Talk 11: Better to Marry Than to Burn with Passion

Orthodox Christians hold various views regarding the main purpose of marriage. Some believe it is companionship, while others believe it is to have children. What, then, does the Orthodox Church teach regarding the main purpose of marriage? The answer to this question will influence a person’s decision whether or not to marry.

In this talk, Father Kosmas explains that the main purpose of marriage, according to Saint Paul, is to avoid sexual immorality, child-bearing being its secondary purpose. Although the Church praises virginity more highly than marriage, abstaining from sexual relations in today’s society is becoming increasingly difficult, due to constant exposure to sexual immorality through television, films, the media, billboards, and the internet. For this reason Saint Paul’s words are especially relevant today: … but if they c ...