MARRIAGE ACROSS THE FIVE MAIN RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD:

CHRISTIANITY ISLAM HINDUISM BUDDHISM JUDAISM

Definition of Marriage
Malinowski: Contract for the production and maintenance of children Horton and Hunt: Approved social pattern whereby two or more persons establish a family

SYSTEM OF BETROTHAL

MARRIAGE RESTRICTIONS
Same-sex Child marriage Interfaith marriage

Polygamy Incest and other proscriptions

SEXUAL RELATIONS AND ADULTERY

DIVORCE

Christianity

System of Betrothal

Betrothal Proclamation of the Banns Consent Start of living together

Marriage Restrictions

Same-sex Child marriage Interfaith marriage Polygamy Restrictions based on relationship between the potential spouses

SEXUAL RELATIONS AND Adultery

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28)

divorce
Prohibition of divorce System of Annulment

ISLAM

System of Betrothal
Proposal Mahr Nikah Ceremony + Nikahnama

Marriage Restrictions

Same-sex Child marriage Interfaith marriage Polygamy Restrictions based on relationship between the potential spouses

Adultery
Considered a major sin Punishable by Rajm (stoning)

divorce
Talaq Khul Unilateral divorce (Sharia)

hinduism

System of Betrothal

Misri (ring ceremony) Wedding ceremony

Marriage Restrictions

Same-sex Child marriage Interfaith marriage Polygamy Restrictions based on relationship between the potential spouses

SEXUAL RELATIONS AND Adultery

Marriage and sex as a means for continuation Adultery viewed as a mortal sin

divorce
Hindu Civil Code permits divorce on certain grounds The religion (Hinduism) doesnt

buddhism

System of Betrothal
Khachang (visit to the brides house to seek approval) Nangchang (engagement ceremony)

Marriage Restrictions

Same-sex Child marriage Interfaith marriage Polygamy Restrictions based on relationship between the potential spouses

SEXUAL RELATIONS AND Adultery

Buddhism accepts sex as a necessity Those engaging in extra-marital sex are guilty of sexual misconduct

divorce

No law against divorce

judaism

System of Betrothal

Kiddushin (betrothal) Chupah (actual marriage)

Marriage Restrictions

Same-sex Child marriage Interfaith marriage Polygamy Restrictions based on relationship between the potential spouses

SEXUAL RELATIONS AND Adultery

Sex at the discretion of the wife Adultery occurs when woman has sex with a man not her husband Woman is then forbidden to husband and lover

divorce
Divorce can only be initiated by a man Consent of wife is required

References:
CHRISTIANITY: Pope Pius XI.(1930), Casti Connubii: On Chastity in Christian Marriage. Burke, C. (1999). Covenanted Happiness : Love and Commitment in Marriage. Hogan, R.M; Levoir, J.M.(1992). Covenant of Love: Pope John Paul II on Sexuality, Marriage, and Family in the Modern World ISLAM: http://www.witnesspioneer.org/vil/Books/SH_SL/islamic_law_regarding_divorce.htm http://www.witnesspioneer.org/vil/Books/SH_SL/islamic_law_regarding_marriage.htm http://www.ezsoftech.com/omm/handbook.asp HINDUISM: Shivendra Kumar Sinha (2008), Basics of Hinduism, Unicorn Books. Cappelletti Mauro, B.Kaplan(1983), International Encyclopedia of Comparative Law, Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.

References:
BUDDHISM: Harvey, P. (2000). An introduction to Buddhist Ethics. Cambridge University Press http://www.deaconministry.com/buddhism.htm http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/dhammananda/marriage.htm l#ch4 JUDAISM: Bulka, R. P. (1986). Jewish Marriage: A Halakhic Ethic. NY: Ktav Pub. Inc. Epstein, L. M. (2004). The Jewish Marriage Contract: A Study in the Status of the Woman in Jewish law. N.J.: Lawbook Exchange Lewittes, M. (1994). Jewish marriage: Rabbinic Law, Legend, and Custom. N.J.: Northvale.