StG, you obviously haven't been reading some of the conversations lately.

Not everything is genetics, but you'd be surprised where genetics and society meet. It's a dynamic system, where environment (society) and genetics all play a role and interact with each other, there are no absolutes. Genetics and biology play a role in tendencies and preferences for particular behaviours.

The power of ritual in society is strong, it adds weight to ones actions, such is the power of cultural practices. "Tradition" is a powerful evolutionary force. It helps people make decisions and guides their actions without them having to know everything about what they are doing- it's a cultural heuristic.

Ritual and the recognition by society and your own family that you are pair-bonded may not seem genetic, but it has evolved and been maintained because it has obvious benefits for child rearing and reducing infant mortality rates.

Lastly, sexual selection is most often predicated on female choice. Men that will tend to hang around longer and help to rear the kids are likely to be more attractive, that it's so often the case they don't shows the maintainence of deception in mating behaviours.

Perhaps if society comes up with something that fills emotional needs just as well, the marriage ritual will fade and be replaced.

More to the point divorce is often the selfishness of individuals who have not learn't to control themselves and so have to redefine God's wonderful gift to mankind. Usually it is people who have failed in keeping their word that now want to redefine the most healthy environment for children to grow up in (with a loving father and mother). Face it guys, the author of marriage (God) has again proven a lot smarter than our social engineers whose experiments have led to an increase in violence, child abuse and selfishness. The reason many atheist choose marriage is because deep down most know that every person desires a relationship with someone they can trust, share with and love. Wired in every human is the adamic nature which produces selfishness and unfaithfulness. Thankfully many are smart enough to resist temporary gratification for the good of themselves, families and society. Often those who don't want to accept their Creators design poison the rest of society.

I think you got the boot on the wrong foot there StG.

When I was a young [about 16] horseman, a wise mature horse breeder lady neighbour was teaching me how to serve a mare with my stalion, & giving me a few hints on life, at the same time.

It went like this. "Now you watch. This mare is in season, & wants his seed. She'll worry the daylights out of him, until she gets it".

A little later. "OK she's got what she wants, now he'd better piss off. She'll kick the sh1t out of him, if he keeps annoying her now".

She went on, "so now young Hasbeen, you've seen how it works. We women are no different, to that mare. When some cute young chick comes after your seed, don't kid your self, putting all sorts of great meaning to the deed. Once she's got what she wanted, you're about as important to her, as your stalion is to that mare".

"Of course, if you're feeding her, & her brood, she may keep you around a bit longer, with a sniff or two, but only till she finds a better one".

Over 50 years later, I'm sure she was right. It's not the bloke shooting through after 3 years, it's her , giving him the flick, when his space becomes more desirable than his usefulness. Perhaps a bit more than 3 years today, now modern kids eat so much.

It's only when a religion gives him control of her, & what he believes are his kids, that it has any effect. But, now watch that religion, when it gives her the chance to shoot through with his kids, & his money, as does christianity today, & you'll be watching one die.

STG, What a pile of dung.

Marriage did not start with Christianity and won't end with it. Humans are naturally monogomous and the belief in God has very little to do with marriage stability.

I as an athiest got married and in doing so celebrated our committment to raise a family together. My wife's family wanted a church wedding, and the pastor was amienable in spite of my beliefs.

A church wedding is more to do with tradition (as does the white dress, wedding cake etc) than belief.

Rightio. So guys, can I just clear one thing up?.

This is an O-PIN-I-ON. NOWHERE have I said I'm right. I even believe I use terms like 'IMO', which, for those that don't know, means, 'in my opinion'. I used 'I'm curious', and I STATED I agree that 'marriage' didn't start with Christianity.

Take time to comprehend and how about we have an adult discussion for a change without going on the attack?. Wouldn't that be nice, for a change?.

Love and commitment are not confined to the religious among us otherwise religious people would never get divorced and obviously they do.

There are many species of animal who mate for life. Marriage is a human construct just as laws are human constructs. They evolve for a reason - most people comprehend the need for families to be suppored in every possible way in whatever shape or form those families may take.

Selfishness is the key issue here. Also sometimes love dies in some relationships - a sad reality.

This is a disingenuous topic and generalises about evolution (of which we are still learning) from someone who obviously does not even believe in the concepty.