There’s a TV show out there called “Gary Unmarried” which offers an interesting commentary on marriage and divorce for our times. Gary’s separated from his wife, has two kids, a girlfriend, and life is good. He still has a great friendship with his wife, despite the divorce being fresh. In fact, his wife has a great relationship with his girlfriend. The separation has been more than liberating – it’s made everyone’s life and personal ties better than ever.
In contrast, I’ve been reading the value of exclusivity in marriage in the ancient Middle East through the book of Genesis. Between Abraham and Isaac, there are three instances where they claim – for safety’s sake – that their wife is their sister. In these instances, someone generally moves in on their girl, takes steps toward marriage, but stop just short of consummation when they realize she’s already married.
Horror sets in. Average men of secular Mideastern culture of physically shaken with the guilt and consequences they will bring upon themselves, and their local town, by adultery. If marital infidelity happens in one instance, they know it will ruin the whole society.
Not to praise their context too much, they apparently didn’t have any problem killing a husband to avoid adultery. Nonetheless, the respect they gave to marriage and sexuality is good food for thought to our current times.
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