Christianity: Marriage

Describe the significant practice of marriage within Christianity

3.1 General
Reflection of relationship between Jesus Christ and Church Marriage leads from state of individuality to partnership w/in church Religious & secular (civil) Allows for proper expression and socially sanctions sexual rel.ship Formation of family unit Priests often ask couples questions to determine compatibility sacred institution established by God

Purpose of Marriage

Procreation Union Rearing kids Pattern for society (family unit) One Flesh Sacred Eternal

3.2 Common Features

Readings from bible Instruction on marriage by minister or priest Exchanging of vows Declaration of husband & wife Exchanging of rings Prayers for couple

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Christianity: Marriage

Demonstrate how marriage expressed the beliefs of Christianity

Father walking bride, handing over to groom Therefore a man leaves his father & mother & clings to his wife and they become one flesh (Genesis 2:23,24) Wedding rings = eternal love for one another, mirrors Jesus Christs eternal love for church & people Bride wearing white = purity, Christian belief that individuals remain sexually pure before marriage Scriptures central to ceremony Location in church reminds that God created marriage Lighted candle the light of Christ which comes through the word of God in Scripture

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Christianity: Marriage

Analyse the significance of marriage for the individual and the Christian community.

3.1 Individual

Marriage vows extend framework around couple for support unit for next generation As Jesus loved humanity parents required to love children Supports and encourages the rel.ship of couple including physical aspects Individual able to uphold Christian values by marrying, establishing family & raising children in Christians setting Life-long companionship = love individual expresses their faith, love and commitment to God and church through the love and service it expresses to the other person.

3.2 Community
considered act of worship by both the participants & congregation community shares in joy of bridegroom marriage seen as evangelical occasion as beliefs of church spread from congregation to wider secular community Strengthens community of believers through prayers said by congregation.

Quotes
Marriage is to be honoured by you, and husbands and wives must be faithful to each other. God will judge those who are immoral and those who commit adultery (Hebrews 13:4) There for what God has joined together, let no one separate (Mark 10:9) Go forth and multiply (Genesis 1:28)

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