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lifelong commitment
'''Marriage''' is a form of [[interpersonal relationship]]; a kind of social contract. Most often, it takes the form of a union between a [[man]] and a [[woman]]. In a few times and places, other forms existed, such as [[polygamy]] (multiple wives/husbands) and [[homosexual#Homosexuality and Marriage|]] marriage (two people of the same sex).
'''Marriage''' is a form of [[interpersonal relationship]]; a kind of social contract. Most often, it takes the form of a union between a [[man]] and a [[woman]]. In a few times and places, other forms existed, such as [[polygamy]] (multiple wives/husbands) and [[homosexuality#Homosexuality and Marriage|homosexual]] marriage (two people of the same sex).
In most cultures, marriage is regarded as a life-long commitment to another person, under any circumstances. Frequently this involves a public commitment ceremony (called a wedding) to each other and, if the participants are Christian, before God.<ref>[http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/marriage/marriage.html The Marriage Service], ''The Church of England'', Retrieved 20 March 2007</ref> Unfortunately, sometimes people do not or cannot maintain that commitment, and the marriage ends in [[divorce]].
In most countries, married couples are treated as a single economic entity, and when one partner dies, the other may inherit all of their property in a simpler system than would be required without the marriage.
== Bible ==
== Bible ==
Civil marriage is a legal [[contract]]. In the state constitutions of almost all states, this contract must be between one man and one woman. It gives each member certain rights and obligations. Most commonly, these include [[power of attorney]], [[inheritance]] rights, and rights in relation to any children they may have.
Civil marriage is a legal [[contract]]. In the state constitutions of almost all states, this contract must be between one man and one woman. It gives each member certain rights and obligations. Most commonly, these include [[power of attorney]], [[inheritance]] rights, and rights in relation to any children they may have.
==References==
==References==
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