As well as the previously mentioned extracts, the wedding rings themselves provide a tangible symbol of the unbreakable nature of the marriage vow. The shape of the ring emphasises this; it has no ending and symbolises that the marriage may not be terminated. The final line of the marriage service, “until death do us part” further underlines the belief that the couples relationship will only end with their death.
Christianity does not encourage homosexuality, and very few Christian groups will allow a gay couple to get married. Various quotes from the Bible show that homosexuality is seen as a sin. The following quote supports this view, arguing,
“If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them”, (Deuteronomy 22:5).
This view is further supported by another reference from the Bible,
“for this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error”. (Rom. 1:26-27)
The Christian attitude to homosexuality is therefore quite categorical, namely it believes that homosexuality is both evil and wrong. The only Christian denomination that allows gay marriages to take place is the United Church of Christ as they believe that people should not be discriminated against because of their own personal preferences.
Christians are also not permitted to marry an ‘unsaved’ person. The Bible forbids a believer in Christ to consider marriage with an unbeliever. In neither the Old nor the New Testament does God countenance “mixed” marriages between people from different faiths. Christians believe that no two persons can live in harmony if they are not in agreement on life’s most important choices. If one person has received Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and the other has rejected Him, there is no common ground on which to start a marriage. The Bible warns,
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?” (II Corinthians 6:14).
There are various sources that confirm that adultery is not allowed in a true Christian marriage and the idea of monogamy is enforced specifically in the wedding vows. Quotes demonstrating this include the following phrases taken from the marriage service; “forsaking all others, be faithful to her...” and “that which God has joined together, let no man divide”. These phrases are spoken by the priest and emphasise the Christian attitude that once married, the couple must remain loyal and faithful to each other. Another biblical quote reinforces this idea,
“marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).
All Christian denominations believe that a Christian marriage should not end in divorce. The teachings of Jesus Christ confirm this;
“It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.’ Matthew 5:31-32.
This quote from the Gospels shows that if a couple is divorced, any future relationships that the woman may encounter will cause her and her partner to commit adultery. The Roman Catholic Church will not allow a divorce under any circumstances. The only way a marriage can be ended is if the couple has an annulment. There are specific grounds which must be fulfilled if an annulment can take place; these include if one partner did not willingly enter the marriage, one spouse did not understand the implications of marriage or if no sexual act has taken place to consummate the marriage.
The Catholic church does not accept divorce as the end of a marriage, as marriage is seen as a sacrament and therefore cannot be ended. In the Catholic church, marriage is regarded as indissoluble, a reflection of the relationship held between God and Christ. Christians enter into marriage with the intention of devoting their lives to it; in the wedding ceremony the couple each make solemn promises in view of God. Going against these vows is seen as going against Natural Law. It is for this reason that Catholics do not accept people who remarry, and believe that through remarriage they are committing adultery. Divorce is seen as having a harmful effect on a number of people, including the partner who is deserted, any offspring of the marriage and society in general.
Divorce in the Roman Catholic church is therefore not permitted. All Christian denominations believe that marriage is for life. Whilst some denominations, including the Free Churches, recognise that there are some situations where a divorce in necessary, the Catholic church is absolute in its belief that a marriage cannot end this way. If a Catholic couple wished to split up there would be two options open to them, either annulment or separation. For an annulment one of the conditions mentioned earlier must be satisfied; failing this the only option open to strict Roman Catholics, would be for the couple to live seperately. Divorce would not be a choice, as they strongly believe that marriage is binding for life. Neither partner would be able to remarry, as they would be seen as committing adultery. Free churches and the Church of England are more liberal about relationships, and in certain circumstances they will allow divorce, however before this they will encourage counselling and make every attempt to save the marriage. In the Church of England, divorce is allowed in the case of adultery. Unlike in the Catholic church, people who have been divorced are permitted to remarry and are not seen as committing adultery. The Free Church is the most tolerant denomination on the subject of divorce. Although the church recognises the importance of marriage, they believe that if a marriage could not be repaired, then it would be better for all concerned, especially any future children that the couple could have, if the marriage were to terminate. Divorced members of this religion are also allowed to remarry without prejudice.
