My wife's distant cousin's daughter got married yesterday and since Donna hadn't seen some of her family in decades it was fun to gather once again with those she grew up with. We enjoyed it very much.

But we had never been to a wedding ceremony where the gentleman preforming the ceremony specifically told all attending that the bride and groom had specifically requested, on this their special day of matrimony, that the name God not be used. They did not believe in God and asked that no one discuss God at the ceremony. The official did say that a portion of the book, which the couple believes is made up, but that still has some good points to make for everyone (1 Corinthians 13:4, "Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant") would be read during the ceremony. The bride and groom asked that no talk of politics spoil this day because they love this country and they love this president.

The marital vows were crafted with affection no doubt, as the bride said the man she was marrying could do not wrong in her eyes, and the groom said that the woman he was committing his life to was the most beautiful woman in all the world in his eyes. Both pledged to each other, "faith in the love we have for each other..... to do all things, through tough times and wonderful times."

Now I realize as a pastor, that the marriage vows are civil contracts in our modern times, but the civil matrimonial ceremony has traditionally been built upon the teachings of God, a prayer for His Blessings, etc. I would not have been able to officiate such a marriage as what we attended but then again, I'm what is now known as archaic, outdated, myth believing "old school."

I guess we don't do that as much around here anymore.
Oh well.

Blessings,
Mark

Interesting that pagans would want the semblance of His order for man yet deny His existence much less His blessings.

Why bother?

My life has improved significantly since returning to church. The lives of people around me have improved significantly since I returned to church. "Trust not in your own understanding"

I would have shown my ignorance by getting up and leaving. Distant cousin or not.

DS, Ya know, I'm in the same boat as you! Our youngest daughter Katie told me a couple years ago that I've really changed over the last few years. For the better. And that she felt more comfortable talking to me as her dad about tough stuff.
Same with mom.

Well mom changed because dad changed.
And dad changed because God changed me.

I can't explain it all.
But it's fact.

Blessings,
Mark

I chatted with the minister afterwards and he was a quiet guy it seemed who told me that the Brewery where the wedding was held, contacted him, and that he had given the couple "what they wanted."

I didn't mention to him that as a minister of the Bible, in my denomination at least (I go before a pastoral council of the Evangelical Free Church of America for licensing - which precedes ordination - in about 10 days), because of our affirmation faith statements, I wouldn't marry someone in the context we witnessed. Not merely no mention of God, but a specific dishonoring of His Genesis 2:24 "One-flesh" covenant which the family is built upon.

Now days I guess, we build our own Towers of Babel, however those look to make our names great.
We all are prone to it.
I just found it interesting some proclaim it as they do.

Blessings,
Mark

I would have excused myself as a guest, gave them my blessings and left. I could never tolerate that type of situation. That is their choice but not mine. It is concerning that there are those that actually believe as they do in this world. That is why there are so many problems in our country as a result of these kinds of folks way of thinking.

I am surprised they found a valued pastor in his own right to marry them. Or should I say what rock did they turn over to find that pastor.

lots of people out there pick and choose what part of the bible they want ,

Sounds like they’re starting out not even understanding what marriage is and there’s a good chance it won’t last a year. The pastor needs to do some soul searching as well.

That would be quite uncomfortable for me. I don’t know how I would of reacted actually. Well done going and talking to the “Pastor” so that you could try and understand where he was coming from. Interesting.

The only surprising thing to me was you found someone who actually admitted to voting for Biden!!

It seems getting married at the courthouse would have been a better option for the couple. A gathering could have been held later and however they wanted (with or without a statement on religion).

Everyone wants attention and wants to make a statement these days. It's a spillover of social media.

I’d have skipped that wedding myself.

Yea that would have made my stomach turn and I would have felt ill. Perfect reason to have to leave the ceremony.

If you believe one word of the bible you either accept it all or you are just a hypocrite.

Yup.

I'd say

X2

That didn't sound like a pagan ceremony to me. Sounded more like atheists. People who call their self pagan worship a goddess.

By definition pagan.

Wife's sister got married few years back. Married a native American in native American ceremony. Started with we are forced by the government to have a license etc. but do not recognize the authority of such. I got up and walked out.
Funny part was as we left our house in the morning, for the 3 plus hour trip to Ashland WI. I asked my wife if we could skip this wedding and go to her next one. This was her fourth already. LOL