Christians and Marriage

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Christians and Marriage

Bibliography

= Religions (Myrtle Langley)

= Beliefs, Values and Traditions (Ann Lovelace & Joy White)

= WGGS Resource Sheet

= WGGS Notes

= Daily Express November 2000

= Milestones (Celia Collinson & Campbell Miller)

= From the Cradle (Kevin O'Donnell)

= www.religioustolerance.org

= www.bbc.co.uk

a) Describe and explain the Christians teaching about marriage (be

sure to include

Biblical evidence). (24 marks)

Marriage is an important ritual in the life of a Christian. The Old

Testament talks about marriage in the Creation story, showing it has

been important since the beginning of time. When God created the world

and man he said 'it is not good for man to live alone. I will make a

suitable companion for him' (Genesis 2). God created woman 'for she

was taken out of man' (Genesis 2). This shows how man without woman is

not fulfilled and satisfied, which is why he needs a companion. This

also shows a great closeness between the sexes. God's idea of marriage

is very important to Christians.

Marriage is a very serious commitment, one not to be undertaken

lightly 'this is my solemn vow' (Marriage Vow - Milestones). Therefore

before the ceremony couple's attend preparation classes to show them

the meanings of marriage. These classes also help the couple in ways

to strengthen the bond.

'it has symbolised the near absolute control of a woman from her

father to her husband' (Religious Tolerance). During the ceremony the

Priest or Vicar asks the permission of the Father to allow his

daughter to marry the groom. However this is often considered to be an

old fa...

... middle of paper ...

...o remarry someone

It also says in the Bible that 'A wife must not separate from her

husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried' this means that

they do not agree with remarriage after divorce.

As can be read it is difficult to come to a decision whether divorce

and remarriage can ever be justified because it is hard to do justice

to both sides of Jesus' teaching. To preserve that sanctity of

marriage and still look after and abide by Jesus' teaching and be

loving and forgiving to those people who find themselves in

difficulties.

Divorce and re-marriage can be justified in some cases. If the family

is unhappy together then a divorce can enable the people to end the

marriage. If they then chose to re-marry they can have learnt form

their mistakes. Jesus also taught about forgiveness in the Bible.

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