"It may have been that when Adam and Eve walked the earth, but throughout most of history it has been a civil contract between the state and the couple."
For most of history for most folks, it's been exactly what I said. There was no state to contract WITH. I'm not denying that it is also a civil contract NOW, but I still don't believe it's between the state and the couple--it's between the bride and groom. The state has no part in the marriage, and no reason to be part of the marriage, except for the state's grants of oh-so-wonderful 'benefits,' then and now.
Says you. I think every government has recognized that contracting for stable families is required to maintain the state. Without a stable family structure the state will eventually self-destruct.
The family is the cornerstone of the nation.
Shalom.