Original scientific paper
FAITH AND THE MEANING OF CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE IN CRISIS
Anton Tamarut
Abstract
The faith and the meaning of the Christian marriage are in a mutual relationship of cause and effect. Without faith, the Christian marriage loses its meaning and sense, while the Christian marriage shows the vitality and the dynamics of faith, its true and genuine sense and meaning, final goal and purpose. The crisis of faith in this vital relationship is reflected in the crisis of the Christian marriage, i.e. the crisis of the meaning of the Christian marriage reflects the crisis of faith. The faith and the Christian marriage, which is founded and nurtured by faith, take place in relationships and unavoidable changes of life, they are not static, but dynamic and growing, always facing a crisis that needs a constant answer of conversion and renewal, with a permanent aspiration for a more profound and wholesome faith (Col 2,2). Therefore, the awakening of faith and the education of a mature faith is the most important part of the preparation for a Christian marriage.
Faith must be exposed as a gift and encounter, confidence and collaboration. The marriage is the vital space of the faith, permeated by the responsible, strong and tender love. In the pastoral care of the marriage, an important place should be given to the lifelong, persistent and creative education for the Church life, for without the true and genuine acceptance of the Church, without understanding of its true nature and its mission, the true and genuine meaning of the Christian marriage cannot be understood. What do we mean by “wedding in the church”? Do we consider only the material, sacral space of the church, or the living and spiritual community of faith? The Church, the mystical body of Christ? The answer to this question is crucial. Just as it is important that there is a Church with a family semblance, where the young spouses can easily find a home, and build their family from within as a house Church.
Keywords
faith; marriage; crisis; gift; grace; conversion; man – image of God; Church
Hrčak ID:
170068
URI
Publication date:
7.11.2016.
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