ment to another person. Many young adults desire a regular sexual relationship, but the simple commitment to sexual exclusivity is not enough for the important act of marriage, as we now know it (Wasserstrom, 1975, p. 117). Alternative legal and societal sanctions need to be available for younger people or others who wish to be coupled but without the responsibility of children or long-term promises.
James Burtchaell, Notre Dame's theologian provost, says that it is virtually crazy to think that one can remain in a Christian marriage for a lifetime, not impossible, but very difficult (Burtchaell, 1977, p. 19). He notes that even in the wedding ceremony neither the State nor their Church nor the society nor the couple themselves have much understanding of what is being promised. He asserts that what is really meant is that couples shall live faithfully as husband and wife as long as it pleases them to do so, and that they expect for their union to last a lifetime (Burtchaell, 1977, p. 22). He makes a clear distin
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