When I was a kid – which, from my point of view was, like, a week ago – we had a neighbor named .jpg)
Elmer who lived with his sister, Miss Humphreys. Elmer knew everything there was to know about life on a farm, and was a great friend to our family. And Miss Humphreys was a wonderful cook.
Years later, my mom informed me that Miss Humphreys was not in fact Elmer’s sister, but that she was a married lady who was unable to get a divorce, and she and Elmer were living together without benefit of marriage. Why the subterfuge? Well, the simple answer is that, in the fifties, living together was called ‘living in sin,’ but there’s a more complex reason than that. In the fifties, the institution of marriage was still considered sacred. Elmer was not the type to be easily embarrassed; but flaunting his unmarried relationship would have been disrespectful to others.
Today, we have Ellen DeGeneres living with Portia de Rossi and they and many others want to call their relationship a ‘marriage.’ But gays aren’t the only ones impinging on the sanctity of marriage. Witness the popularity of the YouTube video called “JK Wedding Entrance Dance.”
I know, I know – I’m just a curmudgeon who doesn’t want anyone to have any fun, right? Wrong. The dance video is fun to watch, and would be perfectly appropriate at nearly any get-together- even the reception But this is a wedding, for crying out loud! It’s supposed to be a serious commitment of two people, each vowing to put the other first, “forsaking all others” as the marriage vows used to say, for the rest of their lives. (I could go into why a church would sanction a display in what is supposed to be a sacred building, but that’s fodder for another column.)
But we can’t really blame these folks for demeaning their own wedding in this fashion. Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Carmen Electra, Madonna and many others in the public eye have treated marriage as a joke for years. Robin Givens’ marriage to her tennis instructor Svetozar Marinkovic lasted one day!
When God brought Eve to Adam, Adam’s marriage vow, recorded in Genesis chapter 2, was, “This is the proper step! bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh!” and the account continues, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Hollywood may not want to hear it, but God instituted marriage. And when Jesus quoted the above verse, he added, “What God himself, then, has yoked together man must not separate.” The fact that we live in a world of gay marriages, quickie marriages and even quicker divorces, and just plain silly marriages like the one in the Wedding Dance video, comes as no surprise to students of the Bible. As discussed in the column here, we are very near the end of this world as we know it, and 2 timothy chapter 3 foretold that in the last days people would be “selfish, mercenary, boastful, haughty, ungrateful, impure, incapable of affection, merciless, slanderous, lacking self-control, careless of what is right, and puffed up with pride; they will love pleasure more than they love God; and while they retain the outward form of religion, they will not allow it to influence them.”
Hopefully, the couple in the JK Wedding Entrance Dance video will make it longer than Robin Givens did.
Photo courtesy of lovedalemon at flickr.com
Comments
Clearly these are people who live there lives in a very fun way and they chose to have fun at their wedding with their friends. I see no problem here, just a lot of fun.
Its pretty clear you think very highly of yourself and your opinions, and maybe you have a reason, I dont know.
When you say "I’m just a curmudgeon who doesn’t want anyone to have any fun", I think you hit the nail right on the head. Pick another topic and some other people to try to force your ideas on, these kids were just having fun.
Its not just "liberal Hollywood" you forgot Ensign, Gingrich, Sanderson, etc.
Because they are having fun doesn't mean they don't take their marriage seriously. Pull the stick out of your fanny, Bill and enjoy life. It's people like you that give Christians a bad name. Stop focusing on scoping out other people's perceived wrongs and do something to make a positive difference in the world by really changing peoples lives. I think there's something in the Bible about the hands and feet of Christ? I never read anything about the mouth of Christ vomiting uptight opinions on people.
I wonder if tinnitus has set in yet from the constant thumping you seem to do on that bible. I don't ever hear you hocus pocus touting wackos talk about the asinine history of your holy institution such as arranged marriage for political and financial reasons. To me, those people in the video looked to be IN LOVE... how these people go about initiating a commitment is their choice.... But hey, times they are a changin'... At this rate if you're right, the rapture should be right around the corner.... So maybe you could do us all a favor and SHUT UP while you wait for it.
I've no idea what the video says about "society", but your reaction to it speaks volumes about you!
Wow. Curmudgeon doesn't begin to describe it. Judge & jury, seems to me Jesus had something to say about that too.
These people are showing joy at a joyous occasion, in a very enjoyable, creative way. Who are you to deny them that, to criticize their relationship, their marriage, their day?
Shame on YOU. I bet Jesus would be dancing down the aisle with the them if he were in the wedding party. WWJD? Dance!
Remember that part in the bible about David dancing, OMG, NAKED in the streets in a dance of joy? Whoa is the world, huh? But God, apparently, approved.
How dare you judge their relationship because you don't like the music or dance and you think everything should be done according to YOU. Wow. Must be a lot of responsibility being so God like, and condemning people for having joy, fun, and love!
Shame on you, and hey . . . we wouldn't want to be like you.
Boy, are you 180 out.
I saw more love, honor and cherish in that five-minute video than in a whole lifetime of church-going.
I'd invite these good people in the wedding party to my funeral on the condition that they dance on my grave.
You are so far off. Times change and the sooner you realize it, you will get off your righteous high horse and stop judging people. I think you just ruined the Examiner for me forever. With those kinds of opinions I do not need to read The Examiner ever. Thanks for saving me the time.
To quote a friend of mine, if heaven is where all the holy rollers are going for eternity, that's not where I want to be. Amen.
I don't see what makes you think they are not taking the ceremony seriously. It seems like these people are loving and caring group of family and friends who are truly celebrating the union of these two individuals.
How, exactly, does that infringe on the sanctity of marriage?
All I see in that video is pure love and joy. How you warp it to be sinful and a marriage doomed to failure is only through your own bitterness and unhappiness. God is love, and this couple has it.
ummmmm as far as i know, the whole point of marriage is to share and acknowledge the love of two people. This is going to change from marriage to marriage as those two people see fit on how they want to celebrate their love for each other. i think what they did was great and in no way harmed the sanctity of marriage
Do what you want at your wedding. This wedding was in no way associated with you and in no way impacts you. You might be retarded.
What a way to live your life! Mr Underwood, my condolences. Hope you find a way to open your mind to some of the beautiful found on this planet. There is more than enough ugliness. You are to be pitied.
More to be pitied than censured, that's what I have to say about you.
I can't imagine worshiping a God that thinks "joy", in any form, is to be shucked aside in favor of "solemnity". As your precious Bible claims, there is a time and a season for everything. Why can't people express their love for each other on this day by dancing and celebrating? If you truly believe that because someone had FUN on their wedding day it means that God is looking down on them in disapproval, I really feel sorry for you. And anyone that might be married to you.
You sir, are a stiff. Live is too short to listen to some b-level journalist tell people proper conduct for their own wedding.
Wow, it is so good to see people so enjoying their life, and expressing their joy and excitement at getting married! I saw this video and was thrilled for them, and for me. It's expressions like this that make me think, 'Life is GOOD!'. This event seems similar to King David wearing an ephod, dancing, with trumpets and shouting, celebrating the Ark of the Lord!
No,,,,it's just you. You're a grouchy old fart. I almost cried the first time I watched this,,,and I'm a DUDE! It's one of the most joyous things I've ever seen. I bet you think Jesus never danced.
Life is way too short to tell two people committing their lives to one another that they shouldn't celebrate their wedding the way that makes them happy and inspires millions to rejoice what love is all about.
Mr Underwood: do you take umbrage that this "tailor-made" ceremony takes place in a solemn, sanctified House of God, or that this couple is demeaning the sanctity of their vows to each other by a celebration of dance to and with each other?
This is one of the most joyous, giving ceremonies I have ever witnessed. What is the difference in ceremony between giving themselves to each other in dance, rather than the cliched readings of Gibran or some other poet? Does this dance negate their forsaking all others, their vows to each other?
Here are two people who know and love each other and are celebrating within themselves and for each other what brings them happiness, with the support of their family of friends. It is a celebration of their giving to each other the most joyous of, and the best in, each other. Dance has been a means of expression since the beginning of time. You are stuck in a time warp of "propriety" and tradition and have completely missed their message.
This is the stupidest argument I've ever heard. What a sad boring life you must have. Keep your misery to yourself. JEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
This is a wonderful celebration of love. But for you sir, I guess having fun at the wedding means that they`re not aware about the significance of the ceremony, which is totally wrong. We`re not talking about a funeral, for Christ`s sake, people are supposed to be happy at and about it!
And for me "marriage" is a commitment between two people in love.
And sir, if you`re so stuck on the teachings of your precious bible, you should start learning love and tolerance.
What a wonderful happy way to start a marriage. They will have so many happy memories of their ceremony. much better than stressing out about everything being so 'perfect'
It seems like the joy that this clip has brought to so many people is in fact spreading love, encouraging couples to celebrate marriage and go forth into this crazy world armed with passion. It may be the one thing that Jesus really wanted for us.
I've been married twice. In two solemn, traditional ceremonies. Didn't do me a bit of good. What I thought about while watching this video is how difficult and stressful it is to plan a wedding. How many time have I told soon-to-be-married couples: "if you can make it through this, it's a good basis for the kind of compromises you'll have to make in every aspect of the rest of your lives together" And this couple CLEARLY wanted this as their wedding procession. How nice is it that there starting out on such a mutually agreeable note? I applaud them and pray for the strength of their union. They seem to have started out just lovely!
Wow........you are a moran!
I'm going to assume this article was written tongue-in-cheek. I'd hate to think there are people in the world who truly believe anything this writer asserts.
Gee Bill. I'm sorry you took a beautiful ceremony, twisted it in your own mind, and came up with what you did. In my version of the Bible, when Jesus attended a wedding, he turned water into wine (not the other way around), and everyone was surprised because it was better than the first toast! Wine Bill, at a wedding, compliments of Jesus! I'm actually happy all of those wrong-headed ideas about God are dying with your generation, although the elderly family members in the video seemed to know love and joy when they saw it. Perhaps its just you.
My heart goes out to you, you sad human being. pathetic, sad, ugly human being. sorry you haven't ever known real love. I understand your need to undermine other peoples happiness.
If you can't accept the unabashed joy and passion on show in this video as evidence of this couple's commitment to their marriage, I feel sorry for you.
You're right about one thing, Mr. Underwood - you are just a curmudgeon.
The author confuses the sanctity of marriage, the meaning and seriousness of the vows with ceremonial aspects that may be traditional but are not religious at all.
A big "bla bla" to draw attention - gratulations, you succeeded.
I've seen people say that this video represents a making a joke of the sancatity of marrage including my own mother. I would like to point out to them about what The Bible says about the way that God wants us to worship him.
2 Samuel 6:16: As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.
God likes us to worship Him by "leaping and dancing". He wants us to be happy and joyfull in our worship to Him. I haven't seen a more joyfull expression of worship ever. I think God would be pleased and delighted with the expression of joy and love that these people brought into Gods house. God bless them and I hope they have a long and wonderful life together.
No marriage can last without the ability to laugh at life's problems and stresses, and take joy in each other. This couple has displayed their ability to do that admirably.
Like someone else already said...my heart goes out to you, you sad human being!
Why can't you accept other people happiness? what is so wrong in the fact that two people want to make their wedding day an unforgettable one, a day they will remember with joy and happiness? I'm a christian but is it written in the Bible the way the ceremony needs to be performed? what music the couple should play? it needs to be the old traditional "here comes the bride" thingie?! I say that those two had a heck of an imagination and courage to do that dance, and it was oh so cool!
About gay marriage...oh for the love of God man, get a grip! it's the 21st century and people like you don't belong in the society! gay marriage is a natural and beautiful thing just like any other marriage there is..ohh and i have to say this, Ellen and Portia are one of the sweetest couple in Hollywood (and i don't see a divorce coming!)and Ellen is an extraordinary amazing human being, opposite to you!
again sorry u sh
Wow is right, If they continue this joy in there marriage, they will be together forever, the love the joy. As far as the 1st person comment I'm a Christian, and I'm a follower of Christ, and I would like you to show me where in the Bible, God says, same sex marriage is acceptable. Man + Woman = Marriage.
curmudgeon
Bill, you have a point. You know our divorce rates are extremely low and the traditionally boring wedding service was the kick off.
Get over it, this couple have a joy of love we have missed for YEARS!! Bill, get over yourself.
oh, so sad for you
Seriously, I'm not sure whether this article is more stupid or sad?
All marriages should be this joyous.
sad you
WHATS THE POINT OF YOUR ARTICLE? ARE YOU HARPING ON MARRIAGE OR ROBIN GIVENS OR THE JK WEDDING OR YOUR OLD NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR? BESIDES THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE, I CANT FIGURE IT OUT
YOUR OPINION IS YOUR OPINION, BUT LEARN HOW TO WRITE AN ARTICLE INSTEAD OF SKIPPING AROUND ALL OVER THE PLACE AND TALKING ABOUT 5 DIFFERENT THINGS. ITS VERY OBVIOUS YOU LET YOUR EMOTIONS GET THE BETTER OF YOU!!
You are an idiotic bumbo claat de wedding scene is cool man
Shame on you for throwing water on J&Ks parade, they are NOT 'impinging' on anything, let alone the 'sanctity of marriage!' Before you start getting all self-righteous, maybe you need to study some music history and you'll find that the oh-so-traditional Here Comes The Bride aka Bridal March also had its share of controversy, too! Back in the day there were many who considered it vulgar, pagan and sexually oriented because it overfocused on the wedding night. That specific piece of music comes from an opera "Lohengrin" which written by Richard Wagner. Did you know Wagner was an adulterer and homewrecker, and he shacked up with and fathered THREE children with his also-married mistress Cosima who eventually became wife #2 ...and Wagner was also a notorious anti-Semite! For the last reason alone, you'll seldom hear HCTB at a Jewish wedding, and even Catholic and Lutheran churches discourage its use because of the pagan/mythological themes in the song! Yet fundies think it so 'sacred?'
Even your picture looks smug, not to mention your article.
"let me put my hand on my face, because I am a serious writer!"
I happen to know this guy, and he isn't a bad dude, so get off it!
I dont know anyone who isn't sickened by the lack of honesty and loyalty in the world, whether it relates to marriage or not. I am sure everyone would agree.
The author was just using the video as an example of how the world has become an "anything goes" society. I personally think that the video is funny, and he probably does too.
Is this article for real? I don't even know the point of it. Wow, that was a waste of time reading this... and for you, writing it :|
If you're aim was to get a lot of comments, you succeeded. You also succeeded in making yourself look like a narrow minded fool. Someone with no sense of joy, no sense of generosity toward others, no tolerance for anything outside the little box you obviously live in. You're a sad man.
The expression, "it's a sad commentary on our times" fits you to a tee. Your own commentary, is indeed a "sad commentary" on the conservative lack of imagination and joy. How you can live like that, is sad. Now these folks — they've got a shot a real happiness!
Lighten up ... You're so missing the point of life or at least with this point, missing out on life.
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