking, if two people spent one night together in some states, then they were considered married.

Any historian wish to correct me or comment?

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2000