We don’t usually talk about marriage at Future Marriage University (FMU), because we are called to speak to students and young adults for whom marriage is merely a future hope, not necessarily a current focus.
Therefore we concentrate our teaching on the topics of sex, dating, and relationships. For those represent the present interests, desires, and struggles of those we want to reach.
Is that you?
Then indulge us a moment, because we want to share what we believe about marriage in a way that will matter even to the person who wonders if marriage is in their future at all.
After all, “marriage” is our middle name. Without “marriage,” FMU would just be Future University. Without any marriage.
And, ironically, that’s where our culture is currently headed, toward a future with less and less marriage, and…
Though we don’t believe a life without marriage is less significant, we do believe a culture without marriage is less stable.
Our core beliefs about marriage will explain why we think this way, even as they clarify the Biblical meaning, purpose, and significance of marriage. And why you should care.
If you disagree with one or more of our beliefs, I urge you to look ultimately to God’s word and not us, since marriage was not man’s invention, but God’s.
With that said, here is what we believe about marriage.
Our Core Beliefs about Marriage
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- We believe the marital union of one man and one woman showcases the equal worth and unique nature of both male and female, made in God’s image. (Gen 2:19-24, Matt 19:4-5, Mark 10:6-8, 1 Cor 11:11-12)
- We believe marriage was designed to illustrate the supernatural relationships of both God the Father with Christ, and Christ the Son with His church, helping us grasp the eternal, sacrificial nature of God’s love. Indeed, this is the Biblical meaning of marriage. (1 Cor 11:2-3, Eph 5:22-33).
- We believe marriage has been the foundation of every stable society across time and culture, because it was designed to meet our deep need for relational intimacy, and in doing so, create the optimum environment to raise up future generations to marry and do the same. Indeed, this is the Biblical purpose of marriage. (Gen 2:18, 23-25, Gen 1:27-28, Mal 2:15, Jer 7:34, 16:9, 25:10, 33:10-11)
- Due to the significance of its meaning and purpose, we believe marriage should be protected, promoted, prepared for, and pursued as an awesome calling of mutual surrender to a fellow image-bearer until death. (Song of Solomon, Matt 19:5-6, Mark 10:6-9)
- However, we believe due to sin, marriage is often entered into and discarded for more self-serving and pragmatic ends, obscuring its intended meaning, purpose, and significance. (Mal 2:13-16, Matt 19:3, 7-8, Mark 10:2-5)
- Therefore, we believe the church should lead the way in teaching students and young adults about marriage before they begin dating. (Prov 22:6, Luke 14:27-30)
- Finally, we believe that as marriage thrives within the church, so will the health and witness of the church. (1 Cor 6:3-8, Matt 5:13-16)
That’s what we believe about marriage, but we are still working on the wording and order of the statements above, so if there’s any changes we could make to be more clear, we’d love your feedback. Or check out our core beliefs on sex, dating, and relationships here.
Lastly, for more about FMU, and our big holy audacious goal to change the mind of the culture about the Biblical meaning, purpose, and significance of marriage, check out this LoveEd episode on our FMUniversity YouTube channel.
