The flight from marriage
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In this special weekend edition of *The World and Everything in It*, host Mary Reichard speaks with J.P. DeGantz, president and CEO of Communio and co-author of *Endgame*, about the critical role of marriage in American society and the church. DeGantz argues that the decline of marriage is not just a cultural trend but a root cause of weakening faith, rising fatherlessness, and social instability. Drawing on data from Jacksonville, Florida, where a church-led marriage intervention reduced the divorce rate by 24%, he emphasizes that marriage is a covenantal sign of God’s love and a foundational institution for individual happiness and societal health. He critiques modern family law, particularly no-fault divorce and unequal custody practices, for discouraging marriage, while advocating for proactive church-based marriage education, communication tools like the 'daily temperature reading,' and intentional dating practices. DeGantz stresses that marriage is not outdated but a learnable, life-transforming vocation, and calls the church to reclaim its role in forming healthy families.
Marriage is a foundational institution that drives life satisfaction, faith, and social stability—its decline correlates with rising fatherlessness and religious disaffiliation.
The church has abdicated its role in teaching marriage, allowing the world to shape young people’s views; proactive, skill-based marriage ministry can reverse the trend.
Simple daily practices—like 10 minutes of device-free, face-to-face appreciation—can dramatically improve marital health and prevent divorce.
Cohabitation before marriage increases the risk of divorce, as it fosters a 'foot outside the boat' mentality that undermines long-term commitment.
Family law reforms, like Kentucky’s 50/50 custody presumption, can significantly reduce divorce rates when they protect both parents and promote marital stability.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction: The Crisis of Marriage in America
Mary Reichard introduces the episode’s focus on marriage as a foundational social institution, setting the stage with a sponsor plug for *Eyewitness Ride to Freedom* and introducing J.P. DeGantz as a leading expert on marriage and family stability.
Marriage as the Root of Happiness and Faith
“The happiest people in America are actually married people with children.”
The Myth That Marriage Is Outdated
“If we're really concerned about happiness and fulfillment, all of those things like career success, income, success, all of that is dwarfed by the life satisfaction that comes from being in a good marriage.”
The Church’s Abandonment of Marriage Teaching
“We backed away from [marriage] out of fear. It's a fear that has led the church to abdicate its role to form and catechize its people.”
How Jacksonville Reduced Divorce by 24%
“The net-net was that the divorce rate dropped 24% because we moved so many people through it... 58,900 through that kind of ministry over just a three-year period.”
“One generation of Christian marriage well-lived will change the world.”
“When we cohabitate, we're keeping a foot outside of the boat. Okay? We're not really sure that this person is going to be the person for us.”
“We backed away from [marriage] out of fear. It's a fear that has led the church to abdicate its role to form and catechize its people.”
Host
Guest
J.P. DeGantz
person
Mary Reichard
person
Jacksonville
place
Communio
organization
Eyewitness Ride to Freedom
media
no-fault divorce
other
Kentucky
place
Dr. Glenn Stanton
person
Dr. John Van Epp
person
The Ring Makes All the Difference
book
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