Issues: Marriage

In a nutshell:

Family relationships are mentioned often in the Bible
The ideal for Christians is monogamy
Most Christians would only marry another Christian
The relationship between a husband and wife reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church
Marriage is more than a piece of paper. It is a sacred agreement - for some Christians, a sacrament. God actually does something - the two become one.
God designed marriage when he created the world.
Christian family life / marriage should be based upon Christian love
A marriage is a responsible basis for having children
Parents are to instruct their children in Christian ways, with love and discipline, bringing them up within the community of a local church
Parents should be honoured by their children. At the same time, parents should not make life difficult for their children

baptism - immersion or sprinkling to show the person has been forgiven and joined the church
celibacy - choosing to remain single and not have sexual relationships
confirmation - when a baptised person confirms their Christian faith and is admitted to full participation in the Church
covenant - a binding agreement, contract or promise
dedication - saying thank-you for a new child, and committing their life to God
monogamy - one man marrying one woman
sacrament - a ceremony that Christians believe brings God's blessing to those who share in it. Specifically, these are baptism and communion, and for Roman Catholic and Eastern churches also penance, confirmation, holy orders (being a Bishop, Priest or Deacon), marriage and the Sacrament of the Sick (for those with serious illness).
union - joining together
vocation - calling (in a Christian context, from God)

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