Torch, Winter 1990

... ~--------------------------------------------~ Why Celebrate the Family? by Dr. Martin E. Clark Vice President for Development Editor, Cedarville TORCH "C elebrating the Family" is the theme for the 1989-90 academic year at Cedarville College and the emphasis of this issue of the Cedarville TORCH. But why celebrate the family? We celebrate the family because the family deserves it. God established marriage involving one man and one woman in Eden and ordained that children be born to parents who are married. His Word consistently honors marriage and the special nature of family relationships. Jesus Christ, in responding to a question about marital disruption, cited Adam's and Eve's lifelong monogamy as the standard and then said, "What God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matthew 19:6). "Throughout the Bible, God uses family terminology to describe His relationship to His redeemed." Throughout the Bible, God uses family terminology to describe His relationship to His redeemed. In the Old Testament, His chosen people were described as His spouse and their periods of defection, consequently, as adultery. In the New Testament, Christ is the Bridegroom and the church His Bride. God also pictures Himself as Father and believers as His children. Terms such as "brethren" also show that family-type feelings rightly extend to other relationships as well, especially among Christians. The way Cedarville students frequently describe their college experience is "like being in one big family." Others refer to their neighbors or co-workers using family– type words. A friend of mine, trying to express his feelings for one of his employees, exclaimed, "I would adopt him if I could." We find the concept of family cropping up everywhere. While we celebrate the family, we do not deify it. Those whom God has called to a life of singleness have too long been treated as second-class citizens, their gifts neglected, and their value denigrated by their churches. Those whose families have fractured also feel like outsiders to the family of faith. Our college celebration of family extends beyond the husband-wife and parent-child unions to a wider definition encompassing the family elements of churches, communities, and other rela– tionships.