Children of divorce are at higher risk for divorce than children of intact families. You would think that this would deter the younger generation from matrimony, but findings show that generation Y is more motivated than ever to get married and stay married. We as a culture should do everything we can to help them meet this goal. Our churches can do much to help these young married hopefuls stay married for a lifetime.

The Parents of Today's Newlyweds

In 1965 the divorce rate surged, peaking in 1979 at the rate of 23 divorces per 1000 couples. This was the boomer generation who ended their marriages in record numbers leaving their children bereft, not knowing what a healthy lasting marriage is all about. It was even true of the church whose divorce rate was no different than that of the secular community. But rather than steering clear of marriage these boomer offspring are embracing it. According to Pamela Paul in her book, The Starter Marriage, "Today’s generation is reacting against divorce by romanticizing marriage. They are searching for the permanence and connection that was lost when their families dissolved. This younger, more hopeful generation wants what their parents rejected and is seeking it in increasing numbers."

Culture is obliging these young hopefuls with a more positive take on marriage as well. We are becoming "The Marriage Culture" with television shows like Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire, The Bachelor, Bachelorette, Married in America and Regis and Kathie Lee’s Wedding Week which had 10,000 applicants who wanted to tie the knot on live TV. A 1996 Redbook article by Lois Smith told "Why Marriage is Hot Again." And on June 11, 2000, The New York Times reported that the "I do’s" were "expected to reverberate more than usual this year."

All this was published before the September 11^th tragedy which has only spurred marriages on. In October 2001 the New York Times reported that Fayetteville, NC chapel owner Mary Spicer observed a record number of marriages after the 9/11 bombings. "Our chapel does 50 weddings a year and did 17 last week."