Ancient Rome has many lessons for modern marriages. Prior to the time of the empire, when families were intact and strong, marriage was serious business. Those Roman families who remained unsullied by indulgences in a lascivious lifestyle continued viewing marriage serious. The rates of divorce for such couples was likely much less than we see in 21st century western nations.
What does this say about the times and values of today? Plenty! For one, most couples no longer view marriage as a serious matter. They view it as more of a business contract. Since it is viewed as a contract filled with legal loopholes, they spend hours or have lawyers spend hours looking for a loophole that will allow them to leave the terms of the contract.
Secondly, many of your modern marriages do not consider the future, or what gets passed along to your children or their children. They are too busy having fun and indulging in whatever pleasures tickle their fancy. The lack of foresight often leads to impulsive choices and immediate gratification.
Third, the lack of seriousness is a problem with the courts. Many courts grant divorces for whimsical reasons. When the courts do not take marriage seriously, it sets a bad example to where the people do not take it seriously either. By allowing marriage on whimsical grounds, many cheaters begin valuing their happiness more than their commitments or the future of their children. If they aren’t happy or in love, then they firmly believe that they are entitled to a divorce along with silencing their spouse’s disapproval of whatever kind of twisted relationship they have entwined themselves in. They are looking for a fantasy relationship and you are not included.
When cultures no longer take marriage seriously, there are consequences. Consequences in terms of family relations, family conflict, breakdown of values, justifying of wicked deeds and toleration of evil.
There are many lessons to be learned from Rome, if you are only open to them.
Best Regards,
Jeff Murrah
