MARRIAGE ACROSS THE FIVE MAIN RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD:
CHRISTIANITY ISLAM HINDUISM BUDDHISM JUDAISM
Definition of Marriage
Malinowski: Contract for the production and maintenance of children Horton and Hunt: Approved social pattern whereby two or more persons establish a family
SYSTEM OF BETROTHAL
MARRIAGE RESTRICTIONS
Same-sex Child marriage Interfaith marriage
Polygamy Incest and other proscriptions
SEXUAL RELATIONS AND ADULTERY
DIVORCE
Christianity
System of Betrothal
Betrothal Proclamation of the Banns Consent Start of living together
Marriage Restrictions
Same-sex Child marriage Interfaith marriage Polygamy Restrictions based on relationship between the potential spouses
SEXUAL RELATIONS AND Adultery
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28)
divorce
Prohibition of divorce System of Annulment
ISLAM
System of Betrothal
Proposal Mahr Nikah Ceremony + Nikahnama
Marriage Restrictions
Same-sex Child marriage Interfaith marriage Polygamy Restrictions based on relationship between the potential spouses
Adultery
Considered a major sin Punishable by Rajm (stoning)
divorce
Talaq Khul Unilateral divorce (Sharia)
hinduism
System of Betrothal
Misri (ring ceremony) Wedding ceremony
Marriage Restrictions
Same-sex Child marriage Interfaith marriage Polygamy Restrictions based on relationship between the potential spouses
SEXUAL RELATIONS AND Adultery
Marriage and sex as a means for continuation Adultery viewed as a mortal sin
divorce
Hindu Civil Code permits divorce on certain grounds The religion (Hinduism) doesnt
buddhism
System of Betrothal
Khachang (visit to the brides house to seek approval) Nangchang (engagement ceremony)
Marriage Restrictions
Same-sex Child marriage Interfaith marriage Polygamy Restrictions based on relationship between the potential spouses
SEXUAL RELATIONS AND Adultery
Buddhism accepts sex as a necessity Those engaging in extra-marital sex are guilty of sexual misconduct
divorce
No law against divorce
judaism
System of Betrothal
Kiddushin (betrothal) Chupah (actual marriage)
Marriage Restrictions
Same-sex Child marriage Interfaith marriage Polygamy Restrictions based on relationship between the potential spouses
SEXUAL RELATIONS AND Adultery
Sex at the discretion of the wife Adultery occurs when woman has sex with a man not her husband Woman is then forbidden to husband and lover
divorce
Divorce can only be initiated by a man Consent of wife is required
References:
CHRISTIANITY: Pope Pius XI.(1930), Casti Connubii: On Chastity in Christian Marriage. Burke, C. (1999). Covenanted Happiness : Love and Commitment in Marriage. Hogan, R.M; Levoir, J.M.(1992). Covenant of Love: Pope John Paul II on Sexuality, Marriage, and Family in the Modern World ISLAM: http://www.witnesspioneer.org/vil/Books/SH_SL/islamic_law_regarding_divorce.htm http://www.witnesspioneer.org/vil/Books/SH_SL/islamic_law_regarding_marriage.htm http://www.ezsoftech.com/omm/handbook.asp HINDUISM: Shivendra Kumar Sinha (2008), Basics of Hinduism, Unicorn Books. Cappelletti Mauro, B.Kaplan(1983), International Encyclopedia of Comparative Law, Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.
References:
BUDDHISM: Harvey, P. (2000). An introduction to Buddhist Ethics. Cambridge University Press http://www.deaconministry.com/buddhism.htm http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/dhammananda/marriage.htm l#ch4 JUDAISM: Bulka, R. P. (1986). Jewish Marriage: A Halakhic Ethic. NY: Ktav Pub. Inc. Epstein, L. M. (2004). The Jewish Marriage Contract: A Study in the Status of the Woman in Jewish law. N.J.: Lawbook Exchange Lewittes, M. (1994). Jewish marriage: Rabbinic Law, Legend, and Custom. N.J.: Northvale.
