Why Have A Covenant?

Why did the 'Serampore Trio' choose to write down their "Form of Agreement" in the manner of a legal covenant - and publish it? In today's western society, 'easy come, easy go' is so often the keynote. Political parties, churches or local clubs all lament that they can't get people to sign up. 'Quickie' divorces can end marriage vows in weeks. Life is impersonal and everything must be "now".

But there is a curious phenomenon here. Men who baulk at demands and commitments, even in their own marriage and family, can also be inspired by movies like Shawshank Redemption or Braveheart, with their 'band of brothers' flavour and 'loyalty to the death' message. (Maybe women do the same with Paradise Road?). The implication seems to be that intuitively we recognise the strength and desirability of loyalty, faithfulness and commitment, but life's experience has taught us that we're all too weak and it doesn't work - so leave it enshrined in films, don't try to live it.

But there is a reaction. Interest in covenants is growing. In churches in America, there is a mushrooming of interest in 'fireproofing' the marriage vows, born of the film Fireproof (which is popularising the term "covenant marriage" and offers specific rubrics for marriage rededications along this line).

A covenant is a statement of the basis for, and conditions of, a relationship, writes Julia Faire in her book on covenants. Covenants have the purpose of both defining and strengthening commitment and setting forth a particular course and vision for those that participate in them to follow. They have a strong biblical basis and a history of heroic observance, notably the Covenanter martyrs of Scotland.

There is a battle to be fought and won, Faire concludes, a lost generation to be won for Christ, a solid church to be built within a fragmented and unstable society. There is a need for a drawing of the lines, consolidation and fresh vision if the church is not going to largely disappear amidst the fog of confusion and disarray that characterises our present [western] society. Which makes the voice of Carey, Marshman and Ward all the more compelling today as a demonstration of the power of radical agreement and accountability, and their example so worthy of our attention - and emulation.