Book Description

This book is the result of a symposium sponsored by the International Academy of Marital Spirituality (INTAMS), which brought together a group of distinguished scholars and theologians to discuss the current social and spiritual emergency of Christian marriage. Going beyond a strictly theoretical evaluation of the sacrament of marriage, the contributors examine the subject from a pastoral viewpoint and address the praxis situation of couples trying to live out the implications of the sacrament. The volume will be of interest to theologians as well as to catechists involved in the preparation of couples for the sacrament. Klaus Demmer begins the book with an overview of INTAMS. He provides background information on the symposium, outlines the main themes discussed, and introduces the essays included in the volume. The first essay, by Jörg Splett, presents a philosophical reflection on the nature of Christian marriage and the way in which it fulfills the person. From a historical perspective, Michel Rouche then provides a survey of the many changes in the concept of marriage and the family throughout European history. Ladislas Örsy contributes a fascinating essay in which he describes the sacrament of marriage as a special vocation. He examines the divine and human action in the nuptial ceremony and focuses on God as the principal actor in the event. Örsy meditates on God's revealed thoughts on marriage; on God's presence during the ceremony and throughout a couple's married life; and on the implications of the Christian doctrine of marriage for spirituality, liturgy, and canon law. The final essay, by Carlo Rocchetta, traces Vatican II's terminological shift from marriage as a "contract" to marriage as a "covenant" and outlines the main guidelines for a new theological conceptualization of marriage as a sacrament. ABOUT THE EDITORS: Klaus Demmer is professor of moral theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Aldegonde Brennickmeiher-Werhahn is cofounder and director of the International Academy for Marital Spirituality in Brussels. She also governs the the Libisma Library (Library for Interdisciplinary Study of Marriage). THE CONTRIBUTORS: Ladislaus Örsy, S.J., Professor Emeritus of Canon Law, The Catholic University of America; Carlo Rocchetta, Professor of Sacramentology, Studio Teologico Fiorentino, and Professor of Fundamental Theology, Universita Cattolicà del S. Cuore di Roma; Michel Rouche, Former Professor of Medieval History, The Sorbonne, Paris, and Director, Institut de la Famille, Diocese of Paris; Jörg Splett, Professor of Philosophical Anthropology and Religious Philosophy, The Jesuit High School in Frankfurt