The following will discuss first Christian views, first biblical references concerning.
marriage, marriage as a sacrament in the Catholic religion, then interpretations of them.
particularly that of the Protestants, particularly Luther and Calvin.
Marriage has existed since atleast 3,000 B.C., although it most likely existed (or a form of.
it) around the time when cave dwelling became common. This was about a quarter of a million.
years ago and about the time civilizations began to form. Prior to that it is believed by many that.
the human species was promiscuous (Tannahill, 1980). With that, if one were to trace the history.
of marriage one would likely start at the root of his or hers own beliefs and look at the structure.
that has evolved, yet for every structure there is a foundation. That is, marriage existed sometime.
before the modern religions and had some benefit other than religious purposes. This is evident in.
most ancient societies. A secure environment was needed for the continuation of the species and.
a system of rules to handle the granting of property rights. The institution of marriage handled.
both of these needs (Tannahill, 1980). Thus, heirs could be produced without any confusion as to.
which male produced which offspring. This is evident in the bible, in fact marriage has existed.
since the sixth day of Creation. The Book of Genesis says: "God created man in his image, He.
created him in the image of God, man and woman, He created them. God blessed them and God.
said to them: 'Be fruitful and multiply! . And God saw what he had done and said, This is good." .
"It is not good that man should be alone. I will give you a helpmate, who will be your.
companion." In Genesis (2:18,24) there is reference to the sacredness of marriage. "The Lord.
God said: it is not good that a man should be alone. Therefore, a man leaves his father and.
mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh"(McLachlan, 1997).
