Christian attitudes to Marriage + Divorce

Christian attitudes to Marriage + Divorce

1. What is marriage? Marriage is the public commitment between two people.

2. Marriage is a life-long union of two people, that can only be ended by death of one partner, or by divorce or annulment.

3. What is annulment? Annulment is the declaration of a marriage being null and void, as it was undertaken in wrong, such as underage marriage.

   • Only available to Catholics

4. Sanctity of Marriage: the idea that marriage has a special significance as a gift from god.

5. Why is Marriage important in society

   • It forms families into cultural groups
   • Encourage Stability
   • Secure environment for the upbringing of children
   • Legal protection for both parents + children
   • It nurtures value of self esteem & value
   • It has value for both religious and non-religious people

6. Divorce

   • Protestant View: some relationships break down and and god forgives mistakes + wrongdoing
     • So mistake should be allowed in certain situations
   • Catholic View: divorce is not possible as wedding vows are an agreement between you and god.
     • So divorce is not allowed; but anolment is allowed in certain situations