Marriage

From Aryez

Book 25 of the Marfat

25: Marriage

1. God came among people in the beginning [of their civilization]

2. and said: do not marry unless you are sure

3. you desire to be with that one person forever. It is not a good idea

4. to have pre-marital sex, and do not commit adultery, or

5. force your partner to have sex. Only men

6. should marry women and vice versa [practice heterosexual monogamy]; no other type of marriage is

7. legal and nothing can replace this age-old joy [as for others, let them thoughtfully establish their own alternates and unions]. God established the custom that

8. it is grievous to get married without the

9. consent of one’s parents. Although some

10. parents are unjust, it is still everyone’s duty to attempt to get their approval [however if they do not approve, marry].

11. What goes on between man and women in their bedroom is private; do not

12. tolerate nosy people or those who inquire about others personal lives. If one

13. desires privacy, it should be respected.

Commentary: This book deals with the age-old institution of marriage. It affirms the sanctity of marriage and defines marriage as the never-ending union between one man and one woman. It also forbids adultery and forced sex. It also warns against pre-marital sex. The founder was of the opinion that something as special and important as sex should be kept in an institution as special and important as marriage, or at least engagement. However, other groups that cannot marry may form unions and do as they please in them [this is due to the way reality has turned out, although ideally this would not occur]. The founder also believed that marriage is established through more of a state of mind than a ceremony, although in the eyes of society, a ceremony is important in formalizing the relation. The founder also believed that a serious relation with a girlfriend or boyfriend is actually one step shy of marriage, and that such couples should get engaged as quickly as possible. There is no point in remaining unmarried once the right person is found. The founder was totally against divorce, unless there is a strong case of adultery or abuse. The founder established the following customs of marriage and engagement: at engagement, the couple exchanges two (silver) rings [man gives woman a ring, woman gives man a ring]. Marriage must take place within a year. At marriage, the man gives the woman back the ring and the woman gives the man back the ring and they then exchange these rings again, this time permanently. They then swear oaths of loyalty and love. Finally, this book tells people not to be nosy and inquire about the personal lives of other people, basically a directive commanding people to respect the privacy of others in general.