Marriage… it’s so common, and yet how do we define it? Marriage is a socially or ritually recognized union between spouses that establishes rights and obligations between them. That is the general definition. However, we know there are several religions in this world and each of them has a different view on the subject. They each have their own respective prescriptions for marriage, which establish both rituals and rules of conduct. Let’s take a look at the most popular traditions shall we?
Buddhism
Buddhism considers marriage a secular affair, not a sacrament. It does not encourage or discourage it. Therefore there are not many laws of conduct or duties for married couples. In fact, Buddhists are only expected to follow the civil laws regarding marriage by their respective governments.
Hinduism
Hinduism sees marriage as a sacred duty encompassing both religious and social obligations. It joins two people of the opposite sex so they can pursue dharma (duty), artha (possessions), kama (physical desires), and moksa (ultimate spiritual release) together.There are many types of marriages in this religion, ranging from "Gandharva Vivaha" (instant marriage by mutual approval of participants only) to normal ones practiced now a days. Generally in South Asia though, arranged marriages, where the spouse’s parents choose the partner, are still predominant.
Judaism
For Judaism, marriage is a contractual bond called Kiddushin between a man and a woman in which the woman dedicates herself to be the exclusive woman of a single man. Though its main focus centers around the relationship between the husband and wife, a Jewish marriage is also expected to fulfill the commandment to have children. It’s also understood to mean that the husband and wife are merging into a single soul. In fact, a man is considered "incomplete" if he is not married.
Islam
Islam also commends marriage. Of peculiar note though, women are not allowed to have multiple husbands, whereas men can have at the most four wives at the same time. However, the requirement is that the man is able and willing to partition his time and wealth equally among the each wife. For a Muslim wedding to take place, the bridegroom and the guardian of the bride (wali) must both agree on the marriage. If the wali is the girl’s father or paternal grandfather, he has the right to force her into marriage even against her own will, given that its the first marriage. From Sharia law perspective, the minimum requirements and responsibilities in a Muslim marriage are that the groom provide living expenses, and in return, the bride's main responsibility is raising children.
Christianity
Christians also regard marriage as a sacrament. From the very beginning of the Christian church, marriage law and theology have been a major matter. The mutual love between man and wife becomes an image of the eternal love with which God loves humankind. According to current Catholic legislation, the essential properties of marriage are unity and indissolubility. For Protestant denominations, the purposes of marriage include intimate companionship, rearing children and mutual support to fulfill life callings.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage#Marriage_and_religion
http://www.foryourmarriage.org/catholic-marriage/church-teachings/interfaith-marriages/
Brought to you by Cesar R
Buddhism
Buddhism considers marriage a secular affair, not a sacrament. It does not encourage or discourage it. Therefore there are not many laws of conduct or duties for married couples. In fact, Buddhists are only expected to follow the civil laws regarding marriage by their respective governments.
Hinduism
Hinduism sees marriage as a sacred duty encompassing both religious and social obligations. It joins two people of the opposite sex so they can pursue dharma (duty), artha (possessions), kama (physical desires), and moksa (ultimate spiritual release) together.There are many types of marriages in this religion, ranging from "Gandharva Vivaha" (instant marriage by mutual approval of participants only) to normal ones practiced now a days. Generally in South Asia though, arranged marriages, where the spouse’s parents choose the partner, are still predominant.
Judaism
For Judaism, marriage is a contractual bond called Kiddushin between a man and a woman in which the woman dedicates herself to be the exclusive woman of a single man. Though its main focus centers around the relationship between the husband and wife, a Jewish marriage is also expected to fulfill the commandment to have children. It’s also understood to mean that the husband and wife are merging into a single soul. In fact, a man is considered "incomplete" if he is not married.
Islam
Islam also commends marriage. Of peculiar note though, women are not allowed to have multiple husbands, whereas men can have at the most four wives at the same time. However, the requirement is that the man is able and willing to partition his time and wealth equally among the each wife. For a Muslim wedding to take place, the bridegroom and the guardian of the bride (wali) must both agree on the marriage. If the wali is the girl’s father or paternal grandfather, he has the right to force her into marriage even against her own will, given that its the first marriage. From Sharia law perspective, the minimum requirements and responsibilities in a Muslim marriage are that the groom provide living expenses, and in return, the bride's main responsibility is raising children.
Christianity
Christians also regard marriage as a sacrament. From the very beginning of the Christian church, marriage law and theology have been a major matter. The mutual love between man and wife becomes an image of the eternal love with which God loves humankind. According to current Catholic legislation, the essential properties of marriage are unity and indissolubility. For Protestant denominations, the purposes of marriage include intimate companionship, rearing children and mutual support to fulfill life callings.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage#Marriage_and_religion
http://www.foryourmarriage.org/catholic-marriage/church-teachings/interfaith-marriages/
Brought to you by Cesar R