As states watch the disintegration of families and marriages, they are beginning to realize that where marriages fail crime rises, education declines, and poverty increases. This statistical fact has prompted some states, including Texas, to propose offering “Marriage Education” as a part of state funded programs aimed at decreasing divorce.

Many in the world decry this as the job of churches and counselors. I guess I’m one of them. Though for a different reason. It is isn’t as much that I am perturbed by the state trying to help. I am saddened by the absence of Biblical teaching on marriage in our churches. It seems that sermons like “Five Steps to a Fantastic Marriage” are missing the mark. It seems that the mark they miss is that of plain and simple explanation of what the Bible says about the purpose and process of marriage and family.

Aside from the God’s mercy on us, and revival of commitment to simply preaching the Word, state programs offer little more than a placebo. We feel good for having it, but it does nothing.

Read more at the World Magazine Blog.