Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Jeffrey)
01/31/2015
Marriage: complex domain wherein civil and canon law, and moral and
sacramental theology intersect
WHY? Because it is both a CIVIL and RELIGIOUS reality
o As civil reality = contract
o As religious reality = convenant
What is the basis of sacrament? Contract or convenant?
o A: depends on understanding of sacrament
Sacrament of bond = contract
Sacrament of love (unites the couple) = convenant
o BUT! This is a false dichotomy because MARRIAGE IS BOTH
REALITIES AT THE SAME TIME
Results
sacramentality of marriage was dominated by
legal reality
essence of sacramentality of marriage has been
difficult to discern. WHY?
Legalism obscures sacramentality
Unacceptable approach because of image of
marriage (love that Christ has for his
church)