The document discusses the significance of marriage as a practice within Christianity. It describes the key components of a Christian marriage ceremony, including vows, readings from scripture, and symbols like rings that express the faith's beliefs about marriage as a lifelong, sacred union. It analyzes how the ceremony marks an important transition for individuals and also strengthens community bonds by reinforcing Christian teachings on relationships and family.

1. HSC RELIGIOUS TRADITION DEPTH STUDY: CHRISTIANITY MARRIAGE

9. MARRIAGE

12. Describe ONE significant practice within Christianity : Marriage Ceremony

14. Christian Marriage as a rite of passage The religious ceremony involves many symbols and actions such as : opening song, bridal procession, giving the bride away, readings from the bible, etc. This can vary with each Christian denomination. The set form Orthodox, Roman Catholic and some Protestant Christians regard marriage as a sacrament – this means that it is a special means by which God acts in people’s lives. The charter The rite of marriage is a public ceremony- the couple are required to make their vows in public. Also present are 2 witnesses, families and friends and a priest or minister. The participants The wedding ceremony takes place in the Church. The place The couple are required to be over the age of 18 years. The time

15. Prior to marriage this couple were single and from 2 separate families. Marriage unites these two people together in love, forming a new family unit in which husband and wife are responsible for one another and for their children. The transformation The married couple move from being children of a family to an equal level with their parents. Most will have children and become parents themselves. The relationship between a man and a woman in a Christian marriage is expected to be equal. The hierarchical and role relations The use of symbols will vary with different Christian denominations. Some which are common include: Recitation of marriage vows Exchange of rings Readings from scripture Drinking from the cup of wine Joining hands while the marriage vows are made Signing the marriage contract Saying of prayers The bride wearing a veil and wearing white The symbol system

16. Demonstrate how the chosen practice expresses the beliefs of Christianity.

18. Marriage in the Sacred Writings Marriage imagery is used over and over in the scriptures to help us understand God’s loving plan for creation. The Bible begins with the story of the creation of man and woman as partners made in the image of God and it concludes with the wedding feast of the Lamb in the book of Revelation (19:5-8) It is in human marriage that we get a glimpse of the tremendous love which Christ has for the Church and it is in human marriage and family life that we have a foretaste of the intimate communion and tremendous joy that will be ours in heaven. Patricia Morrison Driedger, 2001, Our Sacramental Life, page 208

20. Marriage in the Sacred Writings “ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with hid wife, and the two will become one.” Ephesians 5:31 The purpose of marriage as preached by Paul “ And for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one.” Mark 10:7-8 Jesus refers to the way God has made human beings “ In the beginning, at the time of creation, ‘God made them male and female’ as the Scripture says.” Mark 10:6 The meaning and purpose of marriage The Christian rite of marriage stresses that marriage is a life long commitment. This belief is taken directly from the scriptures. It is made manifest in the recitation of the marriage vows , and sometimes in the readings chosen by the couple and in the homily given by the priest or minister.

21. Marriage in the Sacred Writings “ A man who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against his wife. In the same way, a woman who divorces her husband and marries another man commits adultery.” Mark 10:11-12 Jesus explains the Christian ideal- marriage involving life-long companionship which is faithful and which excludes divorce and remarriage “ So they are no longer two but one. Man must not separate then, what God has joined together.” Mark 10:8-9 Jesus explains the idea of leaving one family in order to establish another. This also explains the holiness and permanence of marriage with God as the designer of marriage.

24. Christian Marriage is… A Sacred Commitment A Sacrament ( in some denominations) A Life Long Commitment A Monogamous, Indissoluble and Faithful Relationship A Covenant Relationship – a model of the love which Christ has for God’s people A Vocation The foundation of the family and the Church

25. Analyse the significance of this practice for both the individual and the Christian community.