What makes for a great marriage? I’m sure the usual suspects of commitment, respect, shared values, mutual attraction, and love are still the major ingredients that blend together to create a great love story. But without regard for the quality of the union, what makes for a marriage that lasts?
A recent Barna Group study (March 31, 2008) indicates:
* 78% of U.S. adults have been married at least once and 33% of those have been divorced at least once
* 84% of born-again Christian adults have tied the knot
* 74% of people aligned with non-Christian faiths
* 65% of atheists and agnostics
Who has the highest divorce rates?
* 39% of downscale adults
* 38% of Baby Boomers
* 38% of those aligned with a non-Christian faith
* 36% of African-Americans
* 37% of people who define themselves to be socially and politically liberal
The lowest likelihood of divorce?
* 28% of Catholics
* 26% of Evangelicals
* 22% of upscale adults
* 28% of those who deem themselves socially and politically conservative
The difference between those most likely and least likely to divorce is 17 points and a 45% swing, which is significant. But without running cross-tabulations and looking at these numbers over time it’s impossible to draw any empirical conclusions.
But that’s never stopped me before!
My modest suggestion for giving your marriage a stimulus package is more focus on your career and your faith – and strongly consider voting Republican in the next election.
Or you can just be “unhappily married ever after” like most of the conservative catholics we all know. You know the old you have your bed and I have mine, loving, we haven’t kissed in 20 years but still here because divorce is a sin happy household. 😉
Most? Hope not! 😉 As noted in the blog, was addressing longetivity not quality. That said, I suspect commitment has some rewards of its own.