Quotes regarding sexuality

From our discussion it is my understanding that you believe (with some evidence from the faith) that children are by far the most important purpose to marriage (but perhaps not the only purpose?).

Having children is very important, but it is not the only reason to be married.

"They should realize, moreover, that the primary purpose of marriage is the procreation of children. A couple who are physically incapable of having children may, of course, marry, since the procreation of children is not the only purpose of marriage. However, it would be contrary to the spirit of the Teachings for a couple to decide voluntarily never to have any children."

I got that your belief is that without children, there is no purpose to getting married in the faith.

That is not my belief. Marriage is an eternal partnership and allows for legitimate sex.

As you know, the child-free and non-medically infertile (ie. the elderly) are both welcomed into Baha'i union.

I don't believe being "child-free" is a legitimate lifestyle choice compatible with the Baha'i Faith. I think it is defying Baha'i laws. People who are physically incapable of having children do not have too.

If your belief is that the purpose of marriage is children, then this must frustrate you.

It does not bother me at all. I do not care what anyone does with their life. It is totally irrelevant to me and does not effect me at all. Plus, infertile people, which includes the elderly, are exempt.

Clearly these couples are not acting within the faith but are welcomed. I am wondering how these married couples are seen as acceptable to you.

On the contrary, the Faith specifically exempt infertile people and those incapable of having children.

I don't know of any statement saying people who don't have children aren't legitimately married. If they went through all the rigamarol like any other couple then it is legitimate.

What other aspects are there to marriage to make up for the purposeful lack of children?

The fact they got married to begin with.

Would you advocate for screening couples to make sure they want children?

No. We can't can't control people's lives.

Put a hard limit on when you need children (ex: have children within 20 years of marriage or your marriage isn't valid)?

No. Divorce is disliked by God and should be avoided at all costs.

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