Christian views on marriage
From the earliest days of the Christian faith, Christians have viewed marriage as a divinely blessed, lifelong, monogamous union between a man and a woman. However, while many Christians might agree with the traditional definition, the terminology and theological views of marriage have varied through time in different countries, and among Christian denominations.
Bride and groom outside a church in Amalfi, Italy
Rembrandt's depiction of Samson's marriage feast
Saint Paul Writing His Epistles, 16th century.
Mystery of Crowning during Holy Matrimony in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church
Sacraments of the Catholic Church
There are seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, which according to Catholic theology were instituted by Jesus Christ and entrusted to the Church. Sacraments are visible rites seen as signs and efficacious channels of the grace of God to all those who receive them with the proper disposition.
Seven Sacraments Altarpiece by Rogier van der Weyden, c. 1448
The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church
Distribution of divine graces by the Church through the sacraments. In the center the personification of Ecclesia with the (papal) tiara; above her baptism, from which streams of grace proceed; at the right marriage, eucharist, confession; at the left anointing of the sick, holy orders, confirmation (Johannes Hopffe, Wrisberg epitaph, Hildesheim, before 1615)
Scene of baptism. Stained glass, Paris, last quarter of the 12th century. From the Sainte-Chapelle of Paris.
