Theo exam 1 Flashcards
what are the 14 attributes of Christian marriage, and what do they mean?
“real couples find peace committing love, becoming partners eternally; strong kingdom protect marriage personally
1. relational
2. covenantal
3. faithful
4. public
5. communitarian
6. liturgical
7. biblical
8. permanent
9. ecclesial
10. sacramental
11. kenotic
12. pentecostal
13. mutual
14. personally
Marriage is built on a deep, personal relationship between spouses
relational
Marriage reflects God’s covenant with His people; it is a promise, not just a contract.
- Covenantal
Just as God remains faithful to Israel and Christ to the Church, spouses must remain faithful to each other
- Faithful
Marriage is not just private, but involves the Church and society
- Public
Marriage is rooted in a faith community and serves the common good.
- Communitarian
Marriage involves sacred rituals, often celebrated within a liturgical setting
liturgical
Rooted in scripture, marriage models God’s love for His people.
biblical
Christian marriage is meant to last a lifetime, just as God’s love is eternal.
- Permanent/Indissoluble
Marriage contributes to the Church’s mission and spiritual growth.
- Ecclesial
Spouses are called to love sacrificially, mirroring Christ’s self-giving love.
- Kenotic (Self-emptying)
Marriage is a visible sign of God’s grace, revealing His presence in human love.
- Sacramental
The Holy Spirit strengthens and guides the marriage
- Pentecostal
Marriage involves equal give-and-take between partners.
- Mutual/Reciprocal
Each spouse retains their unique identity while growing together in love.
- Personal
- What is a “Covenant”?
- A covenant in the Old Testament refers to loyalty, service, and obedience.
- It is essential to OT marriage because God’s relationship with Israel was covenantal.
- Hosea’s marriage to Gomer symbolized God’s faithfulness despite Israel’s unfaithfulness.
How is marriage compared to other relationships in the Bible?
- Old Testament (Hosea):
o Israel’s idolatry is likened to adultery, while God’s love remains steadfast.
o Hosea’s marriage to Gomer symbolizes a renewed covenant between God and His people. - New Testament (Ephesians 5):
o Marriage symbolizes Christ’s relationship with the Church.
o “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church” (Eph 5:25).
- What is historically radical about Christian Marriage?
- Reciprocity & Consent: Unlike traditional patriarchal structures, Christian marriage introduced the radical idea of mutual consent and equal dignity.
- Council of Trent (16th Century): Declared that mutual consent was necessary for a valid marriage.
- How does the Trinity help explain Christian Marriage?
- Father = Lover
- Son = Beloved
- Spirit = Love
- The Trinity models unity in love, which marriage reflects.
How did marriage evolve from contract to sacrament?
- St. Augustine: Argued that marriage is a sacrament because it mirrors Christ’s union with the Church.
- Vatican II: Emphasized love and partnership, not just procreation.
- Why is community important in Christian Marriage?
- Marriage success is tied to faith communities.
- Families serve as small Christian communities.
- How does consumer culture & positionality impact marriage?
- Mimetic Desire (Rene Girard): People imitate others’ desires, creating endless competition, which can strain marriages.
- Solidarity in Marriage: Encourages shared responsibility and resists consumerist pressures.
- How is marriage a theological reality? (Fiorenza, Rubio)
- The union of husband and wife mirrors the spiritual communion of Christ and His people.
- Marriage extends beyond the couple to include the Church and community.
- What is the Sacramental Principle? (Michael Himes)
- “What is always and everywhere the case must be noticed, accepted, and celebrated somewhere sometime.”
- Marriage, like other sacraments, reveals God’s presence in everyday life.
- What is a Sacrament, and how does it relate to Catholic Marriage?
- A sacrament is a visible sign of God’s grace.
- Christian marriage is not just a contract but a holy union that signifies God’s love.
- Martin Luther & Calvin: Did not consider marriage a sacrament.
- How is marriage a sacrament of friendship?
- Cooke, Ravizza/Massey, Rubio argue that marriage is based on deep friendship, mutual support, and companionship, not just duty.
- How is marriage a sacrament of kenosis, mutuality, and reciprocity?
- Pope Francis highlights marriage as self-giving love (kenosis), requiring mutual sacrifice and reciprocity.
- What is a “Nuptial Pentecost,” and what is the role of the Holy Spirit?
- The Holy Spirit strengthens and sustains marriages.
- “Veni Sancte Spiritus” means “Come, Holy Spirit,” emphasizing the Spirit’s presence in marriage.
- Nuptial Pentecost
o In the wedding liturgy
o In the modern catholic church
o In the daily life of married couples
- What are the Four Greek Loves? (C.S. Lewis)
- Storge – Affectionate, familial love.
- Philia – Deep friendship and companionship. Chosen!!
- Eros – Romantic love, passion.
- Agape – Selfless, unconditional love, as demonstrated by Christ.
relationships are personal, mutual, and sacred.
- “I-Thou
relationships treat the other as an object rather than a person.
- “I-It”
