The Bible is clear on the subject of marriage between a man and a woman, especially on the issue of divorce. The Roman Catholic Church, on the other hand, sees things a little more differentiated. However, their guidelines are not based on the gospel, but on natural law.
Inhalt / Content
Discrepancies
The requirements for marriage provide a very good example of the rules of the Roman Catholic Church, which are completely disconnected from the gospel. Christian looking, but still based on Hellenistic philosophy.
The gospel about marriage
Marriage was instituted by God in the Garden of Eden. First God created Adam, then Eve (Genesis 2:18-25). man and woman. God ordained that the union between a man and a woman should last a lifetime. Genesis 2:24:
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.“
In patriarchal times, it was common for men to divorce women as they saw fit. This practice was also supported by the teachings of the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus Christ put a stop to the practice of divorce certificates, Matthew 5:31-32:
“It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.“
Jesus Christ not only confirmed the crime of adultery, but even made it worse, Matthew 5:28:
“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.“
As usual. God instituted marriage between a man and a woman. Once a relationship was formed, it was inseparable and only dissolved by the death of a spouse.
The teachings of the Roman Church
Marriage is also covered in the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church. Here this “house of faith” at least takes up the purpose given by Jesus.
Catechism 2382:
“The Lord Jesus insisted on the original intention of the Creator who willed that marriage be indissoluble. He abrogates the accommodations that had slipped into the old Law. Between the baptized, a ratified and consummated marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power or for any reason other than death.“
Here the church emphasizes the marriage between two Catholics with baptism. An exclusivity that Jesus Christ did not undertake in this way. Jesus did not refer marriage and the rules that apply to it to a specific group, but rather generally, i.e. to all of humanity.
Catechism 2384:
“Divorce is a grave offense against the natural law.“
“Natural law”. This is ancient Greek philosophy, but not the language of the Gospel, let alone the will of God.
Catechism 2383:
“The separation of spouses while maintaining the marriage bond can be legitimate in certain cases provided for by canon law. If civil divorce remains the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance, it can be tolerated and does not constitute a moral offense.“
“Surprise”. If monetary concerns are added to the divorce, then the “natural moral law” suddenly moves into second place. The security of assets therefore outweighs the “law of custom”.
Natural Law – Not the Gospel
The rules surrounding marriage in the Roman Catholic Church are based on natural law, but not on the gospel. Flexibility built in when it comes to money. This church’s own set of rules, which only has a marginal connection with the will of God.
Natural law, a relic of Hellenistic philosophy and explicit basis according to the “Compendium of Social Doctrine” of the Roman Catholic Church. The most famous figures in Greek philosophy include Aristotle, Socrates and Plato. Less well-known, however, is the “forefather” of this philosophy, Thales of Miletus (approx. 624 BC to approx. 548 BC). Often mentioned and described in the works of other philosophers, but Thales himself left no writings. At least none have been discovered yet. His focus was on natural philosophy.
At that time, Miletus was in Greek territory, today western Türkiye on the coast of the Mediterranean. Thales of Miletus himself was not Greek, but had his roots among the Phoenicians. A people who practiced pantheism and worshiped the “Sun God” as their supreme god, also known as Baal.
It is piquant that according to “Diogenes Laertius, I, 24” Thales was the first to call souls immortal. A thesis that was adopted in particular by Plato and Aristotle. “Saint” Thomas Aquinas was an outspoken admirer of Aristotle. Accordingly, his theses in Christian garb, in his work “Summa theologiae”.
No surprise
With such a historical background, it is no surprise that the Church of Rome also supports the theses of Hellenism for marriage between a man and a woman, a philosophy that also includes the pantheon with a sun god at the head. In Daniel 7, Greece was described as a panther, and this beast appears again in Revelation 13 as part of the beast from the sea. The Papacy (Info).
Pope Francis has reaffirmed the position of Hellenism regarding homosexuality (Info).
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Revelation 13:2
Bible verses from King James Version (1611)
Mehr / More:
The Roman Catholic Church’s willful handling of sin
Church of Rome argues over marriage – “golden mean” sought
Marriage on the test – A Ethicist tries Theology
Catholic Church celebrates anniversary of canonization of Thomas v. Aquinas
The Catholic Church argues with natural law when it comes to homosexuality
