Scolaí wrote:According to the bible, engaging in sexual union IS marriage. How did couples become married in the old testament? The bridegroom went in to the bride and the two became one - marriage.
You find in the bible any example of a marriage ceremony in which the prototypical exchange of vows occurred. Then look for examples of where a couple became married as a result of the conjugal act. Which one do you find in abundance?
This whole idea of "premarital sex" coming from a christian is silly. It just demonstrates how utterly without understanding christians are when it comes to their own holy writ.
Could you post some "holy writ" to back up your statement that "engaging in sexual union
IS marriage? I can think of lots of cases where sexual unions are not considered marriage even in Scripture.