FAMILY AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION AND ones, from the nuclear marriage-based family to

cohabitation and then single-parent families. Today, we

ITS FUNCTION IN THE SOCIETY
also see the emergence of same-sex partnerships which
are redefining the normative understanding of marriage
Family is the most fundamental unit in society, the most
and family. Giddens explains this trend as entry to a new
central function of which is the biological transmission of
and more democratic phase of family life. New versions of
life and the care and education of children. In general, it is
“family” are said to have been generated by key changes
seen as a group consisting of a father, a mother and their
in ideas about love and commitment. Relationships are
children. It is also the most enduring community that had
formed according to the personal decision and
a tremendous influence on the life of an individual from
commitment of partners and not conditioned by external
birth until death.
norms and influenced by a wider kin.
According to sociological studies of families found in
Chambers explains these changes as part of an erosion
different cultures, we can classify the family according to
of traditional forms of collective solidarity that once
different types. characterized extended kinship and community networks.
1. Based on Birth, it can either be:
For example, same-sex marriage specifically goes
○ the family of orientation to which an
against the normative marriage between a man and a
individual is born
woman being the only possible demographic event for
○ the family of procreation where a person
proceation and the formation of family. It is justified as
sets up after marriage, his or her own
part of homosexual couples’ universal right to choose a
family
partner and have that relationship made legal. If husband
2. Classified according to marriage, it can be: and wives are entitled to certain rights and protection
○ monogamous which consists of one
from law, by virtue of being partners and citizens of their
husband and one wife including their
own country, they believe that they are also entitled to the
children
same equal rights and protection.
○ polygamous compose of one husband
and multiple wives together with all their
Today, however, despite being confronted with the
children
different social and cultural changes in society, ​normative
○ polyandrous​, a family made of one wife
nuclear family between that of a husband, wife and their
with more than one husband and their
children remains to be universally relevant. Still, it is the
children
most common and enduring form of family because by
3. Based on residence, it can be:
nature, it is responsible for certain roles central to the
○ matrilocal,​ when a couple lives together
proper functioning of society. Part of a larger system of
in the wife’s house
structure such as the church, the state and the economy,
■ matrilineal family based on the
it plays a significant function without which the whole
ancestors of their mother
structure of society would likely collapse.
■ matriarchal family when the
mother is the head of the family Emerging issues and changes on the nature of marriage
and authority is vested on her
and the family
○ patrilocal,​ when the family lives in the
● there are emerging issues and the changes on
husband’s house; children can both
the nature of marriage and the family over the
have a
past several years
■ patrilineal family according to
● rapid social change which weakens traditional
their father’s descent
values, moral and religious beliefs greatly affect
■ patriarchal family when the the basic structure or functions of marriage and
father is the head of the family
family life
and is superior in authority;
● the Filipino family is trapped between the forces
most often matriarchal families
of traditional living and modern lifestyle
are also matrilineal and
● new set of values and new life-styles influence
matrilocal while patriarchal
the weakening of the life-long commitment in
families are patrilineal and
marriage, that eventually cripples the stability of
patrilocal family life
4. Classified according to structure, families can be
nuclear or extended:
From the functionalist perspective, family is integral to the
○ a ​nuclear family is composed of the
functioning of the whole social body. This has to be
father, the mother and their own children
understood in the same way the heart is a functional
and lives apart from the control of their
prerequisite of the human body. Using the same principle,
parental ancestors; in all modern
the family is seen as a functional prerequisite of the social
societies, nuclear family is the most
body without which it would fail to function properly.
common type of family
Based on the functional theory, the family performs at
○ an ​extended family is constituted of least four central functions: the regulation of sexuality,
three generations, living together under
responsible procreation, development of socialization
the same roof, sharing the same kitchen
skills and promotion of economic cooperation, all serving
and economic expenses; it is a family
an instrumental purpose for the development of the
consisting of three nuclear families living
larger social structure.
together
Functions of the Family
In modern and contemporary times, different forms of ● Since the family is considered as the foundation
families are emerging. Trends in family patterns will show
of society, it performs several important
that the family had evolved from the extended to nuclear
functions, such as:
 a. regulation of sexuality proper care they need in order to grow as
b. responsible procreation individuals; this includes as well the provision of
c. socialization basic needs to the family such as food, clothing
d. economic cooperation and shelter; and the satisfaction of psychological
needs such as love, care and a sense of identity
Regulation of sexuality and belongingness
● the conjugal act in the theological term is realized
in a truly human way only if it is essential part of Familiaris Consortio (No. 14) While procreation is not the
the love by which man and woman commit only purpose of marriage, it is one of the benefits that can
themselves totally to one another until death result from marriage
● In Genesis 1:28, procreation in marriage is
Extramarital sexual intercourse is unacceptable, sinful perceives as cooperation with the God of love
● no other forms of sexual pleasure should be and so must be exercised with responsibility,
allowed or accepted, but only that which is within prudence and unselfishness
the genuine joy of love between man and woman
who are married In begetting life, husband and wife fulfill one of the
highest dimensions of the Christian calling, which is to
Regulation of sexuality become God’s co-worker and co-creator. -> Responsible
● it is the context of the family that sexula roles and cooperation with God in the order of human sexuality
norms are defined; the family determines the cannot be reduced to the concept of fertility. Procreation
valid and permissible relationships that can be of children cannot be ignored. -> Children are a gift that
exercised within the family; one universal God gives man and woman united in marriage.
regulation is incest which is considered taboo, a
cultural norm forbidding sexual relations or Development of primary socialization
marriage among kin; incest is unacceptable ● the family is the place where children learn how
because legitimate sexuality is restricted alone to to learn how to interact with other people while
spouses; when this is violated, it most often acquiring the formal and informal norms of social
results in conflict and chaos within the family; this interaction in the process; parenting basically
is also necessary for it allows people to marry involves instructing children on general concepts
outside their immediate families, extending the of right and wrong explaining the appropriate
family alliances with other families behavior in various social situations; the personal
interaction between parents and children
The purpose of the conjugal act is to express the mutual provides the intimacy necessary in transmitting
love and respect of husband and wife, and to deepen theses social rules and norms
their intimacy. Its end is to unite and procreate (Gen.
4:1-2) Summary
● the Catholic Church teaches the sex within ● the family is the original cell of social life
marriage is both a physical and a spiritual act ● the family is the community in which, from
● the integrity of human sexuality and the childhood, once an learn moral values, begin to
procreative, relational and erotic dimensions, honor God and make good use of freedom
require the right context in which sexuality can be ● family life is an initiation into life in society (CCC
honored 2207)
● conjugal act must be considered a sacred and ● the family is the cradle of life and love where they
holy act are born and grow
● the family has a crucial role in society by being a
In John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” there is sexual model of love for their children
complementarity between the husband and the wife. This
complementarity enables them to ‘give’ themselves to Promotion of economic cooperation
one another and to ‘receive’ one another and to carry out ● families are in themselves economic units
responsibilities as spouses and parents. From the day because they contribute to the production and
they give and receive their consent in marriage, they allocation of basic goods and services necessary
freely give themselves a new identity as husband and for their well-being and that of society; by living i
wife, spouses. This must be freely done by the man and a community, goods can be commonly shared
the woman. They commit themselves to one another increasing the economic resources of the family
throughout their entire married life. And they must freely for just and equitable distribution; the unity of
choose to engage in the conjugal act. The marital act material resources assures the proper
honors the unitive meaning of human sexuality. This act functioning of the whole household; household
is their willingness to cooperate with God and be open to also bring the advantages of specialization;
procreation, welcoming life with open arms, raise the child household can be more productive if members
and educate him/her in the love of service of God and specialize in particular production tasks, or
neighbor. possibly if one member specializes in market
production and one in home production
Responsible Procreation
● basic to the function of the family is the process The progress of our society depends completely on how
of procreation which refers to the biological strong the families are
transmission of life; it facilitates procreation since ● if good values such as kindness, generosity,
marriage provides the institutional arrangement honesty and the like, could be practiced in every
through which not only sexual loyalty between family life, this will result in having a tolerant,
spouses is assured, it also provides the proper self-giving, fair and just society as an outcome
environment through which children receive the
Parents must see to it that they guide their children in The web of relationships that the family generates
order to bring them up in the spirit of Christian maturity provides the key component of the “social capital”
● if the family is dysfunctional and unhealthy, the necessary for the proper functioning of civil societies.
whole society will be dysfunctional and unhealthy Relationships within the family serve as the mechanism
as well whereby members learn and acquire virtues like
generosity, self-sacrifice, trust and self-discipline which
positively contribute to the well-being of social life. When
marriage breaks down and becomes widespread, society
POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE is affected by a host of social problems, and these can
FAMILY include increased poverty, crime and drug abuse.

Finally, the human and social capital provided by the

What are the advantages and thd positive contribution of
family also contributes to the development of the nation’s
marriage-based families in society? What are the
economy. The continuous provision and generation of
disadvantages of entering in cohabitation relationships? productive workers and taxpayers that the family provides
is a key ingredient in the growth of the national economy.
The benefits of marriage and family cannot be
Societies, therefore, with aging populations and low birth
overemphasized. They confer essential benefits for the
rates can be imperiled should there be a decline in the
well-being of the husband and the wife, their children, and
population of families. Intact families likewise contribute to
ultimately for the good of the greater society.
the stability of the state and can improve the total
well-being of civil societies by diminishing the cost spent
Kelly Musick and Larry Bumpass claim that traditional normally for: State-control and other bureaucratic social
marriage-based families are far more beneficial in
agencies, especially when social disorder increases.
maintaining the well-being of the family concerned with
non-marital relationships such as those living in
From the Church’s perspective, the positive contribution
cohabitation relationships,
of marriage-based families originates fro the fact that it is
part of God’s overall plan for humanity. God, being the
This is mainly due to the institutional character of
author of marriage endowed it with various benefits and
marriage which provides the normative and legal
purpose, assuring its stability.
structure that specifies rights, responsibilities and
standards of appropriate behavior for both husband and
1. Marriage has an institutional character based on
wife together with their children.
the mutual consent and conjugal love between
spouses which is total, exclusive and permanent.
Marital roles facilitate interaction between spouses by
This definitive commitment serves as a
offering guidelines about how to be a good wife or
guarantee that the relationship among family
husband. Because responsibilities are defined, marriage
members are also marked by a sense of justice,
enables the husband and the wife to develop moral and
of mutual rights and duties.
personal discipline which contributes to a stable domestic 2. Because marriage is at the same a sacrament, it
life within the family ensuring the mutual support and
is a sign and instrument of grace. The covenant
stability needed for the total well-being of the family.
love between husband and wife makes visible
the spousal love of Christ for the Church
The family environment provided by marriage allows
revealing the fullest meaning and truth of what
children to grow, mature and flourish. Specifically, the
marriage is, a permanent sign of God’s love for
married family satisfies the children’s need to know their
humanity in his Son Jesus Christ whose love
biological origins which connect them to both a mother gives himself as the Savior of humanity. The
and a father. It also establishes a framework of love for
sacramental grace gives to Christian couples and
nurturing them which includes providing them their
parents a power and a commitment to live their
education and personal development and supporting their
vocation as lay people and therefore to ‘seek the
identity as they learn to move about the larger world.
kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs
and by ordering them according to the plan of
Moreover, Brown attributes the well-being of children to
God.
the economic resources, parental socialization and 3. Together with the couple, the whole family as
stability that a married family provides. Economic
well is called to be a sign of unity for the world
resources of spouses assure the economic well-being of
and to exercise its prophetic role by bearing
the whole family which has a direct influence on the
witness to the kingdom and peace of Christ. The
well-being of children and facilitates effective family
Christian family is more than a social, political or
functioning.
economic entry, it is a “Domestic Church”.
(Kingly - to serve; Prophetic - right conduct and
Parental socialization provides children with warmth and
be God fearing individuals; Priestly - readily
affection as well as the discipline necessary for the
sacrifice itself to lead the family to God)
guidance of children towards exercising the right 4. By constructing daily a network of interpersonal
behavior. Juveniles who are strongly attached to their
relationships, both internal and external, the
parents are more likely to care about normative
family is also “the first and irreplaceable school of
expectations of parents which protect them against
social life and a stimulus for the broader
delinquent impulses. The stability of the family prevents
community relationships marked by respect,
family conflict and disruption, enabling children to have a
justice, dialogue and love.” These relationships
stress-free environment where they can live more in
serve as building blocks towards a more solid
harmony and well-being family nucleus which becomes a concrete and
decisive resource in enhancing the quality of life
in society and in the Church
In Amoris Laetitia, this role of the family as educators is nurturing of their individual strengths and
explained further in the following specific topics: interests.
1. Family as the first school of human values (AL 3. Commitment to the family especially when it is
274-279) threaten by external forces such as pressure
2. Family as the primary place where we can learn from work. Members know how to prioritize the
the responsible exercise of sexuality (AL family’s well-being.
280-286) 4. A religious and spiritual orientation​, not
3. Family as the place where faith can be necessarily church attendance, but awareness
transmitted (AL 287-288) and practice of moral and social values. (Prayer
4. Family as agent of pastoral activity (AL 290) is very important)
5. A family’s ability to adapt to stressful and
With the positive contribution of marriage and family in potentially damaging events and predictable life
the life of both the Church and society, the Church cycle changes. Strong families are those with the
believes that the State as much as possible should ability to absorb stress and cope without
promote legislations that strengthen monogamous compromising their mental health. They are also
marriages as the only authentic form of family. Public flexible in changing the power structure, roles
authorities must try to ensure that public opinion is not led and rules if necessary.
to undervalue the institutional importance of marriage and 6. They are not isolated; they are socially
family. connected to the wider society. This can be
measured in terms of availability of external
resources in terms of friends, family and
neighbors as well as participation in community
FAMILY AS A DOMESTIC CHURCH organization.
7. Clear roles and responsibilities within the family
Holy Trinity - template of the family; template of the kind so that consequently in the face of crisis and
of relationship a family should have problems members know their respective roles.
8. Spending quality time together and making sure
What is a healthy family for you? What is the Church’s that they make themselves available as much as
vision of family? possible for the family.
● Christian family should reflect the relationship
between God the son, God the Father and God The family is an important gift that God has endowed man
the Holy Spirit; there should be love, faith and and the whole of humanity. ​→ It is a community of grace.
hope for each other → The family is a place of encounter with Christ within
● Connect it to the domestic church idea of a the community especially when members are actively
Christian family participating in the mission of Christ entrusted to the
Church.
According to studies, victims suffer from depression,
self-mutilation, suicidal tendencies and are left with a The Second Vatican Council
stigma for the rest of their lives. Victimized adults tend to ● the family is the “Ecclesia Domestica”. It is the
attempt escaping their past pain and trauma by practicing bosom of the family that parents are by word and
more destructive behavior such as alcoholism, drug example, the first heralds of the faith with regard
abuse or are forced to repeat the mistreatment that was to their children.
done to them. They also have difficulties in forming and
sustaining friendly relationships, keeping a positive Every home is called to become a domestic church in
self-esteem and struggle in trusting others. (e.g. abortion which family life is completely centered on the Lordship of
- they are the ones violating the values; we have to be Christ wherein the love of husband and wife mirrors the
aware of these realities so that when we create our own mystery of Christ’s love for the church, his bride.
families we’ll try to avoid them)
Families are expected to be effective bearers of the
Families are not expected to be perfect nor ideal. Gospel in their community, They should be witnesses as
However, it is very important that they are spaces where domestic churches (AL 200).
members feel safe, valued, respected and loved because
a healthy family contributes to the positive development The Christian family participates in the threefold mission
and human growth of each member. When children could of Jesus Christ, the prophetic, priestly and kingly mission.
count on their caregivers to consistently meet both their → The family must be believing and evangelizing
physical needs (food, shelter, protecting them from community. Its members must actively participate in the
physical abuse or harm) and their emotional needs (being liturgical and sacramental celebration of the church. ​→
sensitive to their feelings, comforting them when they are The members of the family must become witnesses of
distressed), they become secure and better individuals Christ’s love in their day to day life. They should be
with a healthy sense of self-esteem. involved in the mission of the Church.

In a research about what it means to be a healthy and Family is the original cell of life.
successful family, findings reveal that it is characterized
by the following indicators: In ​Familiaris Consortio​, Pope John Paul II identified what
1. Presence of effective communication patterns it means to be a Christian family. He identified four tasks
which are clear, open and frequently. Family that are called to fulfill:
members talk to each other often and when they 1. to form a community of persons
do, they are honest and open with each other. 2. to serve life
2. Appreciation for all members of the family 3. to participate in the development of society
particularly encouragement, support and
 4. to participate in the Church’s mission of Agent for Social Development
evangelization ● The family being the basic unit of society plays a
significant role in social development. Being the
Following the thought of Pope John Paul II, the Christian foundation, it is from the family that people are
family can do this by being the following: born and within the family they are first
● agent of unit (seat of communion) humanized and socialized by learning the basic
● agent of life (sanctuary of life) values such as love, respect and justice. These
● agent for social development values, when lived in concrete relationships
● agent of evangelization whether in the family, business or politics, can
help transform the modern process of
Agent of Unity development towards becoming more
● As agent of unity, the primary task of the family is human-centered than wealth- and
to be the seat of communion established through materially-centered.
the principle of mutual love between spouses
and their children. Being the first social Following the thought of Pope John II, Anderson identifies
community, the proper way to exist and live the Trinitarian structure of communions as a theological
together is by living in communion, the end of basis for the social and solidarity dimension of the family.
which is acceptance and love for each person. Just as the Trinitarian God is a communion of persons,
the human person based on his nature as created
The family as a community of persons is primarily built according to God’s image, is also called to live in
upon the conjugal communion of husband and wife. This communion with others. → ​ When we act therefore in
unity, being covenant and a sacrament by nature, is solidarity and communion with our neighbors, we make
expected to be absolute, total, faithful and indissoluble visible the solidarity and communion that exists within the
reflecting the love of Christ for his Spouse, the Church. Trinitarian mystery. Man also makes possible the building
of civilization of love which is a most necessary fulfillment
As a unity of two, the husband and the wife are called to of humanity.
live in communion of love and to mirror the love of the
Trinity in the world. Fatherhood and motherhood share a In ​Familiaris Consortio,​ Pope John Paul II cites that the
specific participation in the mystery of the Trinity. Being fundamental contribution of the family in the development
such, the family is therefore given the task “to live, guard, of society is the promotion of an authentic communion
reveal and communicate love” as a living reflection of between persons within the family. By living in
God who is love and who is communion within the love communion, members learn to exercise the virtue of
that exists between persons. ​FC, 21​. justice and solidarity where not only the dignity of the
human person is given importance but the good of the
The manner by which the family reflects this love to view whole community is promoted as well. This very
and treat each member of the family as a human person experience of communion and sharing within the family
created according to God’s image and destined to reach can therefore serve as a stimulus for broader community
the fullness of Christ which is the true and original image relationships. From this perspective, families can
of God. influence the shaping of a community order characterized
by justice and solidarity.
Agent of Life
● As Agent of Life, the family is called to bet at the Another social value of the family is its capacity to
service of life which implies that the identity of strengthen the link between the past generations and the
marriage as communio personarum reaches its present. In a society that is becoming more individualistic,
fullness when both husband and wife dispose the family is the privileged place for safeguarding the
themselves for the transmission of human life. spots of cultural traditions that have been for the longest
The revealing sign of authentic married love is time a heritage for the society. It is from the family that
openness to life​. In marriage, the mutual people create a memory by sharing affection, living and
self-giving of husband and wife reaches its forging a dream together. In a sense family provides the
totality when they become ​“cooperators with God both individual and community a source of identity and
for giving life to a new human person.” history.
● In this process of procreation, the human person
is not simply a fruit of some inevitable necessity Families can also contribute to development by being
or chance, neither is he the result merely of the agents of economic life. They can provide both the
impersonal, mechanical working of purely human and professional resources through which
material natural laws. Male and female sexuality production of goods and services can be facilitated for the
is ultimately ordered for fatherhood and common good of the larger society. It is also from this
motherhood where God himself is intimately perspective that families can influence the shaping of a
present and is the source of that image and social and ethical order by exercising the value of work in
likeness proper to the human being as it was the spirit of service and integrity.
received in creation. So when in the universe a
human being appears, someone who appears Finally, other than just being objects of political action,
who is destined for immediate and direct families can also participate in political processes by
communication with God. God wills this person being actively involved in supporting and positively
into existence (Pontifical Council of the Family, defending the rights and duties of the family. In this way,
The Truth About Human Sexuality, Guidelines for they become protagonists in assuming the responsibility
Education of the Family, Manila: Daughters of St. towards the transformation of society.
Paul 1996, 15)
Agent of Evangelization where the process of human life begins and develops.
● The family in its unique role as a community of According to her, the family can be the key towards
life and love also partakes in the Church’s concretizing a consistent life-esthetics both in the Church
mission of evangelization. Being grafted into the and society.
mystery of the Church, by virtue of the
Sacrament of Baptism and the Sacrament of
Matrimony, husband and wife are called in a
specific way to be witnesses of the Trinitarian BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING OF
love as a reflection of their conjugal love.
MARRIAGE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
The mission of the family originates from the Trinitarian
Bible has 3 Dimensions
love, the faithful expression of which has been revealed in
1. The bible is historical - the bible coming from the
history and entrusted for the proclamation of the Church.
word tabiblia; the compilation, composed of
FC, 49​.
different books
2. The bible is the theological truth - God is the
The family expresses this mission in a very specific way
creator of everything
as a Domestic Church which is a privileged place for
3. The bible is the literary truth
fulfilling the mission of the wider Church, the vocation of
the husband and the wife is to be their conjugal and
Historical Books
family life, a credible and significant sign of the love of
● Exodus - commemorate the passover
God for humanity and of Christ for the Church.
● Kings
● Joshua
Vives claims that when married couples realise their true
vocation as a sacrament of love and live it in fullness,
solas scriptura - the bible alone
their union reflects the unity of the Divine Trinity and they
indeed become authentic witnesses of the Gospel. In
Should men or women be given bigger roles in the
such case, the family in itself become an agent for true
married relationship? Why or why not?
human development and can participate authentically in
● the fall of man is the reason why the plan of
the Church’s mission of evangelization.
creation got broken
By being a sign of God’s love for humanity, the
Are men and women created equal? Why or why not?
missionary task of the Christian families does not only
Does this affect their relationship to each other especially
remain within the confines of its own home, but it must be
in marriage?
able to extend its communion with other communities as
well. The Christian family is therefore called to reach out
What are the instances where men and women are
and build welcoming and inclusive communities. This is
clearly unequal in their relationships?
the manner through which the family is able to concretize
solidarity and practice hospitality.
Is equality really needed in the married relationship? How
does it affect the couple?
If the family is a school of intimacy, empathy and love,
then the family as Domestic Church practices this virtue in
Biblical Perspective of Marriage: Marriage in Creation
consideration to the least of Christ’s brethren. To be one
● The gift of marriage, both as social institution and
in the family of Christ is to welcome compassionately
as a sacrament, traces its origins in the Book of
those who are suffering within our reach. The family
manifests this compassion when members feel each Genesis - as willed by God in the very act of
creation. This enacts God’s plan of including
other’s pain, resonate with each other’s sorrow and strive
marriage in the very center of the - Creation, Fall
to lighten each other’s burden. Learning to be empathetic
and Redemption of man
with one another enables the family to reach out with
compassion to the homeless, the oppressed and the
The Lord God said: It is not good for man to be alone. I
afflicted in the wider human family.
will make him a suitable partner. The man gave names to
Finally, as Domestic Church, the Christian family reflects all the cattle, all the birds of the air and all the wild
animals; but none proved to be the suitable partner for
the contemplative and prophetic nature of the Church.
man. So the Lord God cast a deep sleep on the man and
Being contemplative, the Christian family is called to
while was asleep, He took out one of man’s ribs and
engage in dialogue with God through prayer and the
closed up its place with flesh.
celebration of the sacraments. By being prophetic, it is
challenged to advance the kingdom of God by serving the
The Lord God then built up into a woman the rib He had
cause of truth, justice and peacemaking.
taken from the man. When He brought her to the man,
the man said: This one, at last is bone of my bones and
For example, in a context where there is a prevailing
culture of death, Pope John Paul II, challenged families to flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called woman for out
her man this one has been taken. That is why man leaves
be promoters of the culture of life. Gomez specifically
his father and mother and clings to his wife and the two of
affirmed this role. He supports what John Paul II declares
them become one body. -Gen. 2:18; 20-25
in ​Evangelium Vitae,​ that the role of the family in building
a culture of life is decisive and irreplaceable. They can
It is worth noting that of all the things in creation where
indeed be prophetic when in the family life in all its stages
God has declared good, the being alone of man was the
and aspects is safeguarded and protected.
sole exemption from the regard of God. This - solitude of
man implies two meanings: first, is man’s very nature
Bourg affirms that it is in this aspect that the family has a
great missionary potential being the primary community
[male and female] while the second is derived from the can also see women as supposed to be seen in the
male-female relationship. married relationship and in society. (emphasize the
equality of genders - theological truth; creation story
The aloneness’ of man necessitated the creation of the should be emphasize the theological truth that man and
woman. This creation of man and woman provides the woman were created in dignity; complementarity - highest
source of equality for both, forming an indivisible union form of union is marriage; man cannot conceive)
with each other.
With regard to the authority between the husband and
When God removed a rib from Adam, He did more than wife relationship, many would think that since the Israelite
just create another human being. He created a woman society followed a patriarchal framework, it would follow
with the same structure of genes, blood type, DNA and that the husband is the master or the owner of the family
physical characteristics. He created kinfolk. God’s and of his wife’s person as well. This belief, framed under
existence is eternal kinship. the title of the husband: -ba “al” focuses more on the
procreative responsibilities of the wife in the marriage.
God’s image and likeness would be an earthly kingship;
man’s kingship would be dependent on that kinship. Man In ancient Jewish marriage, once the wife becomes a
was created family. Trinity and Family are divinely the mother, the role of motherhood becomes a patent of
same. God is a family (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Man nobility for the woman where she acquires a place in the
is a family (father, mother, child). family as well as a share in the authority of the husband
over the children. And even though the authority of the
With the knowledge of kinship as a purpose for removing father supersedes those of the mother in regards to the
a rib from man in the creation of woman, this presents a welfare of the family, the father and mother are still
strong and indissoluble bond that is present between man mentioned together and given the same manner of
and woman. respect by the children.

This recognition of kinship and gift of self between man Taking into account the story of the woman’s creation
and woman is encapsulated by the exclamation of man wherein prior to the woman being created, man was
upon meeting the woman: This is now bone of my bones tasked by the almighty to “name every beast of the field
and flesh! With the declaration that they are forever and every bird of the air” and look for a “suitable” mate.
bound, man forms a covenant with woman which results As previously discussed, naming in ancient tradition
in - man loving his father and mother to be with the implies ownership over the person or object being named.
woman and they become one flesh. Which in turn implies an owner and owned relationship
wherein there is no equal stature.
Marriage is rooted by the Creation by Yahweh, the union
of man and woman was protected by the laws that Gomer - name of prostitute woman married by Jeremiah
governed the early Israelite society and is intertwined with
its history. Marriage and family, in ancient Jewish The failure of man finding a suitable mate and God
practice, have been one of the defining institutions of proceeding to create woman afterwards and presenting
Judaism for almost a thousand years. her to man shows that woman is not a being named by
man, owned and subservient to man, but rather a being
Since the Israelites give high regard to kinship, the equal to man created by God from man, two halves of a
choosing of a wife by either the parents or the groom whole, not just a mere, perfect biological compatible
himself usually is influenced by relationships with family mate, but also a partner for man who shares kinship with
and the welfare of the tribe. man in his life.

In choosing an ideal woman, the book of Proverbs The Church reaffirms this kinship of man and woman and
presents an image of an ideal woman. teaches that inherently different, they were made so by
God and it is in this difference that they complement each
The stages of the Jewish marriage in the Old Testament other.
consisted of
1. a ​contract or bethrot stage,​ in which the terms of This complementarity, this kinship, is solidified in the
responsibility and payment were determined; the “matrimonial covenant” that the man and woman
stage consists of the wedding dowry or establish between themselves wherein the covenant
engagement gift which was usually offered by the made and upheld by them encompasses the entirety of
bride’s father. their relationship as husband and wife which also
2. the ​consummation stage also known as the includes their agreement in adhering to the natural order
chuppah stage, wherein the bride and groom of marriage.
would consummate their union in the chuppah, or
bridal chamber; and lastly, Marriage in the Old Testament mirrors the marriage of
3. the ​seven blessings and the marriage supper​, Israel with Yahweh.
which includes seven days of feasting as a
celebration of the marriage while the seven This marriage between Yahweh and Israel presents God
blessings were recited over the couple. as the compassionate and patient husband who loves his
wife even in the times of great conflict and aggravation.
Although it is true that the Bible does contain illustrations He maintains His steadfastness in His covenant with His
wherein women are depicted as second class citizens people despite their many flaws and abuses.
and men tend to be the sole head of the family, it is easy
to use such illustrations for one’w own benefit and With the unfaithfulness of Israel in contrast to the
misconstrue the message they want to convey. On the steadfast of Yahweh, the prophet Jeremiah recognizes
other hand, if one is to look further in the Scriptures, one this adultery of Israel and calls for a journey of a
penitence, reconciliation and renewal of the broken bond the event that the wife did not produce an
between them and God. This renewed relationship is offspring, particularly a son, before the husband
exemplified in the introduction of a new covenant made passes away. If no sibling, the mother should
by Yahweh. produce a son. If the mother cannot conceive,
the cousins or uncles that does not have a wife
Jeremiah also employed God’s falling in love with His should be the one married.
people for he was loyal in His love to His people. The ● concubinage
people went after other lovers and made sacrifices to ● divorce
other gods. Jeremiah, nevertheless, felt that love was the ● polygamy
very foundation stone for the idea of Covenant. God
alone was Divine, Husband and Protector, and Israel was Theological Truth
exclusively his. ● marriage and family should be a reflection of the
communion of God the Father, God the Son and
Bible was written by the history of the Israellite people. God the Holy Spirit
When they experienced their history, when they
transferred their history to the new generations, basically
they all colored those activities, they are all colored with
religious experience. BAR is an important word for the BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING OF
Jews because after all our Christian faith is rooted in the MARRIAGE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Jewish faith. It is referring to experiences of the Israellite
people, not ordinary experience. They are experiences
that are well thought off, they tried to reflect on it. Should Divorce be accepted as an option for married
couples in the Philippines?
Dimensions: historical (4 gospels, acts of the apostles,
The New Testament is the completion of the Old
letters of Peter, epistles of St. Paul), literary (songs,
Testament. The Old Testament should not be obsolete.
proverbs, ecclesiastes in OT; Revelation in NT, John’s
You can only understand the New Testament if you
gospel was literary but based on experience can also be
understand the Old Testament. The promise and
historical), theological (written for our salvation)
configuration is in the Old Testament.
Read the OT in view of the NT. Interreligious dialogue
Matthew 19: 1-12
movement allowed the possibility of dialogue between
When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left
once antagonizing religions.
Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side
of the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he healed
Throne symbolizes authority and power.
them ​there. Some Pharisees came to him to test him.
They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for
Jesus performed his first miracle in the context of
any and every reason?” “Haven’t you read,” he replied,
marriage.
“that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and
female, and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his
St Thomas said that God created woman from the rib
father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two
because...
will become one flesh? ​So they are no longer two, but
● not in the head - so that the man will not rule
one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no
● not in the hand - so that not to be used by the
one separate.” “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses
man
command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce
● not in the feet - so that he will not be abused or
trumpled (e.g. kicking) and send her away? Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you
to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But
● rib is near the heart - it is natural for the man to
it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that
love a woman because it is near the heart
anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual
● rib is at the side - the man should not be superior
immorality, and marries another woman commits
or inferior from the woman, they should be
adultery.” The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation
partners and would be walking towards the
between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”
journey of marriage and family
Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but
only those to whom it has been given. ​For there are
Prositution is opposed by the followers of Jesus because
eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs
you treat the human person as an object and not as an
who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are
end. Human beings are not a means but an end.
those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the
Primary and secondary aspect of marriage - procreation
kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should
or offspring and unity of husband and wife
accept it.”
After the fall of man, the primary aspect of marriage was
The unity aspect of marriage can never be compromised.
given importance. If they cannot produce a first born son,
the wife or husband shall look for someone else; that son This is why the Catholic Church does not allow divorce.
Vocation came from the latin word “voco vocare” meaning
will still be considered the son of the legitimate wife. A
to call. There are some people who are born impotent
barren woman in the Old Testament is labeled as a curse,
and incapable with sexual intercourse which is necessary
may even be stoned to death. Only the husband can
for you to complete marriage and means for you to
decide for divorce. (e.g. Sarah offered her servant to
produce an offspring.They are not called to married life
Haggar) Iya Flores
but are called to single blessedness.
Contrary to the plan of God
Types of Vocation
● Levirate Law - this law obliges the succeeding
● married life
siblings to marry the wife of the first born son in
 ● single blessedness - Matthew 19:11 was living with another man. Jesus’ tenderness towards
● ordained/religious life - not impotent, capable of her and sympathy for her situation was realized in their
sexual intercourse but opted to forsake it for the encounter. The woman was not judged or ridiculed nor
sake of the kingdom of God (e.g. priests and cast abide by Jesus as a sinner, not worthy of salvation,
nuns) He never talked down to the woman nor talked to her in
ways that increased her pain rather the opposite. The
After reading Matthew 19:1-12, are the teachings of woman, the divorcee, was invited to partake in the “living
Jesus about divorce still relevant today? Why or why not? water”, which was she had been searching for and was
Is Divorce a better option in a deteriorating marriage? given the privilege of knowing the Messiah when Jesus
● In the Church, there is legal separation. The revealed himself to her.
constitution is influenced by the law of the
Church. Example is King Henry VIII, tried to Realizing the imminent need of couples who have
divorce his wife and remarry. This gospel separated as well as the tendency to enter into new
message is universal and absolute. relationships while still married, though separated, the
Church makes conscious and continuous efforts to help
Marriage in the Gospels such persons. This is cascaded to the pastors who are
● Like the Old Testament wherein marriage is the one who face this situation on a head on St. John
typically used to illustrate the relationship of Paul II. (Familiaris Consortio: The Christian Family in the
Yahweh to His people, so does the New Modern World, Catholic Truth Society 1981, no. 84)
Testament illustrate the union of Christ and the
Church, finally elevating marriage to its eternal “Pastors must know that, for the sake of truth, they are
state while still fully defending its original intent obliged to exercise careful discernment of situations,
● Marriage is where God will send His grace. There is in fact a difference between those who have
● The unity between Jesus and His Church are sincerely tried to save their first marriage and have been
one and their relationship is indisoluble. unjustly abandoned, and those who through their own
grave fault have destroyed a canonically valid marriage.
It is often taught that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Finally, there are those who have entered into a second
Covenant and if the covenant in the Old Testament union for the sake of the children’s upbringing, and who
includes marriage and mirrors the marriage of YahWeh are sometimes subjectively certain in conscience that
with His chosen people, then marriage finds fulfillment in their previous and irreparably destroyed marriage had
Jesus. In Christ, God brings back creation to its original never been valid.” -FC, no.84
unimpeded state. Christ in turn, fulfills marriage and
transforms it in the intended image and plan of God. The Pope calls for pastoral care for such individuals with
an awareness of the weight of mitigating circumstances
John the Baptist compared his role to that of the best man like psychological, historical and even biological “without
whose role is to assist the bridegroom (Jesus) in his detracting from evangelical ideal,” making room for the
ministry. John the Baptist serves as the link of the Old Lord’s mercy.
Testament prophetic era to the New Testament’s arrival
of the Messiah. Therefore, - in light of the OT where Israel Theological Truth from the woman from the well
is depicted as the bride of Yahweh, ‘the Baptist is ● the salvation that God brought us is universal
suggesting that Jesus is Israel’s awaited king and and not just for anyone else that is why He first
Messiah. John the Baptist’s role comes into focus as the - revealed himself to a Samaritan woman. Jesus
bridegroom’s friend who assists him in the completion of recognized the need for pastoral care. Mercy
the wedding. serves as the antidote to learn how to forgive.

Jesus used the metaphor of marriage in the parable of

the bridesmaids wherein the wise bridesmaids bring extra
oil for their lamps to help them wait for the coming of the THEOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING AND
bridegroom. In another instance, Jesus insinuates that He CHRISTIAN DIMENSIONS OF MARRIAGE
is the bridegroom.

The apostle Paul portrays marriage in the same light as Is sexual intimacy important in marriage?
the Gospels where he presents Jesus as the bridegroom
Can the couple forego of sex once they have children?
and humanity the bride. He teaches that like Christ,
husbands have to share the same love and affection to
The Theological Perspective on Marriage
their wives: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ
● Augustine, the bishop of Hippo in Africa, lived
loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her
from 354 to 430 AD. Before becoming a
holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the
well-known doctor of the Church, he was once a
word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church,
Manichean who believed that the body was
without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and
blameless.” created by evil and therefore also evil, though it
holds a certain amount of goodness. After he
converted to the Catholic Faith and his eventual
With regard to the teaching on divorce, through Matthew
election as the Bishop of Hippo, he wrote several
19:1-12 would seem that give no room for further
treatises on marriage wherein he defines the god
discussion, Jesus reminds us of another image in the
of marriage namely: f​ides, proles and
Gospel. This image is found in the Gospel of the woman
sacramentum - fidelity, procreation, and
at the well in John 4:4-26.
sacrament.
Upon reading the Gospel of John, one is introduced to the
Samaritan woman who had been married five times and
Fides or fidelity is the good of marriage whereby the lack of self-control. I say this as a concession,
couple remains faithful to each other as well as offer not as a command. I wish that all of you were as
mutual service to each other. Augustine wrote: - I am. But each of you has your own gift from
Furthermore, in performing their duty to each other, even God; one has this gift, another has that.” 1
if this is claimed somewhat excessively and without Corinthians 7-9
restraint, husband and wife have a duty of fidelity to each
other. First, the apostles recognizes the importance of sexual
intimacy in marriage when he mentioned the need of the
Even though ​fides weighs heavier than ​proles​, Augustine husband and wife to have sexual relations with each
notes that ​proles​, or procreation is the first and foremost other as a means of fulfilling their “marital duty”.
good of marriage because it necessitates the continuation
of humanity. This makes sex not just as the end result of the
relationship of the couple but also a binding factor in their
Sacramentum asserts the indissolubility of marriage as relationship as well. With this in mind, sex becomes not
well as the monogamous reality of the married only a part of the ​procreative end of marriage but also of
relationship. Augustine further explained that - entering the ​unitive end​ as well.
into the marriage contract is a matter of such sacredness
that it is not annulled by that separation. Augustine Second, Paul reminds us of Genesis that mentions man
affirms marriage as something which is so sacred that it and one becoming one body, Paul, reiterates this by
cannot be dissolved even by physical separation in as saying that both man and woman in married relationship
much as even if the couple no longer live together. have ownership over the sexuality and fertility of each
other. He acknowledges the natural sexual urges that
Aquinas believes that since man is a rational creature, he come within the relationship and reminds both couples to
can identify things that can make him happy and thus, always seek and be mindful of each other’s consent.
pursue them, seeing them as - ends and goods. He
believes that it cascades to marriage, giving it a certain Third, the apostle reminds couple ​not to deprive each
rational order, as a person is naturally inclined to choose other of this marital duty ​if only for a time since it is
certain ends, like procreation which in turn fosters the recognized in the first instance that sex is indeed an
preservation of humanity. intergal part of the married relationship.

The Procreative End of Marriage Augustine affirms Paul’s teaching when he stated:
● For Thomas Aquinas, the good of marriage ● “Not only do marriage people owe each other the
namely, ​proles does not merely pertain to the fidelity of sexual intercourse for the sake of
continuation of the species but rather, a more procreation. They also owe each other a sort of
meaningful one or as he would call ​bonum prolis​: mutual service for the sustaining of each other’s
the education of children: - First, as concerns its weakness, so that they may avoid illicit
principal end, which is the good of offspring: for intercourse. As a result, even if one of them
nature does not intend only their generation, but would prefer to adopt perpetual continence, it is
their ​upbringing​, and their advancement to the not permitted without the consent of the partner.
perfect stated of man as man, which is the state But while continence has greater merit, it is no
of virtue. sin to pay the conjugal debt; and although to
demand it beyond the need for procreation is a
The Unitive End forgivable fault, certainly fornication and adultery
● According to Aquinas, - marriage does not only are crimes that must be punished. Therefore, the
occur among men for the procreation and charity of marriage must be careful that, in
nurturing of children but also for the consortium seeking greater honor for itself, it does not incur
of a shared life for the sake of the sharing labors. a situation in which a spouse incurs damnation.”
● With the idea of - shared life in mind, Aquinas -Augustine, De bono coniugali 6-7
presents that the second end of marriage
supports the first end wherein the parents seek Thomas Aquinas, affirms the words of Augustine in his
to store up treasures for their children who are commentary on the First Epistle of the Corinthians:
their - common good. ● “Hence it should be noted that the conjugal act is
sometimes meritorious and without any mortal or
The apostle Paul gives insight regarding the role of sex in venial sin, as when it is directed to the good of
marriage that could help regarding sexless marriages: procreation and education of a child for the
● “Now for the matters you wrote about: 'It is good worship of God; for then it is an act of religion; or
for a man not to have sexual relations with a when it is performed for the sake of rendering the
woman.' But since sexual immorality is occurring, debt, it is an act of justice. But every virtuous act
each man should have sexual relations with his is meritorious, if it is performed with charity.
own wife, and each woman with her own
husband. The husband should fulfill his marital Dimensions of Marriage
duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her 1. Marriage as a Contract
husband. The wife does not have authority over 2. Marriage as a Covenant
her own body but yields it to her husband. In the 3. Marriage as a Sacrament
same way, the husband does not have authority 4. Marriage as a Vocation
over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not
deprive each other except perhaps by mutual Marriage as a Contract
consent and for a time, so that you may devote ● Marriage is a special contract of permanent
yourselves to prayer. Then come together again union between a man and a woman entered into
so that Satan will not tempt you because of your
 in accordance of the law for the establishment of
conjugal and family life.

Marriage as a Covenant
● Unlike a Contract which binds the couple to the
law and upon the agreed upon terms, Covenant
entails a deeper layer of trust, love and consent
between the couple. This covenant between
husband and wife mirror the covenant God made
with His people.

Marriage as a Sacrament
● Sacraments are sensible signs, instituted by
Christ which confer grace. Marriage becomes a
Sacrament through the mutual self giving and
acceptance of the couple which in turn reflects
the love of God to people around the couple.
They become a sacrament reminding people of
the presence of Christ. The one who instituted of
the sacrament of marriage.

Marriage as a Vocation
● Marriage is a call by God to join him in the
creative act of bringing new life into the world. It
is a call to also join God in being a steward, not
just a co creator but to also guide this new life
and affect goodness in the world,