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Marriage Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert

“So when modern-day religious conservatives wax nostalgic about how marriage is a sacred tradition that reaches back into history for thousands of uninterrupted years, they are correct, but in only one respect - only if they happen to be talking about Judaism. Christianity simply does not share…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
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““So when modern-day religious conservatives wax nostalgic about how marriage is a sacred tradition that reaches back into history for thousands of uninterrupted years, they are correct, but in only one respect - only if they happen to be talking about Judaism. Christianity simply does not share that deep and consistent historical reverence toward matrimony. Lately it has, yes- but not originally. For the first thousand or so years of Christian history, the church regarded monogamous marriage as marginally less wicked that flat-out whoring but only very marginally.””

Elizabeth Gilbert

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Marriage Debate” in “Big Magic”, 2015

Christian marriage lacks the ancient, continuous reverence found in Judaism, making its historical claim weaker.

In simple terms: Christian marriage isn’t as historically consistent as Jewish marriage.

Key Takeaway

Recognize differing traditions, respect history.

Themes

religion history tradition

Mood

contemplative critical

Type

essay cultural

When to use this quote

  • theological discussions
  • interfaith marriage counseling

Key Concepts

marriage cultural narratives religious identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do traditions shape modern values?
  • Can shared rituals bridge religious gaps?
A Different Perspective

Historical claims can be contested.

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