Demmer, Klaus / Brenninkmeijer-Werhahn, Aldegonde (eds.)

Christian Marriage  Today

This book is the result of a symposium sponsored by the International Academy of Marital Spirituality (INTAMS), which brought together a group of distinguished scholars and theologians to discuss the current social and spiritual emergency of Christian marriage. Going beyond a strictly theoretical evaluation of the sacrament of marriage, the contributors examine the subject from a pastoral viewpoint and address the praxis situation of couples trying to live out the implications of the sacrament. The volume will be of interest to theologians as well as to catechists involved in the preparation of couples for the sacrament. Klaus Demmer begins the book with an overview of INTAMS. He provides background information on the symposium, outlines the main themes discussed, and introduces the essays included in the volume. The first essay, by Jörg Splett, presents a philosophical reflection on the nature of Christian marriage and the way in which it fulfills the person. From a historical perspective, Michel Rouche then provides a survey of the many changes in the concept of marriage and the family throughout European history. Ladislas Örsy contributes a fascinating essay in which he describes the sacrament of marriage as a special vocation. He examines the divine and human action in the nuptial ceremony and focuses on God as the principal actor in the event. Örsy meditates on God's revealed thoughts on marriage; on God's presence during the ceremony and throughout a couple's married life; and on the implications of the Christian doctrine of marriage for spirituality, liturgy, and canon law. The final essay, by Carlo Rocchetta, traces Vatican II's terminological shift from marriage as a ''contract'' to marriage as a ''covenant'' and outlines the main guidelines for a new theological conceptualization of marriage as a sacrament.

Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 1997. - 159

ISBN 9780813208770

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