Anna Silvas

An exploration into some primary sources and Catholic analysis regarding viewpoints and perspectives regarding marriage in the Bible and the first millennium CE.

The author begins with consideration of various examples and laws regarding marriage in the old covenant, the example of the Holy Family in the Gospels, apostolic instruction, and then various patristic matters.

The primary sources are well worth considering. The work overall is very much Roman Catholic in all of its presuppositions; as such one will not find or even hear any possible consideration of how the later traditions might not have entirely well reflected the original apostolic exhortations regarding marriage and family.

The author's primary concern seems to be to show how from the Shepherd on, in the Western tradition, any remarriage is condemned; the final chapter is an attempt to denigrate the Eastern tradition for not upholding this premise. The post-apostolic evidence she marshals is quite strong; yet even though 1 Corinthians 7:39 is quoted, that Paul would be willing to speak of a widow marrying again, "only in the Lord," the possibility is never considered that later witnesses went beyond the apostolic instruction in their faith and practice.

Such is one of many examples which could be adduced. This kind of work will convince the Roman Catholic; anyone who does not share those presuppositions will not.… (meer)