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How Does Religion Affect Global Ideas of Marriage?
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How Does Religion Affect Global Ideas of Marriage?
Marriage is the opinion of two souls where two people decide to not only live with each other but also share moments of happiness and support each other in sorrows. Every religion in the world has different ideas regarding marriage yet every religion promotes marriage (Booth & Sica, 1995).
Specifically discussing Christianity, marriage is considered as a covenant that two individuals make before God. Christians have always honored marriage as a lifelong and divinely blessed monogamous union between man and woman. In Christianity, there is no concept of same-sex marriage. Although, Christian teachings have never held that marriage is essential for every person as for many centuries, priestly or monastic celibacy was highly valued. However, the priests and Christians who do not want to marry are expected to refrain from indulging in any sexual activity. Typically, a wedding ceremony is held in a church where the Christian couple makes a promise in the presence of God and reflect on their love by their wedding rings that symbolize their everlasting love for each other. According to Christian beliefs, marriage and family are not human conventions that are based on temporary consensus but the family was the idea of God and marriage is divine, not a human institution (Marks, 2005). Similarly, in Islam as well, marriage is considered as a legal contract between a man and a woman according to their free wills. Like Christianity, Islam also recognizes the importance of companionship and therefore advocates marriage as the foundation for families and is therefore, regarded as half of an individual’s faith.
Typically, in Islam, couples get married by a formal binding contract that outlines the responsibilities of both the groom and the bride. Also, two Muslim witnesses of the marriage contract must be present during a marriage ceremony. Unlike Christianity, in Islam, a man can marry four women at a time if he can fulfill their needs (Marks, 2005). Also, there is a need for the consent of the bride’s guardian before getting married. In Christianity, especially Catholic Christians prefer to marry people that are also catholic while in Islam, Muslim men can marry a woman who is Christian or Jewish. However, the women have to change their religion and embrace Islam.
Comparing the marriage ideas of Islam and Christianity with those of the Jews, the Jewish view regarding marriage is that it is a contractual bond that is commanded by God in which a man and woman bond with each other by directly involving God. Typically, a Jewish marriage is expected to fulfill the commandment to have children. A Jewish man is considered incomplete if he is not married. Like Islam and Christianity, Orthodox Jews also consider marriage as a bond between a man and a woman and discard the concept of same-sex marriage. However, non-orthodox Jews consider marriage as a bond between two people regardless of their sex. Marital harmony is highly valued in Jewish tradition. According to the Jewish religion, a man must not only love his wife but also honor her as much as he loves and honors himself (Marks, 2005). Additionally, marriage obligation in Judaism is based on the rules and regulations presented in the Bible.
In Hinduism, marriage is the bond that harmonizes two individuals for eternity. According to the beliefs of Hindus, a marriage is considered incomplete without consummation. Marriage in Hinduism is regarded as sacred this is because according to Hindu beliefs, all the Gods they worship are married and have families so they also should marry and have families. Since marriage is considered sacred, both parties cannot dissolve the marriage as they are bound to live together until the death of either one of them. Marriage is also considered as a social duty towards both parents and the society. Like Christianity, monogamy is highly valued in Hinduism.
Religion plays a vital role in determining the married life of an individual. Religion does affect the idea of marriage as it provides boundaries and obligations that both men and women of a specific religion should follow (Call & Heaton, 1997). Religion provides guidance, rules, and regulations that can facilitate an individual in living a happy married life.
References
Booth, A., Johnson, D. R., Branaman, A., & Sica, A. (1995). Belief and behavior: Does religion matter in today's marriage?. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 661-671.
Call, V. R., & Heaton, T. B. (1997). Religious influence on marital stability. Journal for the scientific study of religion, 382-392.
Marks, L. (2005). How does religion influence marriage? Christian, Jewish, Mormon, and Muslim perspectives. Marriage & Family Review, 38(1), 85-111.
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