Sins against Marriage
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Adultery (2380-2381)
Adultery is committed when sexual relations take place between two people, at least one of whom is married to another. The New Testament and the sixth commandment absolutely forbid adultery. Christ condemned even adultery in desire.
Adultery is an injustice, transgressing the rights of the spouse(s), and undermining the institution of marriage. The adulterer also hurts the children who need their parents' stable union.
Divorce (2382)
Jesus insisted that marriage must be indissoluble (God's original plan). He abrogated accommodations that had compromised the sixth commandment. Therefore, between a baptized man and woman "a ratified and consummated marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power or for any reason other than death" (Canon 1141).
Separation (2383)
While maintaining the marriage bond, Canon law does provide for the legitimate separation of spouses (Canon 1151-1155). There is no moral offense if a civil divorce is the only way to safeguard children and legal rights.
Contracting Another Marriage (2384)
Divorce is a grave offense against the natural law because it claims to break a freely chosen contract which really lasts until death. Contracting another marriage (even though recognized by civil law) adds to the gravity of sin, because the remarried spouse is in a situation of public and permanent adultery.
"If a husband approaches another woman he is an adulterer because he makes that woman commit adultery. The woman is an adulteress because she has attracted another's husband" (St. Basil).
Reasons Why Wrong (2385)
Divorce is immoral because:
- It introduces a disorder which harms the deserted spouse
- It traumatizes children (who are torn between parents)
- It has a contagious effect upon society
An abandoned spouse (who has tried to be faithful) has not broken the moral law. The one who destroys a canonically valid marriage commits a grave fault.
Other Offenses against Marriage (2386-2391)
Polygamy radically contradicts God's plan because it contradicts the equal dignity of man and woman. A convert coming from a life of polygamy has an understandable predicament. He must put aside one or more wife and must also honor any obligations he has to them.
Incest is sexual relations between relatives (or in-laws) within a degree that prohibits marriage between them. Paul writes against a "man lying with his father's wife" (1 Cor 5:1-5). Incest corrupts family life and regresses toward animality.
Sexual abuse of children by adults who have care for them is a serious offense and a violation of the adult's responsibility. It is compounded by the harm done to the young (who will be scarred all their life).
In a "free union" the couple refuses to give public form to their sexual intimacy. This is hardly a "union" when no commitment is made and the person lacks trust in himself, the other and the future.
Free unions include concubinage, rejection of marriage or inability to make long-term commitments. Because sexual acts must take place within marriage, free unions constitute a grave sin and exclude from Holy Communion because they destroy the very idea of family.
No one has a right to a "trial marriage" (intending to get married later) because sexual relations are legitimate only for men and women in an established marriage. Experience shows that trial marriages do not insure fidelity and security.
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