A CatholicChristian View of Marriage

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A Catholic-Christian View of Marriage

• I. Marriage in Sacred Scripture

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Marriage in Gods Plan

• Man and woman created in the image and likeness
  of God.
• Marriage established by the Creator and is in
  the very nature of humans.
• Marriage is between a man and a woman.

• Marriage and family life essential for the good
  of society.

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B. Marriage in Creation.

• God creates humans out of love and calls humans
  to wholehearted love.
• The mutual love of man and woman reflects the
  intimate, unconditional love of God.
• This marital love is intended to be fruitful.

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B. Marriage in Creation, cont.

• Man and woman were created for one another.
• Woman is the equal helpmate to man.
• The two become one flesh.

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C. Marriage in Fallen Human Nature

• Every person experiences sin, even in
  relationships between man and woman.
• Discord, deceit, domination, infidelity, jealousy
  and conflicts.
• These can escalate into indifference, hatred and
  separation.

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C. Marriage in Fallen Human Nature, cont.

• The disorder in marriage is not natural, but from
  sinful choices.
• To heal the wounds of sin, man and woman need the
  help of the grace of God.

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D. Marriage in the Lord Jesus

• Jesus blessed marriage by his presence at the
  wedding in Cana.
• Jesus affirmed the unbreakable union of man and
  woman.
• Jesus divorce is a concession to the hardness
  of hearts.
• Paul marital love reflects the love of Christ
  for his Church.

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A Catholic-Christian View of Marriage

• II. Marriage as Catholic-Christian Sacrament

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1. Core Beliefs

• God creator, life-giver, ultimate destiny.
• Jesus Gods Son Savior.
• Church community of faith.
• Sacrament ritual celebrations in which we
  encounter God.

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2. Marriage as Covenant Relationship

• Freely chosen
• Mutual
• Total gift of self
• Exclusive
• Life-long

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3. Marriage as Living Symbol of Gods Love

• Intimate
• Self-giving
• Nurturing
• Faithful
• Forgiving
• Permanent

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4. The Sacramental Essentials

• Freedom of choice
• Maturity
• Eligibility for marriage
• The marriage vow
• The official witness
• Sexual relations
• Openness to procreation

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5. Marriage Primary Way to Fulfill the Call to
Love
Love of God
Love of Self
Love of Others
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6. Marriage as Sharing in Gods Creative Power

• Openness to Procreation
• Symbol of Trinity

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7. Marriage Supported by Gods Love and Help

• Prayer
• Grace
• Forgiveness
• Reconciliation