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Our society trains us to think of marriage as a…

“Our society trains us to think of marriage as a contractual arrangement. If one party fails to fulfill his or her end, the contract is null and void. Increasingly children are raised in a contractual environment. When contractual thinking dominates our horizon, we can even make Jesus or the church…” quote by Michael Horton
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“Our society trains us to think of marriage as a contractual arrangement. If one party fails to fulfill his or her end, the contract is null and void. Increasingly children are raised in a contractual environment. When contractual thinking dominates our horizon, we can even make Jesus or the church an asset we think we can manage.”

Michael Horton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Society often treats marriage like a contract, leading to a transactional view of relationships and even spirituality.

In simple terms: Marriage seen as a contract, making relationships transactional.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and nurture relational depth beyond contracts.

Themes

relationships spirituality culture transactional thinking

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • marriage counseling
  • parenting
  • church leadership
  • relationship education

Key Concepts

contract theory theology social conditioning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does viewing marriage as a contract affect intimacy?
  • Can spiritual practices transcend transactional mindsets?
A Different Perspective

Contracts cannot capture love’s complexity; emotional bonds need more than legal terms.

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