The Importance Of Marriage P155-168

Question 1

The model Christian family

Answer 1

The bible shows a model family to consist of a mother, a father and children

The family has to provide a place where children can be brought up with Christian values and an understanding of Christianity until they commit to it themselves

The catechism of the Catholic Church says “the family the original cell of social life”

Question 2

Bible quotes about marriage and family

Answer 2

“Listen to your father who gave you life and do not despise your mother when she is old”

“Honour your father and mother”

“The Lord God said it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him”

“The two will become one flesh”

Question 3

General Attitudes towards the importance and purpose of marriage

Answer 3

• the act of marriage is evidence of the spiritual unity that occurs as a couple becomes united
  “A man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife, and they become one flesh”
• The promises that the couple make to eachother in the wedding service are for life and shouldn’t be broken. Jesus taught that “man must not separate what god has joined together”
• the vows made are also between the couple and god as they ask for his blessing to make the marriage stronger
  “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” . Here the 3 strands represent the couple and god.

Question 4

What does the Church of England teach about marriage

Answer 4

• through marriage a couple learn to love eachother
• marriage is a commitment to live and grow in love
• marriage should reflect Jesus’ love for the church. Jesus was committed to his people and the church and so the couple should stay committed to eachother

Marriage offers 3 blessings

• creation and the nurture of children
• help and comfort during all aspects of life

Other relationships are developed through marriage so love is extended

Question 5

What does the Catholic Church teach about marriage

Answer 5

• it creates an unbreakable bond between the couple
• the couples commitment to eachother shows Jesus’ love and commitment to his people. In this way it reveals gods unconditional love .
• it is a sacrament so they have gods grace which will help them to be faithful

Question 6

What is the Catholic and orthodox wedding ceremony life

Answer 6

• The couple becomes spiritually joined together
  “They become one,
• the couple has to be baptised for the marriage to be a sacrament.

The wedding includes a nuptial mass in which blessings are said for the bride and groom. They have bread and wine. Vows are said and the liturgy is followed.

• if a Catholic wants to marry a non-Christian the marriage will not be a sacrament but it can be witnessed by a priest

Question 7

What are wedding ceremonies like in the Church of England

Answer 7

• do not have to be baptised
• can have mixed faith marriage
• the vicar offers the couple a course in marriage preparation
• the couple can make choices about the bible readings and hymns. There is also a Eucharist after the service
• set vows

Question 8

What are wedding ceremonies like in non-conformist churches

Answer 8

• more freedom for bride and groom to plan wedding service

- they can write their own vows

Question 9

What are Quaker wedding ceremonies like?

Answer 9

• no minister as they believe only god can join the couple together
• the couple sit in silence until they feel it is the right time to say their vows
• they sign the Quaker marriage certificate
• at the end, everyone present will sign the marriage certificate