As it turns out, you cannot write about marriage from a Christian perspective without addressing texts such as this one. Paul’s words about marriage in his letter to the Ephesians are, for many theologically and culturally conservative Christian communities, central to the definition of marriage.
They do not tend to be central to the way marriage is understood in progressive mainline congregations such as ours. But here’s the thing: I believe that as Christians, we must take the bible seriously. Not literally, mind you. But seriously. And ignoring texts such as this one does a disservice to the community of faith.