marriage beliefs Flashcards
The Nature of God and the Trinity
- Reflects God’s relationship with his people
- Orthodox symbolism – symbolism of man and women as King and Queen. Orthodox circle the altar three times (Trinity) –
- ‘commitment is made by the priest through the Holy Spirit; the groom and bride are crowned by the priest “In the. Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”
- Catholics administer the sacrament to one another each person receives the Grace of God through the Holy Spirit
- Symbolised through the light of candle
- Trinity is of witness to the marriage, Couples marry in witness of God
- Unity of bride and groom – symbolic of ‘two becoming one’ as the trinity are one
- “The holy spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26)
Revelation
- God is revealed through scripture. Scriptures are read to enhance revelation and reemphasise Christian beliefs about marriage.
- Relationship between husband and wife represent Christ’s eternal relationship with the church
- Revelation of the bride in the lifting of the veil representing Christ revealing himself to the Church.
- “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lambs” (Revelation 19:7-9)
Salvation
- Marriage is a sacrament for Catholics and Orthodox
- Marriage instituted and ordained by God for the lifelong relationship between man and women (Gn) and is a sign of God’s love.
- The vows at a wedding spell out the commitment to mutual love, respect. and. sexual union to. the exclusion of all others, thus following the teachings of Christ.
- Through unification and connection – an individual is committing oneself to saving their spouse
- Jesus used the image of marriage and the family to. Teach the basics about the Kingdom of God.
- Orthodox crowning mirrors the Kingdom of God
- “Those who belong. To this age marry and are given in marriage…are like. Angels and are children of. God, being children of resurrection” (Luke 20:34-37)
Death and Resurrection of Jesus
- The covenantal nature of love is inextricably linked with sacrificial love. This is symbolised through exchanging of vows and rings – circle ring = love has as no end.
- Catholics and Orthodox participate in a Nuptial Mass (eucharist) during the ceremony
Divinity and Humanity of Jesus
- Love of husband and wife is likened to love of Christ for his Church (Eph 5:31-32)
- Couples drink from the cup during the ceremony – symbolising Jesus as a model for Christian life
- “Love your spouse as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her” (Eph 5:25)
- Jesus supported the Wedding in Cana (Jn 2:1-12). This was where he performed his first miracle turning water into wine. Jesus supported the decisions and behaviours of the couple.
Significance:
• A rite of passage is an important and often complex ritual that allows an individual or individuals to be transformed from one stage to another ie. from an old status to a new status.
• Rites of passage affect this change of status as well as proclaiming it to the community. Thus there is a strong community element in rites of passage – it confirms the beliefs of the group, encourages group cohesion, and teaches moral lessons.
• Brings the individual & the group into contact with the transcendent
• Key Aspects of Marriage:
1. Allows believers to go forth and multiply as instructed by God in Genesis
2. Acts as a remedy against sin and the temptation to fornicate
3. Provides a model of help and comfort in times of hardship and adversity
• When a couple marry in the Christian Church, the ceremony speaks of love, permanent commitment, fidelity, openness to children and perseverance in good time and bad.
• It is these qualities which make marriage a unique relationship.
• There is no other human relationship which requires so total a commitment between two people.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL: • Elevates the mundane to the supernatural:
Marriage = Covenant with God. Marriage allows for deeper spiritual meanings between the couple and God. Every aspect of the couples’ relationship is meant to reflect the love Christ has for his church, so that even the most mundane events of life, the love the couple has for each other deepens their relationship with God. This is exhibited in the Wedding of Cana, in which Jesus performed his first miracle of changing water into wine. (Jn 2:1-12). This is reflected in the ceremony when the gospel reading is recited (Catholics and Orthodox).
• SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL. Structures the lives of the couple
Prior to marriage they are both single with responsibility just for themselves. Now married they share the same home, and they have ongoing responsibility for each other and for their children. Responsibility grows.
• SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL Installs an ethical framework:
Vows commit to a moral marriage. The couple will. Raise children according to Christian ethics.
• There is commitment: (sharing one’s faith) to each other and also to God. This life-long commitment to marriage is demonstrated through the Christian vows
1. Support partner
2. In sickness and in health
3. Love and Honour
SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL • The ring is a sign of fidelity:
(faith)- always a commitment to God. A ring is a covenant (loving agreement) between man and woman, there is no beginning or end
SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE COMMUNITY:• It’s a celebration of the community
- A means of identification with the community of believers: It establishes an ongoing link with the denomination. Linked with denomination through marriage, children’s baptism and education.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE COMMUNITY:• Strengthens the community of believers:
This happens through the prayers that the congregation say for the couple about to be married. They affirm their Christian beliefs, and the central beliefs about marriage are made clear through the rite itself.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE COMMUNITY:• A means of reflection
On the couple’s participation within Christianity and their ultimate purpose as human beings, to grow in holiness through their relationship.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE COMMUNITY:• Declare their faith to the community and builds community:
: Everybody there to support the couple. Strengthens communal ties. The prayers and blessing encourage communal participation. It’s a public service where the community bare witness. It promotes unity within the church and encourages shared expression of faith.
