I kind of go along with Examintor here.

But then again, I have always thought that I am that kind of person who would always fail a lie detector test: to me there are just too many clauses and exemptions and circumstances ever to be able to give a straight Yes or No answer.

So, firstly...Necessary for What? For the functioning of Society? Then again..what kind of a society? Or necessary perhaps for ones own positioning in society? For one's own happiness or peace of mind? That would of course, depend on a host of other factors too. Just couldn't answer.

However, on a personal level...I will certainly never get married again. Not only is it not necessary for me - for my happiness or to feel complete or to ward off lonliness - its actually proved (twice) to be downright bad for me.

Not casting any blame around: I guess I am just a bad 'chooser'. So, gawd, having proved that point in spades, I feel it actually would be quite stupid of me to do it again! Also, I have never been as lonely as I was when I was married.

I absolutely adore being single. Having a guy in my life is wonderful too, but at the odd times when there isn't one I am every bit as happy.

If people want God's blessing on their relationship then they will get married. If they want to live in sin then they can expect the consequences. Marriage was God's idea and not man's. I doubt whether we would be that smart. Marriage gives children the security they need to grow up knowing that dad and mum are committed to each other and not just having a fling. Many celebrities make a farce of marriage. The reason many don't marry these days is because our characters are so flawed that we can't keep our word for 2 weeks let alone a lifetime. For me next to giving my life to Christ my marriage is the next best thing. I am glad that my wife agrees.

Tried it once - didn't like it and now that we're older, some of my long term married friends say their promise of "till death do us part" is an endurance test - crims don't get that long for murder, they reckon.

"Hello Carol," I say. "How's Doug?" "Still breathin'" says Carol. "Hello Valerie," I say. "How's Norman?" "Ooohhh Proto" says Valerie - "I think my inheritance is drawing nearer."

Nah.......they're only kidding I think but I delight in being a free spirit!

If people want God's blessing on their relationship then they will get married. If they want to live in sin then they can expect the consequences. Marriage was God's idea and not man's.

Says who!

So was incest also gods blessing. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't the whole thing start (in your world) from just Adam and Eve, which would mean that bothers ans sisters of these two had a wako time to create the rest of the population.

We live in a free country and you can do and beleive what ever you like, but please don't ram it down my throat.

The history of marriage, in the western world, is overwhelmingly characterised by the subjugation of women and children by men!

Foxy,

Obviously marriage isn't necessary, because a lot of people have no trouble getting through life without being married.

That logical and very "male" response out of the way, I have been married most of my life. There have been ups and downs, but I suspect it will be death us do part. Looking back on how things have gone so far, I don't think life would have been better unmarried.

mikk: "The history of marriage, in the western world, is overwhelmingly characterised by the subjugation of women and children by men!"

Weird. Every household I have seen is run by the woman. I can't think of a single exception. As a boss of any enterprise will tell you, the price for being in charge is doing more work that any of their charges. For all boss's I have met though, this is a price they happily pay for freedom they get by running the show.