Rethinking Marriage: Duty, Responsibility, and Unity

In modern society, there is a pressing need to reconsider traditional views on the institution of marriage. Today, marriage is increasingly seen not as a means of personal pleasure but as a sacred civic duty aimed at nurturing future generations. This new paradigm emphasizes that only through a deep sense of responsibility can each of us contribute to the formation of strong and lasting unions.

The proposed measures are based on the idea that love and mutual understanding should give way to the principle of selfless service toward one another. The cultivation of moral values becomes a key aspect, shaping the view of marriage as the unshakable pillar of society. By imparting the ideals of long-term partnership and civic responsibility to their children, parents lay the foundation for strong families where marriage is not a fleeting feeling but a serious, lifelong choice.

It is equally important that a partner be chosen based on inner qualities and a sincere aspiration for goodness, rather than solely on external attributes. This approach reinforces the moral foundations of the family, transforming it into a true bastion of stability and support. At the same time, part of the reform includes revising legislation regulating marital relations, ensuring that the law does not undermine the very essence of family life but rather helps preserve established values.

Thus, a comprehensive set of measures—including a shift in public consciousness, a focus on moral education, and legal reforms—has the potential to transform marital relationships from a temporary infatuation into a solid union where duty, responsibility, and a mutual desire to bring happiness are paramount.

What measures can contribute to reducing the number of divorces in society?

To reduce the number of divorces, a set of measures is proposed that includes rethinking the values of marriage, fostering civic responsibility, and embracing a selfless attitude toward one another.

First, an important approach is to change the perception of marriage, viewing it as an expression of civic duty rather than merely a source of personal pleasure. As one text states, “In nine out of ten cases the answer will be ‘does not match,’ … Marriage must be regarded as a civic duty to the state: to produce and raise creatures in our own likeness…” (source: link ). This means that if spouses view marriage as an obligation and responsibility toward society and future generations, the likelihood of divorce will diminish.

Second, special attention must be devoted to the upbringing of the younger generation and the moral education of spouses. One source notes, “The family is the cornerstone of any society, and therefore its foundation should be duty rather than pleasure, and the family hearth can be purified not by facilitating divorces, but only by the strict moral education of the younger generation…” (source: link ). This approach helps transform marriage from a passing amusement into a serious union where the values of long-term responsibility and service to one another play a key role.

Another measure involves rethinking the criteria for selecting a spouse. One should consider not only external qualities but also inner virtues. As noted, “A spouse should be chosen not for their external qualities, but according to Christian virtues. One must look to see if a person has an aspiration for goodness…” (source: link ). Choosing a partner who shares high moral principles and is ready to build a relationship on mutual support and respect contributes to creating stronger and more stable marriages.

An additional approach emphasizes that spouses should aim less to receive and more to give happiness to one another. One source emphasizes, “Modern families fall apart because people do not know what underpins marriage. You must desire to give happiness to the other, not just take it for yourself” (source: link ). Such selflessness and willingness to sacrifice in a marriage create the conditions necessary to overcome the difficulties that couples face on their journey together.

Finally, attention must also be given to the legislation governing marital and family relationships. The criticism of modern norms is that “It is unfortunate that the current divorce law severely hinders divorces and undermines the very purpose of the law—the preservation of the family. The law attempts, by force, to direct a sinful person toward maintaining the ideal, but instead it only exacerbates the problem” (source: link ). A revision of such regulations might help balance an individual’s right to divorce with the need to preserve the institution of the family.

Thus, a combination of shifting public consciousness, strengthening moral foundations, making informed choices in selecting a partner, fostering a sincere desire to bring happiness to one another, and revising legislation can create a solid basis for reducing the number of divorces in society.

Supporting citation(s):
“In nine out of ten cases the answer will be ‘does not match,’ and if so, all these people will end up dissatisfied with the choice they made. Is it truly acceptable for all of them to seek divorce? After all, by that time many children are already in the picture. What then prevents the dissolution of a family? Only a sense of duty and the recognition that life is not a toy from which one can demand nothing but pleasure. Marriage must be considered a civic duty to the state: to produce and raise those in our likeness, who in turn will fulfill the same purpose on earth.” (source: link )

“The family is the cornerstone of any society, and therefore its foundation should be duty rather than pleasure, and the family hearth can be purified not by easing divorces, but only through strict moral education of the younger generation in the broadest sense of the word. So that our children do not view marriage as a toy that is only good as long as it is fun.” (source: link )

“It is unfortunate that the current divorce law severely hinders divorces and undermines the very purpose of the law—the preservation of the family. The law attempts, by force, to direct a sinful person toward maintaining the ideal, but instead it only exacerbates the problem.” (source: link )

“A spouse should be chosen not for external qualities, but according to Christian virtues. One must look at whether the person has an aspiration for goodness, a love for prayer, for the house of God, and a desire to do God’s will.” (source: link )

“Modern families fall apart because people do not know what marriage is built upon. You must desire to give happiness to the other, not just take it for yourself.” (source: link )