Our Marriage Practice in the Light of the Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms and an Anti-Christian Culture

Abstract

This paper wrestles with the question, “Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that Homosexual marriage is a constitutional right, what should we do?” Marriage is an area where the work of the church and the state overlap. Currently it is the general practice of WELS pastors to fill out state marriage licenses. This paper examines whether that practice is still expedient under the present circumstances. In order to come to a conclusion on this question this paper reviews the doctrine of marriage and the doctrine of the two kingdoms. It then discusses how the two kingdoms work together. It addresses the history of the Church and state relationship in America and America’s present attitude toward the Christian church. Finally, some practices are suggested for marriages in the future.