Cedarville Magazine, Spring/Summer 2016

God’s Design for Man and Woman in Marriage ONENESS DEFENDED Oneness in marriage is rooted in something greater than mere biological mechanics. Evolution views partnering as a mating relationship that is instinctive and casual, leaving us with the explanation that we gravitate toward the other gender as an expression of a male instinct to dominate. However, women are never safer than when men are trying to exhibit the self- sacrificial love of Christ (Eph. 5:25–29). God is love, and everything God does is the expression of His compassion, functioning for the benefit of His human creatures. To practice and promote God’s design for marriage provides society with the best possible arrangement for human flourishing. Undermining God’s design for marriage is to spread the damaging effects to all members of society, especially to children. COMPASSION EXTENDED The most compassionate position we can take is to affirm each individual as created good, whether male or female, regardless if they live as single or married. In reference to marriage and sexuality, we need to uphold marriage between one man and one woman for life, followed by the parenting of children who are prepared to establish their own one-flesh, lifelong marital commitment to a person of the opposite sex. Equipping each student with these truths, then supporting those truths with programs such as Fit To Be Tied, featured in this section, is one of the most significant ways Cedarville prepares students to influence culture. Any other marital or sexual arrangement violates the design of the Creator, harms future generations, and falls short of a loving, caring interpersonal relationship with the other parties involved. It represents a failure to “love your neighbor as yourself ” (Matt. 22:39). This is why Cedarville gives priority to biblical teaching about the created complementarity of man and woman in marriage. Both are needed for the completeness of humankind. At Cedarville, we stand for this position and do not shrink from it. We strive to honor God and see His kingdom advanced in all areas of life, and that includes through the institution of marriage. Robert G. Parr is Senior Professor of Sociology at Cedarville University. He earned his Ph.D. in sociology. Sin is a moral issue. God didn’t get it “wrong” when He made us male or female, and our sexual attraction does not define us. To watch Thomas White’s chapel messages on this topic, visit cedarville.edu/maleandfemale or cedarville.edu/biblicalmarriage . Cedarville Magazine | 19 Lookwhat’s NEW for fall: § Three tracks (Family Nurse Practitioner, Global Public Health Nursing, and NEW Nurse Educator) available 100% online § Program hours reduced to lower your costs and speed your time to completion § More spaces and additional start terms added for your convenience and to meet growing demand Apply now: cedarville.edu/msn The Cedarville University Master of Science inNursing