1990
Increase in Islam, small increase in
Christianity Iraq invasion.
1990s 2011
Increased orthodox migration from Armenia.
Increase in Islam central African countries
Buddhism growth and diversity of
Christianity migration fromHong Kong and
China.
Growth of Hinduism, Sikhism immigration
from Indian subcontinent.
OTHER Factors
Secularism
New age philosophies
Denominational Switching.
o Secularisation
What is it?
Evidence for increased secularism?
What is the impact?
Go to www.mccrindle.com.au great demographic
snapshots.
Last 4 years has evidence for secularisation
Christianity declined 22%
Church attendance down 48%
No religion up 269%
o New Age Philosophies
If you have partaken in massage, chakra reading,
tarot, tea leaves, yoga, wearing crystals,
meditation etc. you are partaking in new age. It
can be hand in hand with religion, or replacing it.
o Denominational Switching
Revolving door syndrome. Go in, come straight
out. Go in for a while, tend to come out again.
By and large a Protestant tendency
Young people tend to be most common switchers
Pentecostals seem to be the main beneficiaries.
Last 3 points are all speculative cannot be
proved.
www.cartoonchurch.com
o Unity
Bond between 2 married persons
Oriental and Latin believe this bond is established
by God
Bond is divine in origin and is indissoluble
domestic church
Marriage and family life stand as a witness to the
fidelity of Christ to his Church covenant.
Husband and wife form a communion that is in all
respects a living representation of the body of
Christ.
o Fidelity
Free, without reservation
Exclusive commitment from each partner
Intimate union
Neither husband nor wife hold back anything in
the union.
Catholic doctrine self giving is not conditional
total and permanent condition.
Practice of patience and humility
o Fertility
Be fruitful and multiply
Latin/Oriental marriage by nature, ordered to the
creation of new life.
Latin- marriage must always be possible to new
life expectation reflected in the marriage vow.
Some Christian churches proclaim it is the right of
husband and wife to chose whether or when to
have children.
Marriage is the proper context to have children.
THE INDIVIDUAL
o Scriptural understanding - no longer two but one.
o Structure of their lives as a couple, parents, children.
o Each partner places their whole self in the hands of the
other it elevates the mundane to the supernatural.
o The Christian does not lose themselves in marriage,
they become a part of something that enriches their life
beyond self-interest. It is a way of holiness. Their
relationship should reflect the everlasting love that God
has for the Church through Christ.
THE COMMUNITY
o Body of Christ Christian community is relational.
o Affirm Christian belief and central beliefs about marriage
made clear through rite itself.
o Selfless love husband and wife are called to live out is
CHALLENGING and DEMANDING.