It is time in American civilization to recognize the self-destructive nature of both public policy and private behavior when it comes to the institution of marriage, the first institution God created (see Genesis 2:18-25). It is without question an institution in trouble. In this Perspective, I hope to address the institution itself in terms of history and then suggest a biblical theology of marriage.

Peter reminds us of who we are because of Jesus: a chosen people, part of the royal priesthood & a Holy Nation, and belonging to a new Family. This brings about change & transformation into a life of submission to Him.

I have been involved with the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) since I took a few post-doctoral classes at what was then Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. One of those classes was taught by Dr. Wayne Grudem, one of America?s foremost theologians and New Testament scholars. He is a founder and leader of CBMW. . . (which) has just released The Nashville Statement, a statement on ?biblical sexuality.? Denny Burk, president of CBMW, declared that ?the aim of The Nashville Statement is to shine a light into the darkness?to declare the goodness of God?s design in our sexuality and in creating us as male and female.?

When I was in graduate school, the reigning view of the future was the domination of Japan economically and financially ?in Asia and in the West. There was the fear of Japan buying more and more American real estate, of overwhelming American automobile makers and American electronics firms. Rarely do you hear of those projections anymore. Rather, it is China as the future economic, financial and military power of Asia?and of the world. China is positioning itself as the next superpower. In the words of Judith Shapiro, ?the Chinese era is upon us.?

I recently read Rod Dreher?s somewhat challenging and provocative book, The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation. From my vantage point, Dreher?s analysis of North American culture and specifically the evangelical church is spot on. He writes: ?The most pressing problem Christianity faces is not in politics. It?s in parishes. It?s with the pastors. Most of all, it?s among an increasingly faithless people.? The truth is Christianity is declining in the United States. He makes the following observations, supported by statistical data and other pieces of evidence:

Peter is laying out that in the New Covenant, we are the new Temple & the new Priests, plus excellent side discussion on ‘human responsibility’ vs ‘divine sovereignty’.

Peter shares more of God’s intent in redeeming us: today’s discussion focuses around living a Life of Love.

In early August, James Damore, a software engineer at the Silicon Valley giant Google, was fired by Google chief executive, Sundar Pichai, for violating Google?s code of conduct, specifically his perpetuation of ?harmful gender stereotypes? in the workplace. Although 80% of Google?s tech employees are male, Google prides itself in its commitment to diversity, inclusion and openness, yet demands ideological conformity within its company. The irony of the Damore case is therefore striking.