Shift of focus in pastoral theology

There is an almost unanimous agreement among Catholic theologians that the theology of the sacrament of marriage is undergoing a thorough review. Starting from the Middle Ages, Church thinking has been somewhat narrow and one-sided.

• Marriage was often given a predominantly juridical emphasis, with a heavy stress on marriage as contract, on impediments and on offspring as the main aim of marriage.
• In teaching imparted to the faithful, moralistic rather than spiritual aspects were stressed. Sexuality was seen as a danger, rather than as a gift. Fear of sin was inculcated, rather than ways of relating to one's partner.
• The ritual part of the wedding celebration stood in the limelight, with discussions on matter and form, minister and recipient, bans and other legal requirements.

A new pastoral theology of marriage will pay attention to other matters:

• the spirituality of conjugal life;
• the permanence of marriage as a sacrament throughout life;
• the presence of the Holy Spirit in the marriage relationship;
• the beauty and sacredness of sexual intimacy;
• the feminine contribution to married love and life.

"The intimate partnership of life and love which constitutes the married state has been established by the Creator .... Authentic married love is caught up into divine love...."

"Husband and wife are sanctified and consecrated for the duties and dignity of their state by a special sacrament."

"Husband and wife are penetrated by the Spirit of Christ and their whole life is suffused by faith, hope and charity."

Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes no 48.

Other related documents you might want to read:

• Project Description of THE EXTRA DIMENSION
• The State of Marriage in Europe
• Observations by married Catholics
• Elements in a Spirituality of Marriage

Link to our partners: the International Academy for Marriage Spirituality. Their email address is intams@skynet.be.

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