Faith Quote by Gary L. Thomas
““One of these early thinkers, Augustine (A.D. 354–430), suggested that there are three benefits of marriage: offspring, faith (fidelity), and sacrament. Of the three benefits, he clearly points to the latter (sacrament) as the greatest. This is because it is possible to be married without either offspring or faith, but it is not possible to be (still) married without indissolubility, which is what a sacrament points toward. As long as a couple is married, they continue to display—however imperfectly—the ongoing commitment between Christ and his church. Thus, simply “sticking it out” becomes vitally important.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Confessions, Augustine, 397 AD
Marriage is portrayed as a sacrament that ensures indissolubility, reflecting Christ's covenant with the church, beyond offspring or fidelity.
In simple terms: Marriage is a lasting covenant reflecting divine commitment.
Key Takeaway
Value the enduring spiritual bond of marriage.
Themes
marriage
spirituality
commitment
Mood
reflective
reverent
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- wedding planning
- marital counseling
- faith communities
- family traditions
Key Concepts
sacrament
indissolubility
theology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does viewing marriage as a sacrament affect daily relationship dynamics?
- What role does faith play in sustaining marriage?
A Different Perspective
Sacrament alone may not address practical marital challenges.
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
