I never said I had a problem with marriage. I don't have a problem with it at all, actually. And I plan on getting married. We are just choosing not to until....26 I believe it is? that's when we would be officially off of our parents insurance (which is a great plan). We are in school and just don't see the rush. We already feel married anyway and we do not cheat or anything. We have a great relationship.
Look at what you said in paragraph 8. I quote "Does anyone say 'Ok God, we're baptised now' and then just stand there? No! There is a SYMBOLIC meaning to the ceremony, just as there is with marriage..."
You just admitted the symbolism in the whole thing, yet when I am admitting and realizing that it's symbolic, you attack me. I'm just cutting out the symbolism in it. In the same sense, I don't think you actually HAVE to be baptised. Catholics think you do. But I believe that if you are a good christian and believe God's teachings, love him, and everything else, you will get into heaven. Even if you were never baptised. Baptism is PURELY a symbolic thing. It's not necessary. I understand what The Bible says about marriage. I don't think The Bible is 100% literal either. I understand the beauty of marriage. But that beauty is made up between these two people. It's not done by anyone else. Just these two people with God. I don't believe that is living in sin at all. All of a sudden, you marry, and now you are not living in sin? That doesn't make any sense. It IS, as you admitted, a symbolic thing. It has meaning only in a sentimental and emotional way (again, lest you are talking legal). Marriage is a union you make within your soul, heart, mind, and body. You don't need anyone else but God for that.
I mean, another example is church. I don't believe you HAVE to go to be a great christian. I would question why you wouldn't want to go, but God is understanding. If you are handicapped and you cannot get to church, who cares? You pray. And that is all that matters. You have a relationship with God. You don't need to be in some building to prove your love for God. You either love him or you don't. He knows.