STUDIES OF RELIGION FULL HSC CONTENT BY B.

MANN
ABORIGINAL SPIRITUALITY AND POST 1945 AUSTRALIA
Discuss how Aboriginal spirituality is determined by the dreaming:
Kinship
Ceremonial life
Obligations to the land and people
Aboriginal spirituality is the binding connection that an Aboriginal has to the land in which the land
and the person are partners. Aboriginal spirituality forms its basis on the dreaming, a concept that
forms the spiritual realms of Aboriginal life in regards to kinship, ceremonial life and obligations to
the land and the people.
The aspect of Kinship is the system of belonging for Aboriginals and their relationships within a
clan based on the dreaming. It connects an Aboriginal with ancestral spirits and the land such that
there is a greater spiritual meaning to their lives.
The ceremonial life of an Aborignal is an expression and communication of Aboriginal spirituality
through aspects such as art, story, dance and ceremoinies. The ceremonial life of an Aboriginal most
importantly lives out an Aboriginal's connection to the land and recognises the importance of the
dreaming, both of which form Aboriginal spirituality.
The obiligations to the land and the people form the spiritual link between Aboriginals and the land.
There is a strong spiritual connection such that Aboriginals are to care for the land and in return the
land will provide food, water and shelter for Aboriginals. Furthermore the land is the physical entity
through which Aborignal spirituality is lived, it is home to sacred sites and is the resting place of
ancestral spirits.
Discuss the continuing effect of dispossession on Aboriginal spiritualities in relation to:
separation from the land
separation from kinship groups
stolen generations
The effect of disposession was largely damaging to Aboriginal spirituality as it separated
Aboriginals from their land, separated kinship groups and separated Aboriginal children from their
families.
The land is the most important part of Aborginal spirituality as it is through the land that Aboriginal
spirituality is lived out. The dispossession of Aboriginals from their land meant that the
communication between the land and an Aboriginal was broken, rituals associated with the land
cannot be performed, Aboriginals lose connection to sacred sites and furthermore Aboriginals are
unable to fulfil their obligations to the land.
The separation of kinship groups had a deep found effect on Aboriginal spirituality in the breaking
up of Aboriginal clans. It saw the forceful removal of children from their families and Aboriginals
from their land. This was largely detrimental to Aboriginal spirituality as the separation of kinsbip
groups resulted in a dying out of Aboriginal language, beliefs and rituals as they could no longer be
expressed and passed down.

Dispossession also occurred in the form of the stolen generations movement in which Aboriginal
children were removed from their families and made to assmiliate into European society. The
effects of such actions were damaging for Aboriginal spirituality. Through removing children from
their families, Aboriginal culture was being destroyed as Children were no longer able to have
Aboriginal spirituality passed down on to them since they were removed from their kinship groups
and secondly they were not allowed to engage in any Aboriginal practices.
Outline the importance of the following for the Land Rights movement:
- Native Title
- Mabo
- Wik
Aboriginal land rights movement set out to give Aboriginals repossession of their land and the
Native Title act, Mabo & Others vs Queensland movement and Wik wik decision were largely
important in achieving such a feat. The Native Title act presented the basis as to why Aboriginals
should be given repossession of their land. It gave recognition that Aboriginal people who occupied
land that their families have lived on over hundreds of years are owners of that land, thus
Aboriginals were given right of access, use or occupation of the land. The Mabo & Others vs
Queensland movement was important in trying to abolish the notion of ' Tera Nullius', the very
notion that provided Europeans with reason to dispossess Aboriginals off their land. Although the
the total concept of Tera Nullius was not overturned the Mabo & Others vs Queensland movement
allowed for Aboriginals to make claims for vacant crown land and Native Title claims. The Wik
decision followed up on the Native Title Act and provided a greater opportunity for Aboriginals to
make Native Title claims. The Wik decision, importantly, established that pastoral leases did not
extinguish Native Title and the two can co-exst. As a result there was greater potential for
Aboriginals to make Native Title claims. In short one can say that the Native Title act, Mabo &
Others vs Queensland movement and the Wik decision created a window of opportunity that did not
exist before for Aboriginals to claim repossession of their land and thus re-establish their spiritual
ties with the land and its sacred sites.
Analyse the importance of the Dreaming for the Land Rights movement.
The importance of the Dreaming to Aboriginal people acted as the very basis for the land rights
movemnt. The land rights movmeent was based on giving Aboriginals repossession of the land as
Aboriginal dreaming is inextricably connected to the land. The land acts as the medium through
which the dreaming is lived out and forms the spiritual core of the Aboriginals. Furthermore the
land is home to Aboriginal ancestral spirits, sacred sites and is needed for Aboriginal rituals. Thus
the land rights movement seeked to repossess Aboriginals with their land as it recognised that due to
the dispossession of their land, the Aboriginals were unable to live out the dreaming and lost
spiritual connection to the land. The other aspect of the dreaming that formed an important part of
the land rights movement is that of kinship. In regards to kinship, the ancestors of Aboriginals have
lived on the land for thousands of years and this therefore means that the land belongs to the
Aboriginals and accordingly the land rights movement helped to restore owenership of the land
back to Aboriginals in that regard.
Outline changing patterns of religious adherence from 1945 to the present using census data
From 1945 to present there have been changing patterns in regards to:
There has been a greater influx of religions as a result of growing multiculturalism

 There has been a chang efrom a predominantly Christian Australia to one that is religiously
diverse
In regards to Christianity itself, certain denominations have seen increases in their total
composition while other decreases.
The religious composition of Australia has diversified as a result of:
Immigration post WWII
Immigratio post the Vietnam War
Abolishment of White Australia policy
In regards to Christianity:
There has been a steady decrease in the total percentage of Anglicans. As other religions and
Christian denominations have seen increases in their total composition, Anglicanism has
seen a decrease.
Catholocism's percentage composition has increased over the years especially as a result fof
the immigration post WWII which brought in a lot of Catholics into Australia.
Pentecostal adherents have increased as Pentecostal Churches are appealing as they break
away from traditional Christiann worship and fit into the modern day Australia.
Account for the present religious landscape in Australia in relation to:
Christianity as the major religious tradition
Immigration
Denominational switching
Rise of new age religions
Secularism
Christianity as the major religious tradition:
Christianity is still the major religious tradition in Australia
However ove the years its total composition has decreased in response to a rise in other
religions such as Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism.
Denominational switching:
Most common in people switching from Anglican Churches and people switching to
Pentecostal Churches
Catholicism has a high denominational loyalty
Rise in new age religions:

 There is a significant composition people adhering to new age religions.

New age religions have become an increasingly popular option as they fit into modern social
dynamics and base themselves on modern values and seek to fulfil the individual's needs.
Secularism:
The censuses over the years revela that there is a growing number of people pertaining to no
religion.
This is the result of society becoming increasingly modern in which:
- there is no political emphasis on religion
- people are independent and not reliant on religion in making decisions in their lievs
- people have no time for religion or simply are influenced by modern day science so they do not
believe in religion.
Describe the impact of Christian ecumenical movements in Australia
The National Council of Churches
NSW Ecumenical Council
Ecumenical movements:
Unite Christians and various Christian denominations
Create a platform for Christian denominations to work together.
Ensure Christianity is kept relavent in an increasingly secular Australia.
National Council of Churches:
The NCCA is an ecumenical body that aims to :
Unite Christian Churches and express the unity willed by Christ.
Unite Christian denominations in working, praying and growing together.
The National Council of Churches carries out a certain initiative known as 'the week of prayer'
which focuses on promoting unity among Churches and Christians. Over the week, Chrstians
meditate on important Christian teachings. The NCCA uses 'the week of prayer' to unite Christians
under a common bond, that is over teachings that are common to all Churches.
NSW Ecumenical Council:
The NSW Ecumenical Council seeks to promite ecumenism through:
Local initiatives: promote ecumenism on grass root levels
Social justice initiatives: Churches unite to work on social justice issues.
Educational initiatives: teach the next generation to maintain the spirit of ecumenism.

Evaluate the importance of interfaith dialogue in multifaith Australia:

Interfaith dialogue is essential for all religions to co-exist in a multifaith Australia. Australia is very
diverse and made up of people beloning to several religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam,
Buddhism, Sikhism and Judaism. Due to this diversity, interfaith dialogue needs to be initiated so
that the Australian population and its religions learn to accept one another and develop a mutual
understanding for the beliefs of other religions as this is the only way for such a religiously diverse
population to co-exist in peace and understanding.
The aspect of co-existing in peace and understanding is carried out by the interfaith initiative of
Harmony day, a day where Australians celebrate their cultural diversity. Harmony day bases itself
on Australians of different religions coming together under the bond of being Australians - they
celebrate what they have in common (i.e. being Australian) rather than focus on their differences in
religion. Furthermore on the basis of differences, Harmony day is also carried out as a recognition
of the Australian population's acceptance, respect and understanding of other religions. Essentially,
Harmony day is a reflection of the core values of interfaith dialogue as it recognises the aspects of
unity, co-existance, respect and mutual understanding between various religions, all of which are
important contributors to a peaceful and respectful relationship between adherents of different
religions.

JUDAISM:
Hassidim:
History:
Hassidim movement started in the 1700's and was founded by Baal Shem Tov.
The Hassidic movement came about at a time where there was severe poverty and poor
living conditions where many of the illiterate Jews were alienated from Judaism.
Main role of Hassidim:
Hassidim's role was to increase and better the understanding of the Jewish faith
To eliminate inequality and separation that was felt among many people such as the illiterate
that were alienated from Judaism, Hassidim expressed that everyone was equal before God
and thus allowed for all Jews to be a part of Judaism.
Contributions of Hassidim:
Hassidim created a new emphasis on Judaism and Jews connecting with their faith and God.
The illiterate and peasants felt less alienated and were made a part of Judaism through
Hassidim.
Hassidim reversed traditional teachings in the sense that:
- Study of the Torah is less important than purity of the heart
- Being truly good is more important than a scholarship
- An individual's relationship with God and prayer is more important than the study of the Torah and
strict observance of the law.
In summary of above points : Hassidim reversed traditional teaching in the sense that ones
individual relationship with life, the community and God is more important than study of the
Torah and strict observance of the law.
Hassidim was based on two maxims which encouraged Jewish behaviour, they are:
- God desires the heart: being truly good and pure of heart is more important than a scholarship, one
does not have to be educated in the Torah to reach God.
- The whole world is full of his (God) glory: God is in everything and you should see his beauty
everywhere.
Hassidim changed the way in which religious expression was carried out. It brought
joyfulness into worship, there were enjoyable, sung prayer services and drinking, dancing
and singing were all a means of moving closer to God.
Importance:
Hassidim was very important in reviving the Jewish faith at a time when it had become
difficult to practice or understand.
Hassidim was most important in allowing for the overworked, undereducated and outcast

Jews to be a part of Judaism as it had an inclusive not exclusive approach.

Hassidim allowed for Jewish adherents to be able to practice and live a traditional Jewish
life without having to have a deep comprehension of Jewish teachings. This therefore
encouraged more Jews to worship God and live the Jewish life.
Hassidim provided Jews with an alternative way of practicing their faith rather than the
mundane and strict way in place. Thuvis through Hassidim, Jews were able to practice their
faith in a more joyous and enjoyable manner in the form of songs, dance and stories.
Challenges to Jewish tradition:
Hassidim posed a challenge to Jewish tradition in the sense that it formed an alternative path
as to how Jews should worship God and practice their faith.
The worshipping of God and Jewish beliefs prior to Hassidim was a boring, mundane,
uninteresting and lengthy period of worshipping. Hassim encouraged Jews to worship the
faith in a more joyous manner through song, dance and stories and thus allowed for Jews to
have a more appealing method of worshipping.
Hassidim also challenged the importance of the Talmud in which it was regarded prior to
Hassidim that a deep found knowledge of the Talmud was necessary to be a part of the
Jewish faith. In Hassidim however the study of the Talmud was less important, an
individual's relationship with God and prayer were more important.

Jewish ethical teachings sexual ethics:

Ethics are a system of moral principles and Jewish ethical teachings are found on divinely
prescribed moral law, inscribed in the human heart and revealed in the Torah, Talmud and
Halacha.
Jewish sexual ethics is based on:
1. sexual relations
2. premarital sex
3. contraception
4. homosexuality
Sexual relations:
God saw what he had created and it was good, therefore since human sexuality is good.
It was God's word to 'Go forth and multiply' therefore sexual relations and reproduction is
God's will.
It is stated in the Torah that 'It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a fitting helper
for him.' It is God's purpose to establish a lasting companionship between man and woman.
Judaism views sexual expression as something that is positive and joyous, sex is regarded as
a mitzvah and thus is considered holy. Judaism however also strongly advocates against
aspects of sexual relations that degrade the holiness of the act.
Premarital sex:
In Judaism it is wrong to commit adultery and partake in sexual relations before marriage.

 Sex is not just about physical intimacy but a spiritual expression of love between a married
couple.
Sex is a stage of marriage, an act done in God's views of companionship between man and
woman in which they 'unite in one flesh'. Therefore sex outside of marriage is going against
God's word and is degrading of the divine meaning of sex.
Sex before marriage is also against God's word. Sex before marriage cheapens the divine
significance of sexual relations and undermines the holy act.
Contraception:
It is God's word in Genesis 1:28 to 'Be frutiful and multiply' therefore forms of
contraception go against God's word.
Jewish law traditionally opposes birth control or abortion when it is practiced for purely
selfish reasons.
Now moreover, Judaism is more concerned with the birth control method used, some
methods are not permitted as they destruct the seed. Discharging the semen in vein is also
prohibited.
In variants such as Reform Judaism, although birth control or abortion is opposed if it is for
selfish reasons, they have no problem with the use of condoms.
More traditional variants of Judaism also oppose the use of condoms.
Homosexuality:
Homosexuality is considered to by an abomination by the Torah and an act that degrades the
holiness of sexual relations.
Homosexuality is considered unacceptable in Judaism as it poses a threat to family life,
wastes the male seed and is detestable to put it short.
In regards to family life, a marital life is greatly undermined by a homosexual abondoning
their family responsiblities to pursue a homesexual relationship.
Homosexuality goes against God's word to 'be fruitful and multiply'. No children can result
from homosexual practices.
Furthermore it is detestable as it is considererd a severe sexual transgression and an act that
goes against Jewish ethical teachings.

Jewish marriage:
Describe one significant practice within Judaism drawn from: death and mourning, marriage,
synagogue services
Jewish marriage, the union of man and woman, is an integral facet of the lives of Jewish adherents.
The purpose of a Jewish marriage is to reunite two sundered souls and that man and woman are to
be fruitful and multiply. On the day of the marriage, both bride and groom fast to signifiy that
they are starting out on a new life and seek forgiveness for their past sins. The marriage is
conducted under the Chuppah, a canopy, which symbolises the first house the bride and groom will
have together. As part of the marriage, the groom places a ring on the bride and recites the
consecration in Hebew. The ring symbolises the bond between the bride and groom. The Ketubbah
(marriage contract) which must be written and signed is read out by the groom, it sets out the
responsibilities of the groom to his bride in marriage. It is followed by the singing of the seven
wedding blessings which link the bride and groom to God. It is important to note that the husband
smashes a glass under his foot such that even in joy the Jewish people remember the destruction of
the temple. The marriage ceremony is concluded through the Yichud in which the couple are
escorted to a private room for a short period of time, this signifies their status of husband and wife

and is the point at which they break their fast.

How Jewish marriage expresses the beliefs of Judaism:
The Jewish marriage ceremony is based on Jewish beliefs and contains rites which have rich layers
of symbolism that form an identification with the beliefs of Judaism.
The couple getting married is an expression of the beliefs of Judaism as the Chassan and
Kallah follow God's word that Man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to
his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
As a result of their marriage, the couple procreate as they be fruitful and multiply. This is
an expression of Jewish beliefs as it is required for a couple to have children and leave the
world no poorer when they die.
The Chuppah symbolises the marital home into which the groom will bring his bride. It
expresses on the basis of Jewish beliefs the centrality of the home in a Jewish marriage.
The Kettubah, marriage contract, reinforces the belief that marriage is a holy covenant.
Shevra Brachot, seven blessings, expresses the beliefs of Judaism as it praises God for the
creation of all things and links the couple to the creation story.
The breaking of the glass expresses the destruction of the temple, such that even in joy the
Jewish people remember the destruction of the temple.
Significance of marriage for the individual:
Marriage is the reunification of two sundered souls, thus marriage is significant for the
individual as it unites them with a life long partner as they follow God's word that man
shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall unite in one
flesh
It is a belief of Judaism that an individual must leave the world more enriched than they
were when they were born thus marriage allows them to fulfil this as it is through marriage
the individual procreates.
The day of the marriage acts as a personal yom kippur for the individual and is significant as
it allows them to be forgiven of past sins and start out a new life.
The Ketubbah (marriage contract) is significant for both husband and wife as it lays out the
husband's responsibilities to his wife in marriage, symbolises the life long commitment of
the husband to his wife and protects a woman in the unfortunate circumstances of divorce.
The Sheva Brachot (seven wedding blessings) is significant in reminding the groom and
bride of the importance of God, that he created them and brought them together.
Significance of marriage for the community:
Marriage is a time of rejoice for the Jewish community.
The community are an integral part of the marriage ceremony and are touched and affected
in seeing the marriage take place.
The fact that the married couple procreate helps continue the Jewish tradition and helps the
community grow.
The community takes high regard of the Ketubbah as it is an effort to reduce marital
problems and divorce.
The Sheva Brachot reminds the community of the importance of God and that they were all
created by God.
The breaking of the glass is significant in reminding the community that even in joy they
should remember the destruction of the temple.

CHRISTIANITY
Christianity:
Pope John XXIII:
Humanising role of the Pope:
Pope John XXIII brought pastoral emphasis into his position as Pope.
He was hailed as The people's Pope and seen as a father figure in the Christian world.
Pope John XXIII was a man of much love and compassion. He brought the church closer to
the people as he created a personal relationship with the people.
Pope John XXIII brought light to young men and encouraged them to uptake a religious life.
His humility was a major facet in the Church moving towards ecumenism.
Interfaith dialogue:
Pope John XXIII's intentions of ecumenism are mentioned in his encyclical 'Mater Et
Magistra' which centred on Christianity and social progress. In this encyclical he advocates
his hope that the denominations of Christianity may come together.
His aim was to unite the denominations under common Gospel values, under Christ.
The denominations of Christianity, broke away from their barriers, came together under
what they had in common and had greater respect and acceptance of the traditions of other
denominations.
IMPACT:
* Through Pope John XXIII's visions of ecumenism, he met with the Archbishop of Canterbury in
1960 and it was the first time in 400 years the Pope had met with the Archbishop of Canterbury.
* Through Pope John XXIII's implementation of ecumenism, the adherents of Christianity have
greater communication between each other and the various Churches accept each other and work
together for a better religious society of Christianity.
Involving Church in world affairs:
Pope John XXIII expresses his desire on establishing unviversal peace in truth, justice,
charity and liberty in the encyclical Pacem In Terris.
The encyclical was written in response to the Cold War, Cuban missile crisis and the
erection of the Berlin Wall.
At a time in which the Church was losing its influence in the world, Pope John XXIII took
actions to shine the light of the Church upon the rest of the world and make the Church a
more integral part of the world.
The Chuch had a greater influence on society through Pope John XXIII as it became
involved in world matters that dealt with the greater good of society. The Church brought
about world peace at a time of war, acted as a system of support for the people and truly
showed it had a pivotal role to play in society.
Modernising the Church:
Pope John XXIII was a visionary and hjad strnog beliefs in Aggiornamento bringing the
church up to date.

 It was through his visions that the second vatican council was initiated.
Pope John XXIII's helped to reform the Church by making it more relevant to the time and
more relevant to the general Christian population.
Pope John XXIII ensured the Church would be more relevant to Christians, it became
commited to shaping the everyday life of society and became more commited to caring for
the person in this life rather than the person in the next life.
Through Pope John's visions of modernising the Church, the following transformations took
place within the Church:
*Revise Canon law.
* Removed the three III's- triumphalism, clericalism and jurisdiction.
* Church was depoliticised common people were allowed to be a greater part of the Church and
take up positions in the Church/
* The language in which mass was spoken was changed from Latin to the local venacular.
* The priest would turn and face the people.

Christian Ethical teachings Bioethics:

Overview:
Bioethics is the study of the ethical implications of certain medical procedures and technologies
particularly pertaining to stem cell research, abortion and euthanasia.
Christian ethical teachings on the field of bioethics are derived from the Bible, Jesus' teachings and
Christian documents. Christian ethical teachings teach adherents that practices such as stem cell
research, abortion and euthanasia which form the core of bioethics, go against God as they take the
very gift of life into their own hands.
Abortion:
Is the killing of an unborn baby through the removal of the embryo from the uterus.
Abortion destroys the very gift of life by God and discards its sacredness as the life is
simply terminated.
It is the word of God in Jeremiah 1:4-5 that, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you. This biblical passage is reflective of Christian
ethical teachings on abortion as it states that God forms a loving relationship with us before
we are born, that life is made in God's image and that life beings at the time of conception.
The ethical teachings are further expressed in Christian documents such as that of Pope John
Paul II in the Evangelium Vitae, where he says "I declare that direct abortion, that is,
abortion willed as an end or as a means, always constitutes a grave moral disorder, since it
is the deliberate killing of an innocent human being."
In regards to variants of Christianity, all variants areopposed to abortion as it violates the
sacredness of life however there are differing beliefs between variants as to when life
begins. Catholic Chuch believes life starts at the time of conception whereas the Anglican
Church believes life starts 14 days after conception.
Embryonic stemcell research:
Embryonic stemcell research is based on regrowing cells from an embryo or in other words
an unborn baby.
The ethical teachings of Christianity on stemcell research are the same as that of abortion as
they both involve destroying the gift of life in the form of killing an unborn baby.
The Catechism of the Catholic Chuch advocates Christian teachings on stem cell research in
saying, No end believed to be good, such as the use of stem cells for the preparaton of other

diffrentiated cells to be used in what look to be promising therapeutic procedures, can justify
an intervention of this kind.
Euthanasia:
Euthanasia is the practice of ending someone's life as they are suffering greatly or
experiencing a poor quality of life.
Christian ethical teachings hold a firm view that euthanasia is wrong as the killing of life is
wrong as supported by God's commandment Thou shalt not kill and that only God has the
right to give or take life.
Corinthians 3:16 states that Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that
God's Spirit lives in you? This passage is significant as it states that human life is sacred
and that no human being should be killed as God's spirit lives in them.
It is also stated in the Bible in Eccl 3:1-4 that There is a time for everything... a time to be
born and a time to die and this captures the core essence of Christian ethical teachings on
euthanasia as it states that only God has the right to give or take life, it is on God's calling
that life is supposed to end and not through euthanasia.
"Euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God, since it is the deliberate and morally
unacceptable killing of a human person." - Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae.

Christian Marriage
Describe one significant practice within Christianity drawn from: baptism, marriage ceremoney,
sat/sun worship:
The Christian marriage ceremony is a significant rite for the couple in marriage as they unite
under God and Christianity. The couple's marriage is a following of God's word that Man
shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one
flesh.
Marriage is a covenant of love and commitment between the couple. This is much reflected
in the marriage vows in which the couple commit to each other under indissoluble love and
thus their relationship mirrors Jesus' relationship with the Church.
The exchange of rings is another significant practice in the Christian marriage ceremony.
The rings symbolise the eternity and purity of the marriage and seal God's authorship over
the marriage.
The couple holding hands symbolises their unity and reflects God's words of the couple
uniting in one flesh.
As a result of marriage, the couple procreate and follow God's words that they are To be
fruitful and multiply, (Genesis 1:28).
Although the core teachings of Christianity are present in the marriage ceremonies of all
variants, they also have their own co-existing beliefs. The Orthodox, Catholic and some high
Anglican Churches view marriage as a sacrament as compared to other Churches. The
Orthodox Church has a practice known as crowning in the marriage ceremony which
symbolises that in marriage, the husband and wife share in the glory of God's kingdom. The
Catholic Church performs a nuptial blessing in which prayers are said for the blessing of the
couple in marriage. The Greek Orthodox Church engages in the dance of Isiah.
How Christian marriage ceremony expresses the beliefs of Christianity:
Christian marriage ceremony is the initiation of a life long commitment between the couple

in which they come together under God and Jesus.

In getting married, the couple express and take into action God's message that Man shall
leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
(Genesis 2:24)
The love between the couple is an expression of Jesus' love for the Church.
In procreation the husband and wife follow God's words that they are To be frutiful and
multiply, Genesis 1:28.
The various practices and their symbols also make present the central beliefs of Christianity.
The vows between the couple affirm the beliefs of Christianity that marriage is a life long
commitment and an expression of indissoluble love.
The rings which are a symbol of eternal love and God's authorship over the marriage,
express Christianity's beliefs of eternal life with Jesus Chris and that God initiates the
marriage and brings the couple together.
The couple holding hands express God's message of husband and wife becoming one flesh.
The fact that the marriage ceremony takes place in the Church also expresses Christian
belief that the marriage happens under God.

Significance of Christian marriage to the individual:

Marriage is significant to a Christian as the husband and wife are no longer two individual
beings but united in one flesh.
The Christian becomes part of a life long commitment.
It calls upon for the husband and wife to procreate and start a Christian family.
The marriage vows are significant as they reflect how through marriage the husband and
wife become commited to each other and the marriage.
The rings are significant for the husband and wife as they signify the true value of marriage
- that it is an eternal bond.
Significance of Christian marriage to the community:
The Christian communiy acts as the body of Christ in the marriage ceremony.
The facet of marriage might be a challenging prospect for the couple, the community is there
to support and encourage the couple in their marriage. They pray for the couple and give
witness ton the unconditional love of God.