The Aiken Standard

UPDATED: 1/8/2012 12:31 AM

By ROGER ROLLINS Columnist

"Being unmarried is one of the greatest risks that people voluntarily subject themselves to." -- Bernard I Cohen and I-Sing Lee, "A Catalog of Risks"

"Jesus replied, 'The people of this age marry and are given in marriage.'" -- Bible

According to the Pew Research Center, the last few years have seen a significant decline in marriage rates.

For example, in 1960, two-thirds (68 percent) of all people in their twenties were married. In 2008, just 26 percent were.

Of course, marrying at an older age is also on the increase, but consider the overall statistic: About half (52 percent) of all adults in the United States were married in 2008; back in 1960, seven in 10 (72 percent) were.

Does that mean that society believes marriage is not important?

Not necessarily. Again, according to Pew, "the vast majority of adults consider their own family to be the most important, most satisfying element of their lives."

In addition, "Americans are more upbeat about the future of marriage and family (67 percent say they are optimistic) than about the future of the country's educational system (50 percent optimistic), its economic system (46 percent optimistic) or its morals and ethics (41 percent optimistic)."

There continues to be a great deal of empirical evidence for the benefits of marriage to the couple and their children.

Married men and women are healthier and live longer, they accumulate more money, their children are happier and tend to be more successful in life and the overall benefit to society is significant.

Assuming these benefits we've mentioned are sufficient to maintain the viability of the institution of marriage is dangerous, however, because man's rules and mores can be changed by man.

For example, some of today's laws make it more attractive economically for couples not to marry, especially if they have children.

Marriage was designed by God to provide the very fabric of society.

Even societies - past and present - that chose not to recognize God have had and maintained the institution of marriage. A family consisting of marriage between a man and a woman and any children that may result will consistently produce the benefits mentioned above.

Difficulties will still occur.

They do in any relationship and marriage is no exception. But in a marriage relationship, the covenant commitment encourages couples to work through conflicts and come out stronger.

Society teaches that love makes a marriage, but, in reality, its marriage that generates and strengthens the love.

As a simple analogy, a person may set out to create a painting or play a song on the piano or build their own house because of an attraction for what they are entering into; but it's the time, energy, effort (particularly in overcoming obstacles) and ultimate success that truly make it a work of love.

These articles prepared by Family and Marriage Coalition of Aiken are designed to help build and enhance marriages. They work best, however, if we recognize marriage isn't an arbitrary construct of man; it is designed by God. Hence, success is most likely achieved when the designer is obeyed and the design manual is followed.

From Feb. 7-14, National Marriage Week USA will be celebrated across the United States. Here in Aiken, FAMCO is sponsoring a Marriage Celebration Date Night on Feb. 10.

Included in the Date Night will be a dinner and two hours of fun and laughter featuring comedian Jeff Allen, singer/songwriter Michael O'Brien and bestselling authors Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley via webcast.

Research shows that dating at least once a month significantly improves relationships. In addition to enjoying this event, couples will then receive free, downloadable materials and content for their next two dates. Then, each month for the next year, couples can download a new, free date night guide that provides content and ideas for their dates.

The cost is $40 per couple and baby sitting services will be provided for free. For further information about this event or to purchase tickets, see the contact information below.

The Family and Marriage Coalition of Aiken Inc. (FAMCO) provides resources for you to succeed in your marriage and families. Roger Rollins, executive director, FAMCO, 640-4689, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , www.aikenfamco.com.

Original Article.