# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1959_S211
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

PARISH EDUCATION 211

enildren usually will suffer serious limitations. The relation of the
husband and wife and children is to be “in the Lord” (Col. 3: 18, 20).
Christians are admonished to “take a wife in sanctification and
honor” (1 Thess. 4:3-7).4! Christian widows, if they marry, are to
marry “in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 7:39)

Marriages with Jews present both religious and cultural diffi-
culties that may involve a compromise of the evangelical faith.
While the opportunity exists to witness to the saving faith in Jesus,
the Christ of Old Testament prophecy, religion may be an area
of tension which persists all through the marriage. Circumstances
may minimize or even silence a clear Christian witness and thwart
the true unity of the family. Heartaches come to homes where
faith cannot be openly confessed and practiced.

5. Procedures for Applying the Principles of Action
in an Evangelical Manner

The primary principle for constructive action by the congre-
gations of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod is guidance
through adequate education and counseling. By every possible
means we should give our young people opportunity to seek and
find a clear understanding of the principles which underlie their
Christian faith. Our task is to build them up in a positive and vital
Christian faith and to instruct them in the wisdom of choosing life
partners of similar Christian beliefs who will share with them in
marriage a mutual love for Christ.

A clear understanding of the meaning of Christian marriage
will enable them to exercise an instructed conscience and valid
judgment when faced with a possible situation in which marriage
promises would deny them the privilege of a Christian home, com-
promise their oneness in Christ, and hamper the Christian training
of children. A positive approach is to urge our young people to
stand on their rights as self-respecting responsible Christians. In
no event should they enter into a marriage contract which would
place them in a position of disadvantage in their family relation-
ships and in the training of their children. In confirmation instruc-
tion, in youth groups, in Bible classes, in family life education, and
in personal counseling sessions positive and constructive informa-
tion, motivation, and practical guidance concerning Christian mar-
riage should be given to our young people with regard to-—

a) the establishment of a truly Christian home;

b) the choosing of a life partner among those with whom they
may be one in Christian faith and love.

11 William F. Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich, A Greek-English Lex-
icon of he New Testament (London: Cambridge University Press, 1957),
s.v. “Skeuos.”