In this collection of theological essays, Michael Lawler confronts difficult questions in the Catholic theology of marriage. Lawler addresses questions about marriage and sacrament, faith and sacrament, divorce and remarriage, cohabitation, an Catholic models of marriage honestly, historically, accurately, and pastorally. He identifies and explores debated issues, embraces a position on them, and sustains his position with reasoned Catholic insight and pastoral sensitivity. With an excellent command of the sources, he offers a fresh look at the Catholic theology of marriage for a new millennium.

As their wedding day approaches, young Catholics feel ready to join their future spouse in an exciting new partnership. They consider themselves to be mature individuals ready, willing and able to take on board all that their marriage can offer. However, after many years involved in parish-based marriage preparation I believe that some who are about to enter marriage have little idea of what might lie around the corner. They have a naïve appreciation of the difficulties, anxieties, shocks and upsets that will inevitably test their relationship as they face the challenges presented by today’s complicated world whilst striving to keep alive the love they share. Moreover, I have concluded that too many have confused and distorted ideas about what the Roman Catholic Church believes, teaches, requires and expects from them during this crucial stage in their lives. Perhaps this situation is predictable given the influence of powerful forces and ideologies which compete for their attention and the disharmony existing within the Church itself, where even the hierarchy hold divergent views and contradictory positions about its nature and purpose. This book considers the way in which ordinary Catholics, faced with so much pressure, ambiguity and conjecture, often struggle to navigate a course through the chaotic melting-pot which characterises modern life and might, on some occasions, question or even deny the Church’s determination to interfere in their personal and private lives.

Divorce, Annulments, and the Catholic Church: Healing or Hurtful? is the first published study on annulments with wide-scale usage of questionnaires and interviews. In addition to delivering a quantitative analysis of the responses to various questions (religious, social, or psychological), it explains in lay terms what annulments are and what the acceptable grounds are for annulment and takes you step-by-step through the process of obtaining one. This insightful book also contains case studies of individuals who have been hurt by annulments and offers suggestions on how people who want to contest an annulment should proceed.

Authored by two married women and a priest, 101 Questions and Answers on Catholic Married Life will, as the authors say, "help facilitate communication between a married couple and among married couples." It draws on the authors' experiences and research with married couples to examine: marriage as a domestic church, the reality of marriage, the support of our Catholic spiritual heritage available to married couples. In addition to these important points, the text also covers the following important topics covered in all Engaged Encounter and Marriage Encounter retreats: communication, sexuality, children, finances, and in-laws. Book jacket.

A collection of the best contemporary essays on the theology and ethics of marriage.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of global courtship and marriage customs, from ancient history to contemporary society, demonstrating the vast differences as well as the similarities across all of human culture. This second edition of Marriage Customs of the World examines historical context, social significance, and current trends and controversies of matrimony in the Western world as well as other cultures. Apart from detailing the ceremonies from specific countries, the book identifies specific elements of the wedding event and discusses them in a comparative manner, showcasing the similarities across cultures. The new content in this work includes additional information on courtship and how future spouses are found in other cultures; marriage in art, cinema, theater, and poetry; wedding bands; forced marriages and shotgun weddings; New Year's weddings; legislation regarding marriage; and engagement practices. Entries carried over from the first edition have been revised and updated as well. With its broad scope and consideration of contemporary issues alongside historical information, this work will be ideal for high school and undergraduate students; scholars of anthropology, social studies, and history; and general readers.

Many people believe that the Roman Catholic Church's teaching on marriage is clear and consistent: marriage is a sacrament, the marriage contract is indissoluble, divorce and remarriage are forbidden. In this book, theologians, historians, and sociologists overhaul the church's teaching and practice on divorce and remarriage, as well as personal testimonies from a number of persons who have gone through the annulment process.

Religion can play a vital role in the way people relate to each other, particularly with interpersonal dynamics within a family. The role of a couple or family’s religion(s) in the counseling room is no less important. This book provides practitioners with an overview of the principles of the major world religions, with specific focus on how each religion can influence family dynamics, and how best to incorporate this knowledge into effective practice with clients.

The only book on the market to bring together Unit 3 and Unit 8 from the Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies specification, ensuring that students have everything they need in one place. - Engages students with each area of the specification through quotes, summaries and questions for every topic - Helps students prepare for assessment with up-to-date guidance including exam-style questions, sample student answers and advice - Offers a full-course book from best-selling author Victor Watton drawing on his many years' experience writing textbooks and learning resources