A simple solution to a complex problem

The downward tug of sin is a fundamental theme in Scripture. In Romans 6:23, Paul states that “the wages of sin is death.” A similar passage, James 1:15, says, “Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” Although the primary emphasis in these verses is spiritual death, Genesis 2:17 and Romans 5:12 make it clear that physical death also entered humanity because of Adam’s disobedience.

Observing American culture, it’s not difficult to see how the realities of sin have damaged individuals, families, and society as a whole.

One critical area in which the consequences of sin are particularly evident is in the breakdown of families. Contemporary research agrees with Scripture: A healthy marriage has significant benefits for both husbands and wives as well as for their children. Therefore, it is important to note how marital outcomes impact children.

The statistics

Consider the following studies, which compare children raised in stable homes with both a mother and a father present, to those raised in broken homes. The numbers are shocking.

According to U.S. government statistics, children living with their married mother and father have a significantly lower probability of experiencing poverty. Only 7.5% of these children live below the poverty level, and among them, 11.2% depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. In contrast, children from single-parent families face much higher rates of poverty, with 31.7% living below the poverty level and an alarming 41.1% relying on SNAP. Overall, children raised in households with married parents are much more likely to achieve financial stability.

Considering educational outcomes, the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) examined family structure among baby boomers and millennials. According to the IFS study:

For boomers who were born in the late 1950s and early 1960s, 26% who grew up with both their biological father and mother had a college education by their mid-20s; the share was 12% among boomers who grew up in non-intact families. The gap among millennials is bigger. When millennials were in their mid-20s, 40% who grew up with both biological parents had a college degree, compared to 17% from non-intact families.

In summary, growing up with both parents in the home is linked to better educational outcomes for young adults.

Another study, also from IFS, revealed that young men between the ages of 28 and 34 who did not grow up with their biological father at home are twice as likely to spend time in prison or jail compared to those with their dad at home.

Finally, the impact of parental divorce can have lasting negative effects on a child’s future marriage. Professor Paul Amato from the University of Nebraska found that studies based on large national samples consistently indicate that parental divorce increases the likelihood that their children will experience divorce in their own marriages.

There are numerous studies available, but the main point is clear: Healthy marriages significantly benefit children as they transition from adolescence into adulthood. Most societal problems, including crime, poverty, and low educational achievement, can be positively addressed through stable marriages.

A sacred union

Marriage is a sacred union instituted by God for His purposes and for the betterment of humanity. Upholding this time-tested, single truth could significantly alleviate many of today’s societal issues. America’s churches, government, and other institutions must focus on rebuilding marriage and family as God designed it: one man and one woman committed to each other for a lifetime and raising children within the bounds of marriage.

Jesus’ words in Mark 10:9 still ring true: “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”