Ah, the beauty of the “pick and choose” school of theology.

I can’t even begin to count all the weddings I have been to that included a reading of what is probably the most popular wedding Bible verse ever: 1 Corinthians 13. In part, it reads

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud … Love never fails. … And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (NIV)

I agree, the sentiments of this passage are quite beautiful. But I wonder how many soon-to-be-married couples have read all of 1 Corinthians and know of Paul’s opinions on marriage. Paul is not exactly the guy I would propose to give a toast at my wedding. For example, 1 Corinthians 7 says

“Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. … Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned … But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.”

You don’t hear that one read at too many weddings. I admit that I have faced a few troubles in this life, and the occasional passion did burn (when I was a bit younger). But all in all, I don’t look to Paul for advice in marriage. I think he could have benefited from a little therapy.