Marriage Rites & Expectations By Carlo Ammatuna, Woody Amidon, Ian Fletcher & Will Jopling

Views of Marriage Judaism- Companionship, love and intimacy are the primary purposes of marriage Christianity- Marriage is a Holy sacrament that is a permanent, life long promise between a man and woman Islam- Marriage is “mithaq” a solemn covenant, a religious duty, a moral safeguard, and social necessity

Premarital Sex in Judaism The Torah does not prohibit premarital sex between a man and woman who can legally marry However, traditional Judaism strongly condemns the irresponsibility of sex outside of marriage. Premarital sex is considered to be improper and immoral Jewish law prohibits an unmarried, unrelated man and woman from being alone long enough to have sexual relations. These laws come from the Talmud

Premarital Sex in Christianity Sex outside of marriage goes against the dignity of marriage The sexual act must take place exclusively within marriage 1st Corinthians 7:8-9 Outside of marriage it always constitutes a serious sin

Premarital Sex in Islam Supposed to guard your chastity A believer is defined in Surah 23 a believer is one who abstains from sex except with those joined to them in marriage bond (and sexual captives) Islam does not approve of intimate mixing of the sexes, forbids premarital sex Mary was a devout servant, she guarded her chastity Surah 21:91 & 66:12

Forbidden Marriage in Judaism & Christianity The Torah/ Old Testament forbids the marriage of close blood relatives the ex-wives of certain close blood relatives a woman who has not been validly divorced from her previous husband the daughter or granddaughter of his ex-wife the sister of his ex-wife during the ex-wife's life time

Forbidden Marriage in Islam Surah 4:23 says Cannot marry women against their will No marriage to close blood relatives Including aunts and uncles This does not forbid marriage to cousins Cannot marry one wives of your sons, fathers, women who are already married

Marriage of Non- Believers: Interfaith Marriage in Judaism Traditional Judaism does not permit interfaith marriages The more liberal branches of Judaism have tried to embrace intermarried couples Marriage to a non-Jew is not recognized as "marriage" in Jewish law

Marriage of Non- Believers: Interfaith Marriage in Christianity The fact that someone is an unbeliever is not a reason for not marrying, staying with them 1st Corinthians 7:12-14 The non believer becomes Holy through the believer

Marriage of Non- Believers: Interfaith Marriage in Islam Muslim men can marry non Muslim women With the understanding that she will convert to Islam eventually Muslim women cannot marry non Muslim men Some contradictions Surah 2:221

Marriage Ceremony in Judaism 20-30 minutes consists of the kiddushin and the nisuin Nisuin done under Chuppah Kiddushin- the woman accepts the money, contract or sexual relations offered by the prospective husband. comes from the root Qof-Dalet-Shin meaning "sanctified." Nisuin- Completes the process of marriage. The husband brings the wife into his home and they begin their married life together (from a word meaning "elevation")

Marriage Ceremony in Christianity Seating of the parents Bridal procession Wedding march Opening remarks The call to worship Opening Prayer Giving away of the bride Wedding vows, exchanging of the rings Communion The first act as a married couple The closing prayer The kiss and presentation of the couple

Marriage Ceremony in Islam Exchanging of peace A profession of faith A lot of readings about Allah regarding marriage State Allah as a witness to the marriage Bride and groom agree to dowry Both accept each other Sign contract of the marriage and dowry Two witnesses of the marriage sign the contract Followed by exchanging of rings More readings: about the meaning of marriage Congratulations

Equality in Marriage in Judaism Both parties must voluntarily agree on marriage Marriage must include Ketubah From the Hebrew verb “to write” A marriage contract

Equality in Marriage in Christianity Ephesians 5:22 Women are subordinate to husbands “Husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” Ephesians 5:28 Equality has progressed a lot over time

Equality in Marriage in Islam Husbands are the head of the family In terms of finance and decision making Surah 4: 34 suggests men take care of their wives but can also physically punish them Muslim men and woman are spiritually and intellectually equal Meaning of polygamy

Group Discussion Based on what we have talked about so far, discuss which religion comes closest to attaining equality in marriage and which is the furthest away?

Adultery In Judaism it is forbidden by the Ten Commandments In Christianity, still forbidden by Ten Commandments Jesus grants forgiveness John 8:1-11 In Islam, referred to as “Zina” Punishment is stoning to death (for women) Repent, Amend no punishment (for men)

Divorce Judaism has always accepted divorce Allowed by the words of Moses In Christianity divorce is very sinful It is the separation of one flesh that was conjoined by God and no human is able to break that bond In Islam divorce is permitted with a settlement between a man and the woman Not unfair to the woman financially Of all things permitted, most hateful to Allah

Worksheets Question 3 Based on the assigned Surahs, what does the Qur’an say about marriage of people who do not believe in Allah? What about marriage between Muslims and the “People of the Book” (Jews and Christians)?