10 "Non-religious" Reasons Why Marriage Should be Protected and Defended

There has been no lack of debate about the role of government in preservation of the institution of marriage. The book Marriage and the Public Good: Ten Principles, by the Witherspoon Institute makes some valid arguments why marriage is so important to the preservation of a civil society. Here is a summary of the ten principles:

From "Marriage and the Public Good: Ten Principles" by the Witherspoon Institute, 2008.

1. Marriage is a personal union, intended for the whole of life, of husband and wife.
2. Marriage is a profound human good, elevating and perfecting our social and sexual nature.
3. Ordinarily, men and women who marry are better off as a result.
4. Marriage protects and promotes the well-being of children.
5. Marriage sustains civil society and promotes the common good.
6. Marriage is a wealth-creating institution, increasing human and social capital.
7. When marriage weakens, the equality gap widens as children suffer from the disadvantages of growing up in homes without committed mothers and fathers.
8. A functioning marriage culture serves to protect political liberty and foster limited government.
9. The laws that govern marriage matter significantly.
10. "Civil marriage" and "religious marriage" cannot be rigidly or completely divorced from one another.

The entire book is available online. It's only 38 pages and can be read here.