[Pecos]

It seems to me that separating the legal element from the ecclesiastical element would be in line with rendering unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's. Certainly, this does not fulfill the wish most FReepers have regarding same-sex unions, but it keeps the state out of decisions that properly belong only to churches.

[kidd]

It seems to me that separating the legal element from the ecclesiastical element would be in line with rendering unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's

This works both ways. Kind of difficult to avoid interacting with "Caesar" unless you're completely off the grid. Jesus wasn't advocating living off the grid either...he was cleverly avoiding a trap that questioner was trying to set; establishing how one can live as a Godly person in a government ran by men.

See Post #19.

Without a civil marriage license you have to hope your spouse has a will for themselves, never has to be put on life support, or never commits a crime that you know about.