When the liturgy gets it right. . .

When Lutherans were faced with the prospect of translating our German orders into English, we borrowed heavily from the Anglicans.  It was a good decision.  Who can find fault with the eloquent collects of Thomas Cranmer?  Although we did not borrow this, the Anglican Book of Common Prayer has a very beautiful and faithful summary of the purpose of marriage:

First, It was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy Name.

Secondly, It was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continency might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ's body.

Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.

What is important here is not simply the content but the order.  First for the procreation of children and for the bringing up of those children in the fear and admonition of the Lord to the end that with faith they may praise the name of the Lord in words and works.  First.  The problem today is not simply that we have rearranged the order here but are actively working to omit the first in this order entirely.  If not by contraception or abortion then by the desire to marry at all, we deny God's first and essential purpose in marriage.

Second is that marriage is given to prevent sin.  St. Paul says that the body was not created for immorality.  St. Paul also states that it is better to marry than to burn so the unmarried who are burning with passion for each other should marry, so that their desire will not lead them to sin.  In an age in which pre-marital and extra-marital sex has become normal, it is shocking for us to be reminded of exactly how St. Paul addresses sex outside of marriage.  Marriage is God’s plan for the fulfillment of sexual desire and any sexual expression outside of marriage is sin. (Hebrews 13:4)  Marriage is not only necessary but salutary.

Then, Third, for comfort, help, companionship, and mutual care in need and plenty.  In the end, this is the only reason for marriage that our culture accepts.  It is the only one that can be used to justify the expansion of marriage beyond male and female.  Marriage orders desire and is the answer to disordered desire.  Marriage is for children and those married have the capacity and desire for children.  Except those who marry for other desires only.  Indeed, the problem here is not only for the expansion of those who might be married but the limitation of marriage to when we find it helpful and comfortable and when we do not, marriage can easily be broken.  

The rite got it right and we got it wrong.  This is what what happens on Sunday mornings, in baptismal liturgies, in marriage rites, and in funeral orders matter.  We are our rites and our rites define us.  In this case, we would have all been better off listening to the rite and letting it instruct us in the order and design of marriage for mankind.