Why Marriage?
Claim This Podcastby Emma Atkins
Podcast Overview
<p>With marriage rates hitting an all-time low in the UK (in 2019 the proportion of married adults in England & Wales fell <strong>below 50%</strong> for the first time), it's worth asking the question: what have we got to lose as culture by seeing the decline of this time-honoured institution? What are the effects to women, men, society, the poor and the soul of marriage and what (if any) are the differences between this and the UK's most common relational form, cohabitation (more than 90% of those marrying in 2021-2 had lived together before marrying)?</p><p>These are just some of the questions we will be addressing on the podcast! I am joined by some brilliant guests, including Elaine Storkey and representatives from the Institute for Family Studies, Marriage Foundation, The Coalition for Marriage and FamilyLife Global.</p>
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Publishing Since
10/7/2025
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Recent Episodes
February 13, 2026
Next steps in the 'Why Marriage' journey
<p>If you've enjoyed listening to the podcast and would like to know more about how marriage can both reflect and benefit from a spiritual dimension, we have suggested some follow-on resources:</p><p></p><p>1) Tim and Kathy Keller’s podcast series: ‘<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://marriage.gospelinlife.com/">Cultivating a Healthy Marriage</a>’. It’s an excellent place to hear thoughtful teaching on the Bible’s view of marriage as a covenant which reflects God’s own with humanity.</p><p>2) The couple have also written a book called <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=the+meaning+of+marriage&adgrpid=56960796601&gad_source=1&hvadid=259079259500&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9221451&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=6685255624076866055--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6685255624076866055&hvtargid=kwd-300757154624&hydadcr=24430_1816093&mcid=d4ca420cca4f36878777845ce12c90b3&tag=googhydr-21&ref=pd_sl_91ewsuu124_e">‘The Meaning of Marriage’ </a>which goes deeper into topics such as the secret of marriage, the essence of marriage and the power of marriage.</p><p>3) There is is a short film series called<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuh7soEVl8&list=PLHvce-kc-eauvYudQTiQaV7OwRzpmNaRr&index=1"> ‘Know God’ </a>made by the Jesus Film Project if you’re interested in finding out more about the Bible’s story of love and rescue.</p><p>4) There is also a YouVersion Bible plan available called <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/65822">Covenant Explained</a> about the theme of marriage in the Bible…</p><p>5) Finally, if this series has sparked any questions or would like to get in touch with a member of a team to continue your exploration journey, send an email to: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:questions@familylifeuk.org">questions@familylifeuk.org</a>.</p><p></p><p>You can find out more about FamilyLife, which is part of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://agape.org.uk">Agapé UK,</a> the organisation behind this podcast by visiting our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://familylifeuk.org">website</a>.</p>
February 12, 2026
Why is Marriage Good for the Soul?
<p>In this special episode, FamilyLife Global directors, Neil and Sharoll Josephson share about how marriage can contribute to our holistic development as human beings. They share about the highs and lows of their own 47-year-long marriage and what has sustained them over its course. </p><p></p><p>Key quotation and references:</p><p>Website:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Familylifecanada.com">Familylifecanada.com</a></p><p>Books: </p><p>Henri Nouwen – Wounded Healers</p><p>Research:</p><p>Andrew Greely report </p><p>Quotations:</p><p>‘Marriage is our last best chance to grow up’</p><p>‘We rarely criticise somebody to better behaviour, we inspire somebody to better behaviour by believing in them’. </p><p>‘There’s something really freeing about being entirely safe’. </p><p>‘No marriage counsellor can change your heart’. </p><p>‘The resources of your spiritual heritage can touch you in places that will bless your marriage’. </p><p>‘I experienced what Blaise Pascal called a God-shaped vacuum’</p><p>‘I think there’s something wrong about the ‘you complete me idea’...I don’t believe that’s possible… there’s a misplaced spiritual hunger’. </p><p>‘We all come in to a marriage with a relational dowry’ </p><p>‘If you have pretend honesty in your marriage, you will get pretend intimacy’ </p><p></p><p></p><p></p>
February 11, 2026
Why is Marriage Good for the Poor?
<p>Harry Benson, research director of Marriage Foundation, examines the topic from the perspective of lower income groups. He addresses how the destigmatisation of pre-marital sex in the 1960s and 70s was disadvantageous for the poor, who no longer benefitted from the protection of marriage. He discusses how marriage went from being a 'cornerstone' - a foundation for life, to being a 'capstone' - a symbol of individual success and completion. He shares the findings of the Millennium Cohort - a study which revealed how the poorest couples who married were more likely to stay together than the richest couples who never married. Finally, he emphasises how 'people are hard-wired to want reliable love' and that marriage offers the best chance of receiving this. </p><p></p><p>Key references and quotations:</p><p>‘The cornerstone has become the capstone’ </p><p>‘We are hardwired to want reliable love; the act of marriage itself sends a strong signal that you are serious about giving and receiving reliable love’. </p><p>‘It is easy to slide rather than decide’. </p><p>‘There is a huge buffer against poverty within the act of marriage’ </p><p>‘The patriarchy is found in cohabiting relationships. The power rests with the person who is less committed’. </p><p>1970s - 9% teenage people not living with both natural parents - now 45%. Explained by marital decline. </p>
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- What is Why Marriage??
<p>With marriage rates hitting an all-time low in the UK (in 2019 the proportion of married adults in England & Wales fell <strong>below 50%</strong> for the first time), it's worth asking the question: what have we got to lose as culture by seeing the decline of this time-honoured institution? What are the effects to women, men, society, the poor and the soul of marriage and what (if any) are the differences between this and the UK's most common relational form, cohabitation (more than 90% of those marrying in 2021-2 had lived together before marrying)?</p><p>These are just some of the questions we will be addressing on the podcast! I am joined by some brilliant guests, including Elaine Storkey and representatives from the Institute for Family Studies, Marriage Foundation, The Coalition for Marriage and FamilyLife Global.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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