8.2.1 What is the Nature & Purpose of Marriage

The Nature and Purpose of Marriage

Marriage is a central concept in Christianity, viewed as a sacred institution established by God. Christians believe that marriage is not only a legal and social contract but also a spiritual union that reflects God's plan for humanity.

Marriage as a Gift from God:

• Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God, designed to create a deep, lifelong bond between a man and a woman. This union is seen as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church.
• The Bible teaches that in marriage, a man and a woman become "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24), symbolizing their complete unity in body, mind, and spirit.

Marriage as a Sacrament:

• For Roman Catholics, marriage is a sacrament, meaning it is a visible sign of God's grace. The sacrament of marriage is believed to convey spiritual benefits to the couple, helping them grow in holiness and in their relationship with God.
• The sacramental nature of marriage in Catholicism underscores its indissolubility, meaning that marriage is intended to last for life and cannot be dissolved by human authority.

Purpose of Marriage:

• To Express Love: Marriage is viewed as the ideal context for a man and a woman to express their love for each other fully. It is a relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and love.
• To Bring Up Children: Christians believe that marriage provides the best environment for raising children. In a Christian marriage, parents are expected to bring up their children according to God's will, teaching them Christian values and faith.
• To Reflect God's Love for the Church: In the New Testament, marriage is compared to the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:25-33). This analogy illustrates the self-giving, sacrificial love that should characterize a Christian marriage.

Same-Sex Marriage and Cohabitation

Christian Views on Same-Sex Marriage:

• Roman Catholic Stance: The Roman Catholic Church does not recognize same-sex marriage, as it believes that marriage's essential purposes—unity and procreation—cannot be fully realized in a same-sex relationship.
• Church of England: While the Church of England does not allow same-sex marriages to be conducted in its churches, it acknowledges the legal validity of same-sex marriages in society. It welcomes same-sex couples who are in faithful, committed relationships, emphasizing love and fidelity.

Christian Views on Cohabitation:

• Roman Catholic View: The Catholic Church teaches that cohabitation (living together and having a sexual relationship without being married) is sinful. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "The sexual act must take place exclusively within a marriage" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2390).
• Church of England View: The Church of England traditionally upholds marriage as the ideal context for sexual relations and family life. However, it takes a more pastoral approach, acknowledging that many couples live together in loving, faithful relationships without being married. While marriage is seen as the best and most complete expression of commitment, the Church of England tends to focus on the quality of the relationship, emphasizing love, fidelity, and mutual respect.