SOR 1 Unit
Christian Marriage
Background
In Christianity marriage is a loving, lifelong relationship in which two people are committed to each other. The ceremony of a Christian marriage is the process of publicly acknowledging a commitment to this relationship. From the celebration of this ceremony there can be a parallel drawn between the relationship between a husband and wife and the relationship between Jesus and the Christian Church.
‘That is why man leaves his mother and father and joins himself to his wife, they become one body’ (Genesis 2:24)
The marriage ceremony is a significant rite for Christians as the celebration recognises the instruction given in the book of Genesis that all human beings should be fruitful and multiply. ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.’ (Genesis 1:27-28). It mirrors the relationship of Jesus and his church and represents this relationship of love and sacrifice. For the Christian church it is an acknowledgement of a commitment between two people in the eyes of God. In the practices in Catholic and Orthodox churches, marriage is one of the sacraments and is seen as an important ceremony and rite of passage.
It is a public affair, because marriage is lived out in the local community. It is a sign for the church because God’s love is reflected in the loved which husband and wife have for each other. Sex within Christian marriage, as with the Judaism religion is sharing in the outpouring of the love of God, as well as the participating in the creative work of God.
How key Christian beliefs are portrayed in this aspect or person
In all denominations of Christian marriage the vows at a Christian wedding represent the commitment to mutual love, respect and sexual union to the exclusion of others. Marriage vows affirm the Christian belief that marriage is a lifelong commitment. In Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran and Orthodox Churches the vows are usually set and will not be changed, while in other...