Disrupting the Meaning of Marriage?: Childfree, Infertile and Gay Unions in Evangelical and Catholic Theologies of Marriage. Issue 2 (16th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Richie, Cristina
• Is Part Of: Theology & sexuality. Volume 19:Issue 2(2013)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2014-07-16
• Subjects: Evangelical -- Catholic -- marriage -- infertility -- childfree -- gay marriage; Sex -- Religious aspects -- Christianity -- Periodicals; 261.835
• DOI: 10.1179/1355835814Z.00000000028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-8358

Abstract

Abstract : This article explores the theology of procreation in marriage from traditional Catholic and traditional Evangelical viewpoints. Both groups believe that children are an integral aspect of Christian marriage, yet the barren couple is welcomed in the community despite Church insistence on children in marriage. Voluntary childfree unions and gay marriages, however, are both rejected by traditional Catholics and traditional Evangelicals. I contend that in this particular cultural climate of gay rights, one hurdle to accepting childfree straight marriages in traditional Christian branches is the perceived dissolution of conventional marriage. If traditionalists affirm that a married couple may choose to not procreate, then there is very little to distinguish straight childfree marriages from gay childfree marriages. Removing one pillar of conventional marriage – children – will bring Christian unions closer to theoretical support for gay marriage, a move that many traditionalists would be loath to make.