why does the watchtower call them marriage mates and not spouse?

hoser

I have never read the term spouse in a watchtower. Why do they use the expression marriage mate?

still thinking

Maybe that would elevate the wife to being more than just a shag....couldn't have women getting above themselves.

sizemik

The plural of spouse is spice

LOL BP . . . "three blind spice" . . . every woman's dream?

Broken Promises

Haven't heard of "three blind spice" but I wouldn't mind a bit of this spice:

Because the only reason to marry (in Borg's eyes) is because of the desire to "mate" or have sexual intercourse. Without that desire, there would be no reason to marry and all men could pioneer, go to Bethel, then Gilead, and then become Overlords, er, Traveling Overseers for the Borg. They even base this view on scripture.

wannabefree

*** w09 7/1 p. 18 She Acted With Discretion ***
Nabal could hardly have chosen a better spouse, whereas Abigail found herself married to one who could hardly have been worse.

*** w09 8/1 p. 10 Managing Money ***
"Money is for a protection," acknowledges the Bible. (Ecclesiastes 7:12) But money will protect your marriage and family only if you learn not just how to control it but also how to talk to your spouse about it. In fact, rather than being contentious, discussions about money matters can actually strengthen the bond between marriage mates.

(Used 6 more times in above article.)

*** w09 11/1 p. 10 When a Spouse Has Special Needs ***
Keys to Family Happiness
When a Spouse Has Special Needs

(Appears 9 times in above article.)

blondie

I don't have my WT-CD and so can't check that "spouse" is not used. Did you use the CD or are you relying on your memory of a few articles and books you might have read? The official site:

www.watchtower.org

http://www.watchtower.org/e/20050601/article_01.htm

Typically, one spouse says something that irritates the other. (WT 6-1-05)

http://www.watchtower.org/e/20010108/article_04.htm

Let us first discuss attitude because your view of commitment and your feelings toward your spouse are of utmost importance. (1-8-2001, Awake)

http://www.watchtower.org/e/19990422/article_02.htm

http://www.watchtower.org/e/20100615/article_01.htm

http://www.watchtower.org/cgi-bin/lib/ProcessForm.pl