(I have taken this from the facts found at http://www.straightdope.com/columns/030124.html.)

Is it true half of all marriages end in divorce?

Based on a nationally representative survey of about 37,000 households (69,571 individuals), the report shows that, as of 1996, in every age group except 25 and under the proportion of divorced people exceeded one in eight, and for those 40 and older it exceeded one in three. The highest incidence of divorce occurred among 50-year-old women, 42 percent of whom had already divorced at least once. Eventually, the report predicts, 46 percent of these women will divorce. Even higher rates of divorce are projected for most younger age cohorts. Here are the numbers:

25                                     5/12                                                                         53/52
30                                     17/17                                                                       50/47
35                                     27/26                                                                       49/44
40                                     34/37                                                                       49/48
45                                     41/42                                                                       49/48
50                                     40/42                                                                       45/46
55                                     38/38                                                                       41/40
60                                     34/31                                                                       36/32

To put it another way, among leading-edge baby boomers--on the chart, 45- and 50-year-olds--more than 40 percent have already been divorced at least once, and close to half are expected to divorce at some point in their lives. Among those born in 1971, smack in the middle of Generation X, more than half are predicted to divorce, and who knows what Gen Y will do, especially in light of the new reality shows viewed by most of America weekly. Sure, such projections may not pan out. But when the Census Bureau did a similar study in 1975, it figured that only a third of leading-edge baby boomers would end up divorcing, substantially underestimating the rate at which divorce has already occurred in that group.

Good news--according to the National Center for Health Statistics, the proportion of children born to single mothers leveled off at around 33 percent in 1994, after increasing steadily for over 50 years.

Bad news--in 1940 the rate was 4 percent.

Worse news--in 1999 the proportion of black children born to single moms was 69 percent. Lest you think high rates of unwed motherhood are confined to persons of color, in 1998 the proportion of births to unmarried women in Iceland was 64 percent.

Good news--last year the Centers for Disease Control reported that the teen birth rate had fallen from 62 births per 1,000 in 1991 to 46 per 1,000 in 2001, a decline of 26 percent.

Bad news--in 1940 the rate was 7 per 1,000.

Not sure what kind of news--as of 2000, what had once been the nation's most common domestic arrangement--a married couple living with their children--had declined to 24 percent of all households, according to the Census Bureau. The most common arrangement now: married couples without children, 29 percent.

What is really sad, yet not surprising, is that the article summed up his findings with saying that this was hardly a national disaster, and that we should just deal with things as they are not complain. I am a newly wed, and have already experienced times when I have said to myself, "I now understand why people opt for divorce, it would be so much easier…" and I think anyone else who is married would agree. However, as C. S. Lewis notes in Mere Christianity, marriage is not dependent on [love], but rather a contract. We are legally committed to one individual, and what God intended to be joined should then be separated. I realize that people make mistakes and perhaps divorce is sincerely the only option available, but we as the Church must be all the more committed, especially in the times that we now live. In light of the new "reality" t.v. shows, it is obvious that marriage has succumbed to be nothing more than a piece of paper to sign your name on, and it seems to be signed with a pencil! As a newly established congregation in the middle of a Price Hill, what a testimony it would be for the children around to see loving marriages that are committed to one another and are devoted to one another based on their commitment to Christ first. Remember, just as your children are always watching you, the children in the community who have no parents are going to be watching us, and we must be certain so as to "not lead any of the little ones astray". Take a moment to ask for faithfulness and humility in your marriages…renew your dedication to your spouse…remember the individual that swept you off your feet and caught you while you fell so madly in love with them. We must be resolved to admire and cherish our spouses with utmost respect and honor. We might not always be the type of spouse they need us to be, but may we never fail at being faithful and committed. I don’t know how many of you have ever tried to tear flesh apart, but God’s intention was that we be one flesh, one mechanism. And when we tear apart that which God has joined, pain and suffering are certain to result. True satisfaction and contentment is found in sticking it out and being faithful no matter what the circumstances. It is through such times that we come to understand Jesus’ relation to us, and how he has committed himself for our sake. It is his prime example that we look to, and if we follow his example, then faithfulness and devotion to our spouses will be automatic.

submitted by Chris Green. If you would like to contact Chris, please reply to this email or write him at chrissyfer@netzero.net.