PHI102-90 Oh
Final Paper
Marriage in Buddhism versus Marriage in the Roman Catholic Church
Marriage is as much of a social aspect as it is a religious aspect. Depending on the two getting married is how the ceremony is run. With certain customs, marriage is a large social event in the religious world, and in some others, it is a simple, yet, strong, bond between two individuals. Today, the line between religion and social matters is blurred; this holds true for marriage. However, religions, like the Catholic Church, still have strict beliefs in the spirit of marriage. Even for more philosophical religions, like Buddhism, there are set guidelines on the nature of marriage and the importance of such a powerful union. Experiences …show more content…
The religion pushes the values endearment and compassion. There is a large importance on living in the moment rather than, like in the Catholic views, the permanence of marriage and the future choices. In Buddhist beliefs, marriage is more of a social event but must be built upon shared values of a better spiritual life in Buddhist beliefs (Polinska 1). Being mindful of the connection to the other person and cherishing the trust and spiritual belief between each other is the utmost importance in Buddhist union. If the union isn’t for the better, it goes against the very teachings of Buddha. Ultimately, marriage in Buddhism is free and open so long as they follow the government’s rules. Meaning wherever the union happens, the couple should follow the state’s rules for marriage. For divorce, Buddhism follows the state’s guidelines. When a marriage is officially dissolved in the legal world, so it is in …show more content…
Both religions strongly suggest compassion and unity, after all that is the essence of marriage. To trust in the other and to give to each other fully, in a healthy way, is what makes marriage as special as it is. However, the similarities are based mainly in the emotions between the two parties. Love and kindness are important in marriage, but for the both, so is the understanding of spirituality in one’s own beliefs. The Catholic Church sees Holy Matrimony as a gift of God’s Grace, being able to find someone in the church who shares the same beliefs and values of the Church and to build their relationship with God and their families (Molloy 387). In Buddhism, the path to enlightenment and inner peace should be enhanced with marriage and the union should be harmonious with the goals of each individual.
Works Cited
Coontz, Stephanie. "The Catholic Church Didn’t Even Consider Marriage a Sacrament for Centuries." Washington Post (2015): n. pag. Web. 26 Apr. 2016. .
Molloy, Michael (2013-01-01). Experiencing the World 's Religions, 6th edition
(Page 387). McGraw-Hill Higher Education -A. Kindle Edition.
Polinska, Wioleta. “Buddhist-Christian Studies.” Project MUSE. University of