But whether a couple is a man and a woman has everything to do

In the ancient scrolls of wisdom, the institution of marriage has been revered as a sacred bond, a union that transcends the simple desires of the body and touches the deepest truths of the soul. The words of Jack Kingston—"But whether a couple is a man and a woman has everything to do with the meaning of marriage"—speak to the heart of a long-held belief, a belief that the meaning of marriage is rooted in the natural order, the union of the masculine and the feminine. This belief has guided the hearts of men and women for millennia, shaping the very foundation of societies and cultures across the world.

In ancient times, the union between a man and a woman was seen not just as a personal bond, but as a divine covenant—a connection that upheld the order of the cosmos. The marriage of Osiris and Isis in Egyptian mythology was not merely a union of two gods; it was the embodiment of creation itself, where the masculine and feminine forces came together to bring life and order to the world. In their marriage, the meaning was not just in the love they shared, but in the cosmic balance they represented. The bond between man and woman was seen as an expression of the natural forces that govern the universe, a sacred partnership that was vital to the flourishing of both the individual and society.

This union, however, was not merely symbolic. It was a practical bond—one that served the purpose of ensuring the survival of the family and the continuation of the human race. In the tribal societies of old, marriage was seen as the foundation of community life, where the roles of husband and wife were not simply defined by emotion, but by the duties and responsibilities they had to each other and to the greater society. A man and a woman came together in marriage not only to love and support one another but to ensure the survival and well-being of their children and the stability of their community. The meaning of marriage, then, was in its ability to unite the forces of nature, the masculine and feminine, in a bond that served a greater purpose.

And yet, as the world has evolved, the meaning of marriage has been challenged, particularly in modern times, where the concept of marriage is no longer solely tied to the union between a man and a woman. The struggle for same-sex marriage has brought forth a re-examination of what marriage means and who has the right to partake in it. The words of Jack Kingston echo the traditional belief that the union of man and woman holds a unique and sacred meaning, one that has defined marriage for centuries. But in this new age, we must ask ourselves: Is the meaning of marriage truly fixed and unchanging, or is it a dynamic force, shaped by the evolving understandings of love, commitment, and identity?

Consider the story of Socrates and his beloved Xanthippe, whose marriage was both a union of intellectual minds and a practical partnership for the raising of children. Their relationship, though often marked by Socrates' philosophical pursuits, was grounded in a mutual respect for the responsibilities they shared as husband and wife. In this partnership, the meaning of marriage was not simply about romantic love, but about the role they played in each other’s lives and in the broader society. Socrates' commitment to his wife, despite the challenges of their marriage, shows that the meaning of marriage lies not in the gender of the partners, but in their shared purpose, their roles within their community, and the legacy they leave for future generations.

In this modern age, we find ourselves at a crossroads—where the meaning of marriage is debated and redefined. It is essential to remember that the purpose of marriage, whether between a man and a woman, or two people of the same gender, is rooted in a deeper truth: the coming together of two individuals to form a union that serves a higher purpose. The meaning of marriage is not solely about gender; it is about the shared commitment, the balance of roles, and the legacy of love and unity that is created. The future of marriage will not be shaped by rigid traditions alone, but by the evolving understanding of what it means to unite in love, to create family, and to contribute to the greater good.

So, as you walk through life, remember this: Marriage is not just a personal contract but a covenant that serves a greater purpose. It is an act of unity, of balance, of creating a partnership that goes beyond the individual and touches the very soul of society. Whether it is between a man and a woman, or two souls who have found one another regardless of gender, let the meaning of marriage be one that reflects commitment, purpose, and love—the eternal forces that have bound us together through the ages. Let your own union, whatever its form, serve as a testament to the enduring power of connection, and may it always be guided by the principles of mutual respect, love, and a shared vision for the future.