Marriage, Divorce, and Children 

Jesus delivered a discourse on marriage, extolling it as the highest human relationship and the cornerstone of a well-functioning society. He emphasized the sanctity of marriage, comparing its societal indicators to signs of an advanced civilization. Jesus advocated for respect towards marriage, elevating the status of women and children and recognizing the home as a fundamental institution of human society.

In private discussions with his apostles, Jesus reiterated the honor and desirability of marriage. He distinguished his personal circumstances from the divine endorsement of marriage, noting the universal directive for men and women to create homes for raising children. He illustrated that understanding God’s love becomes more profound through the respon[sibilities of parenthood.

Monogamy demands significant self-control and enhances moral and spiritual growth. As civilization advances, marriage evolves into a profound institution promoting mutual understanding, parental effectiveness, and individual self-expression, ultimately contributing to greater social efficiency and personal fulfillment.

Jesus maintained that marriage, while a significant achievement of human evolution, is a civil institution, not a sacrament, shaped over millennia by societal norms rather than divine decree. He encouraged seeing marriage as a serious commitment, supported by community preparation and education to strengthen the union and reduce the incidence of divorce.

Marriage is a highly valued human institution, not a divine sacrament, and should not be considered indissoluble. The fact that marriages can dissolve shows that they are not ordained or bound by God.

The increase in divorce rates among modern Western societies is significantly influenced by the imaginative and romantic aspects of courtship, coupled with greater personal and economic freedom for women. The availability of easy divorce options often stems from failures in self-control or personality adjustments, harking back to less-developed societal stages marked by considerable hardship.

The prevalence of divorce will persist as long as society neglects the proper education of its youth and the provision of sufficient premarital training. The current societal contradiction elevates the ideals of love and marriage, yet often overlooks the importance of thorough examination of both, resulting in quick, ill-considered unions not unlike those practiced in ancient times.

Addressing the issue of divorce, Jesus suggested that while it is not ideal, it serves as a necessary option within society to prevent worse outcomes when marriages fail. He rejected the notion of marriage’s indissolubility as a divine command, advocating instead for a realistic approach to marriage as a relationship supported by mutual effort and divine blessing. Jesus never sanctioned any divorce practice that gave men any advantage over women; he accepted only those teachings that accorded women equality with men.

No ascending mortal can escape the experience of rearing children, whether their own or others. This can occur during this life or as part of our ascension career experience. Fathers must pass through this essential experience just as certainly as mothers. It is an unfortunate and mistaken notion by some individuals that child culture is largely the task of mothers. Children need fathers as well as mothers, and fathers need this parental experience as much as mothers do.

The actions of parents significantly influence a child's spiritual development and entire ascension career. Parents play a critical role in their children's physical and intellectual nurturing, spiritual education, and moral upbringing, as Jesus shared with John Mark on his day alone with him in the hills. The relationship between parent and child is how children learn about love, trust, and values. This early formation sets the groundwork for a child's entire spiritual journey and relationship with the divine throughout their life and into their ascension career. By acting as caretakers and spiritual teachers, parents facilitate the earthly growth of their children and prepare them for their future spiritual progression in the universe.

Jesus also spoke about the importance of growing up spiritually in a manner that reflects the physical growth of children, advocating for the appreciation of natural beauty as a pathway to worship. Jesus preferred worshiping in natural settings, which he found more conducive to genuine spiritual communion than ornate or artificially embellished environments. He stressed that places of worship should inspire beauty and simplicity, fostering an atmosphere where even children feel the spiritual warmth and invitation to grow in their understanding of the divine.