In earlier generations when people talked about becoming engaged it was often assumed in the church that engagement was tantamount to being married in God's eyes.  Mike and Pastor Pete talk through the Biblical understanding of marriage and the impact of our changing cultural norms on understanding the process that takes a couple from dating to engagement to marriage.

Were Mary and Joseph married?  What is the implication of living together and common law marriages?  If being engaged is pretty much like being married, why does God prohibit physical intimacy until the formal commitment? What business does the state have in people's affairs?  And what happens if a Pastor marries a couple without a license?  We hope this episode provides good guidance for your own great conversations as we bring the counsel of God into our understanding on these important topics.

Great Questions, Great Conversations is a podcast of St. Paul's Lutheran and The Bridge in Muskego, WI.  Please visit www.stpaulmuskego.org for more information.