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Marriage, Family, and Sexuality

Author: Sophia

what's covered
Marriage and family are sacred and central to most of the world religions. Marriage practices and the laws that surround them are very diverse across cultures. Specifically, this lesson will cover:

Table of Contents

1. Marriage

In some forms of the Christian tradition, the primary purpose of marriage is to glorify God. It is an affirmation and a demonstration of God’s love. In the Book of John in the New Testament, it says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.” The bride of Christ is the Church. The Catholic Church teaches that God himself is the author of the sacred institution of marriage, which is his way of showing his love for those he created.

Marriage is a divine institution that can never be broken. Even if the husband or wife legally divorce in the civil courts, as long as they are both alive, the Church recognizes them and considers them bound together by God. Holy matrimony is another name for sacramental marriage.

However, different Christian denominations have various ideas on marriage. An instance of this can be seen with same-sex marriage. It is not permitted in the Catholic tradition, but many Protestant denominations will recognize such decisions.

Other purposes of marriage in Christian teachings include intimate companionship, rearing children, and mutual support for both husband and wife to fulfill their life callings.


2. Sexuality in Monotheistic Traditions

Attitudes toward sexuality differ across religious traditions. Different religions have developed moral codes covering issues of sexuality. The idea is to regulate situations that can give rise to sexual interest and to influence people’s sexual activities and practices. The monotheistic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—generally maintain that sex and reproduction are holy acts, as one imitates the creator.

In Judaism, it is understood that an individual’s sexual desire stems from the evil impulse, the yetzer ra. It’s a part of life, and it just needs to be used appropriately and with a conscience to know what is right, dutiful, and healthy in this regard.

did you know
In traditional Judaism, the word for sex comes from a root meaning “to know.”

Marriage is viewed as a contractual bond by god, in which a man and woman come together to create a relationship in which god is directly involved. Though procreation is not the sole purpose, a Jewish marriage is also expected to fulfill the commandment to have children.

In the Roman Catholic tradition, sex and sexuality between a man and a woman demonstrate a theology of the body, which has the unique and holy capacity for making the invisible visible. This refers to procreation and the giving of life.

The sacred attitude toward sex and sexuality is shared in Islam. There are some practical differences concerning activity during fasting and certain biological cycles. Sex is regulated by boundaries and guidelines in these traditions. Adultery and homosexuality are prohibited, as the purpose of sex is seen as procreation.

However, since the 1970s there has been movement in at least some branches of all the Abrahamic religions to be more accepting, especially since the Supreme Court struck down all state bans against gay marriage in 2015 effectively legalizing it in all fifty states. Reform Judaism is fully accepting of gay and lesbian people, including ordainment as rabbis. The Evangelical Lutheran Church now honors gay marriage and the ordainment of openly gay priests. The Catholic Church still forbids gay marriage, though individual churches may ignore the decree. Similarly, some Muslim mosques in North America affirm same-sex relationships.


3. Eastern Traditions

In the East, the teachings of Confucius stress the five important relationships of which an individual is a part. These are the Confucian relationships. One of these is the marital relationship. It is believed that if one is dutiful in marriage, it will assist society in prospering and allowing a culture to flourish.

Hinduism follows the dharma, or sacred duty, in many facets of life. Marriage is one that entails both religious and social obligations.

terms to know
Holy Matrimony
Marriage when sanctified specifically by religious authority; specific to Roman Catholicism and other forms of Christianity.
Confucian Relationships
The five relationships specified in Confucianism, including marriage, that tend to stabilize society.
Dharma
In Hinduism, a sacred duty.

summary
Across the religions, there are diverse attitudes toward marriage. Sexuality in the monotheistic traditions generally maintains that sex and reproduction are holy acts, as couples imitate the creator. Christian traditions view marriage as a holy matrimony reflecting god’s love for the world. In traditional Jewish faith, these are also sacred partnerships and acts, which need to be approached with care and discernment. Eastern traditions also value marriage. Confucianism sees marriage as one of the five central relationships that has great potential for improving and transforming society and the life of a culture. Hinduism values marriage as a sacred duty, or dharma.

Source: THIS TUTORIAL WAS AUTHORED BY TED FAIRCHILD FOR SOPHIA LEARNING. Please see our Terms of Use.

Terms to Know
Confucian Relationships

The five relationships specified in Confucianism, including marriage, that tend to stabilize society.

Dharma

In Hinduism, a sacred duty.

Holy Matrimony

Marriage when sanctified specifically by religious authority; specific to Roman Catholicism and other form of Christianity.