I think the government is corrupt, so can I get married without the government being involved?
Question:
Hello,
My girlfriend and I would like to marry outside of the state due to the condition of the corruption and anti-God position of the government and states. I know the Scripture indicates to obey the laws of the land, and I always have attempted to abide by them to the best of my ability. I now feel the world is full-blown evil and they have no part with God in the top levels of the government. What are your thoughts on getting married under God's laws as far as marriage vows but avoiding the paperwork and involvement with the government? Would this be acceptable now?
Thanks for your time.
Answer:
See:
- Doesn't a marriage license mean the government controls marriages?
- Do you know someone who will marry us without a state marriage license?
- Can I tell you about a way to get married without government involvement?
- Marriage Covenants
You don't prove a thing by ignoring man's laws when God said, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God" (Romans 13:1). This was written by Paul while under the Roman Empire -- a far more corrupt government than what we currently live under. Since the government's laws do not interfere or change God's laws at this time concerning marriage, there is no reason not to follow them. The government's laws concerning divorce are currently wrong, but that doesn't mean Christians can divorce merely because the government allows it. We still restrict ourselves to God's laws.
One aspect of a covenant is the recording of the vows. In some eras churches provided that record-keeping when governments did not. The fact that governments currently keep the records doesn't change the fact that the recording of the vows is still being done.
Be proud that you are marrying this woman. Be willing to let it be known to others. You don't need to hide the fact that you have a wife from anyone.
