“The purpose of marriage is not to have pleasure and to be idle, but to procreate and bring up children, to support a household. This, of course, is a huge burden full of great cares and toils. But you have been created by God to be a husband or a wife that you may learn to bear these troubles. Those who have no love for children are... unworthy of being called men or women; for they despise the blessing of God, the creator and author of marriage.”
Analysis
In this quote, Martin Luther emphasizes the traditional purpose of marriage as procreation and raising children, rather than solely seeking pleasure or leisure. He argues that those who do not have love for children are failing to appreciate the blessings of God, who is the creator of marriage. Luther's view on marriage highlights the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with the institution, suggesting that it is a divine duty to bear the burdens that come with raising a family.
Modern Relevance of Martin Luther's Views on Marriage
In today's society, the purpose and importance of marriage are often debated and questioned. Martin Luther's views on marriage highlight the significance of procreation, raising children, and supporting a household within the institution of marriage. This perspective continues to hold relevance in the modern world, as it emphasizes the responsibilities and blessings that come with being a husband or wife.
Martin Luther on the Purpose of Marriage
"The purpose of marriage is not to have pleasure and to be idle, but to procreate and bring up children, to support a household. This, of course, is a huge burden full of great cares and toils. But you have been created by God to be a husband or a wife that you may learn to bear these troubles. Those who have no love for children are... unworthy of being called men or women; for they despise the blessing of God, the creator and author of marriage." - Martin Luther
Reflection Questions:
In light of Martin Luther's quote about the purpose of marriage being to procreate and raise children, consider the following reflection questions:
- How do you personally view the purpose of marriage, and how does this align with or differ from Luther's perspective?
- Do you believe that the decision to have children is essential in a marriage? Why or why not?
- How do societal norms and expectations around marriage and family influence individuals' beliefs and decisions regarding procreation?
- In what ways can the challenges and responsibilities of raising children strengthen a marriage, according to Luther's viewpoint?
- Reflect on your own beliefs and values regarding marriage, procreation, and family life, and consider how they may have been shaped by cultural, religious, or personal influences.
Similar quotes
“Marriage includes a spouse, and often children. But the goal, center, and purpose of marriage is not self, spouse, or children. The ultimate goal of marriage and family is the glory of God. Only when marriage and family exist for God's glory - and not to serve as replacement idols - are we able to truly love and be loved. Remember, neither your child nor your husband (or wife) should be who you worship, but instead who you worship with.”
“Many women to whom I have preached the doctrine of freedom have weakly replied, 'But who is to support the children?' It seems to me that if the marriage ceremony is needed as a protection to insure the enforced support of children, then you are marrying a man who, you suspect, would under certain conditions, refuse to support his children, and it is a pretty low-down proposition. For you are marrying a man whom you already suspect of being a villain. But I have not so poor an opinion of men that I believe the greater percentage of them to be such low specimens of humanity.”
“The woman who creates and sustains a home, and under whose hands children grow up to be strong and pure men and women, is a creator second only to God.”
“Although it is very easy to marry a wife, it is very difficult to support her along with the children and the household. Accordingly, no one notices this faith of Jacob. Indeed, many hate fertility in a wife for the sole reason that the offspring must be supported and brought up. For this is what they commonly say: ‘Why should I marry a wife when I am a pauper and a beggar? I would rather bear the burden of poverty alone and not load myself with misery and want.’ But this blame is unjustly fastened on marriage and fruitfulness. Indeed, you are indicting your unbelief by distrusting God’s goodness, and you are bringing greater misery upon yourself by disparaging God’s blessing. For if you had trust in God’s grace and promises, you would undoubtedly be supported. But because you do not hope in the Lord, you will never prosper.”
“I do not believe God created an egalitarian world. I believe the authority of parent over child, husband over wife, learned over simple, to have been as much a part of the original plan as the authority of man over beast.”