Marriage License

Lest we forget:

There are TWO parts to getting married. There is the spiritual ceremony in front of friends and family (or even the Elvis Impersonator witness). That’s the one where people are happy, take pictures, etc. Then there is the LEGAL ceremony, “buying” permission from the state to get a document that legally states that YES, you are married, and are accepted by the state as a couple.

You don’t really need both. As a legally ordained minister (stop laughing) I can marry anybody (or thing) that I deem appropriate, as can many religious personages (and captains of boats). This makes you a couple in the eyes of your Lord, and keeps you from going to hell.

HOWEVER, the marriage certificate comes from The Government, and makes you LEGAL in the eyes of government, for access to governmental laws. ONLY.

Also (to get religious), in the New Testament, JESUS tells his people to “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesars.” In this context this is the Government of where ever you are living.

So a follower of Jesus could get a job (with a salary) issuing marriage certificates, It’s the job requirement for what you were employed to do. Following the LAW of Caesar, as a employee, you are legally obligated to do your job.

It’s separation of Church and State, NOT religious persecution.