Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

Page 65

Ethics
Christianity teaches love and humility. The two teachings of 'love thy neighbour as thyself and 'Turn the other cheek', are the prime examples of teaching of love and forgiveness. Christianity has also adopted the Ten Commandments from the Jewish tradition in a somewhat modified or 'Christianised' form as the basis of its ethical code. St Paul listed nine Virtues to be followed by Christians as a duty to God, society and to oneself: love, joy and peace in relation to God; patience, kindness and goodness in relation to others; faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in relation to oneself. Thus the ethical life of Christians emphasises the virtues of love, kindness, humility and self-control.
Diet
Christians generally do not have any dietary regulations however in some traditions in the season of Lent, the forty days before Easter, they may abstain from eating meat (and sometimes fish). Some Christians are vegetarians by choice.
Interfaith Relations
Christianity is an evangelical religion, but in Britain, for last few years, the Christian leaders have actively participated in the interfaith movement. They respect other faiths. They may allow the married partner of other faith to practise his/her religion. They are also active in the field of equality, human rights and justice.
Life style
The Cross is a symbol of Christianity depicted everywhere by believers in churches and cathedrals, in homes, in movies, paintings, music videos, in jewellery such as earrings and necklace. Christians believe in free society and individual freedom. Usually men and women are treated equally. In modern society the couple may share household duties and financial burden, but it depends upon the couple's background, culture and education. Normally both parents take interest in the empirical and spiritual education of their children. Most churches organise Sunday schools, youth groups and other activities for their children & young people.
Marriage and Divorce
Christians believe that marriage is a sacred institution, gift from God to build a family life. Getting married in a church, in front of God, friends and family is important and encouraged. The Church of England teaches that marriage is for life. It also recognizes that some marriages sadly do fail and, if this should happen, it has the structure to help and sympathise with those who find themselves in such a situation. The Church accepts that, in exceptional circumstances, a divorced person may marry again in church during the lifetime of a former spouse. Some denominations allow divorced people to remarry, however others do not.
Christian death and burial
When a Christian dies, it is seen as the end of his/her life on earth. Christians believe that there is life after death. A funeral is held by friends and family to grieve for the person who has died and give thanks for his/her life and the body may be buried or cremated usually within a week. The service is generally conducted by a priestor minister.
65