Christian marriage

Essay by hannahmcgrath5High School, 12th gradeB, November 2014

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In the Christian church marriage is seen as a union so strong that two people involved become one.

Taken from Genesis 2:24 "For this man shall leave his mother and father and cleave to his wife and they shall become one flesh"

Importance of marriage is derived from Paul's writings in Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands love your wives just as Christ loved the Church and gave his life for it"

Demonstrates how the relationship between husbands and wives reflects that of Christ and the church.

Marriage is founded in scriptures making beliefs of Christianity present through varying levels of symbolism in the ceremony.

As individuals undergo union, the laws and ideals of scriptures are strengthened.

As marriage is a rite it contains four functions that are relevant to expression of belief to the community through sacred texts.

Symbolism presents these beliefs by giving actions, objects and words a sense of divinity.

Remembrance preserves rite so it becomes tradition and is passed on.

Through continued repetition of rite the divinity in past ceremonies can be made present today.

Consecration allows people or objects to become more holy and sacred to those present.

Individuals involved in marriage enter ceremony as two but leave as one, means there has been change in status for couple during ceremony.

With change in status the ceremony becomes a rite.

In Catholic and Orthodox churches it takes on greater significance as it is defined as a sacrament.

These denominations view marriage as the physical expression of an invisible reality.

Union of two parallels the union of Christ and church.

This view of Christ's relation with church comes from Old Testament understanding of gods relationship with people of Israel.

This perspective developed by Paul of Tarsus to show significance of marriage.

Paul compared marriage to trinity as the husband/wife...