the status of marriage

In the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of same-sex marriage in the United States, I wonder...

The United States tends to frame marriage in religious terms. Ministers and priests usually officiate and various bits of language exalt the union in other-worldly terminology. Other cultures view marriage as more of a social function -- something of which to take note and a reason for a party, perhaps, but not so much as a forever-and-ever assertion that comes from on high.

What I wonder is if marriage itself is sliding into a less-aggrandized status. Yes, there is commitment. Yes, there are creatures that have a single lifelong mate. But there are also creatures that cruise and philander without compunction or guilt.

My Zen teacher, who was never married, once observed conversationally that a man should marry for about ten years and then move on. He was Japanese, so the male-centric cultural focus needs to be factored in, but still.... And then there's the impact on the kids.

I just wonder if a more tribal (or perhaps just "social") easiness were on the horizon... whether the vows anyone might agree with on a particular wedding day weren't beginning to factor in other realities.

I don't wonder about "gay" marriage or "straight" marriage. I just wonder about marriage.

I just wonder.