Moral Theology on Marriage: What is the position of the Church on being unequally yoked with an unbeliever?

[AveSantaMaria]

Say he is a Protestant, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, or humanistic agnostic? He strives for moral excellence but has truthphobia about the proofs of the Catholic Church? He is willing to practice natural family planning and does not hope to divorce but not to pray the Rosary or go to Mass and does not have as strong beliefs about divorce as one would like? Maybe he is extremely devout in his own religion though and wears a Star of David chain around his neck? Maybe someone here might know the official position of the Catholic Church on this type of marriage, particularly on the individual categories of Protestant, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, and humanistic agnostic as well!

Instruction from infalliable sources such as the Cathechism of the Catholic Church, the Sacred Scripture, and the infalliable teachings of the Magisterium are greatly and immensely appreciated in addition to falliable sources such as the writings of the saints!

May Christ, Mary, and St. Joseph protect, love, guide, sanctifiy, and instruct us!!

 

[Ron_Conte]

Say he is a Protestant, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, or humanistic agnostic? He strives for moral excellence but has truthphobia about the proofs of the Catholic Church? He is willing to practice natural family planning and does not hope to divorce but not to pray the Rosary or go to Mass and does not have as strong beliefs about divorce as one would like? Maybe he is extremely devout in his own religion though and wears a Star of David chain around his neck? Maybe someone here might know the official position of the Catholic Church on this type of marriage, particularly on the individual categories of Protestant, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, and humanistic agnostic as well!

Instruction from infalliable sources such as the Cathechism of the Catholic Church, the Sacred Scripture, and the infalliable teachings of the Magisterium are greatly and immensely appreciated in addition to falliable sources such as the writings of the saints!

May Christ, Mary, and St. Joseph protect, love, guide, sanctifiy, and instruct us!!

The Catechism is not infallible. Some of the teachings of the Magisterium are infallible and some are non-infallible (limited possibility of error). Tradition and Scripture are infallible. The writings of the Saints are fallible, but whenever these are an expression of Tradition, then such teachings of Tradition are infallible.

It is a complicated question as to which mixed marriages are valid. The Magisterium has not resolved the question as to whether or not a marriage to an unbaptized person is valid. Certainly a marriage to a baptized Protestant can be valid; certain conditions apply (see Canon Law).

 

[AveSantaMaria]

What Canon law are you talking about? Maybe someone here has a reference, source, citation? I don’t even know what Canon law is - perhaps someone could inform me on the significance, purpose, and ramifications of Canon Law.

The Cathechism of the Catholic Church is not infalliable? Then to what degree do we have a responsibility to believe in it, abide by its rules, and promote it? What is infalliable in the Catholic Church then? How can I ever know clearly?

 

[Ron_Conte]

What Canon law are you talking about? Maybe someone here has a reference, source, citation? I don’t even know what Canon law is - perhaps someone could inform me on the significance, purpose, and ramifications of Canon Law.

The Cathechism of the Catholic Church is not infalliable? Then to what degree do we have a responsibility to believe in it, abide by its rules, and promote it? What is infalliable in the Catholic Church then? How can I ever know clearly?

Here is canon law on mixed marriages, from the Vatican website:
vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P41.HTM

Even the non-infallible teachings of the Magisterium are generally reliable, since the extent of possible errors is limited and cannot lead the faithful away from salvation. Some teachings in the Catechism are infallible because they were previously established as infallible; other teachings in the Catechism are non-infallible. The Catechism also contains some discipline (practices), which are not teachings.

It is not always clear which teachings are infallible and which are non-infallible and which are theological opinion.

 

[AveSantaMaria]

Here is canon law on mixed marriages, from the Vatican website:
vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P41.HTM

Even the non-infallible teachings of the Magisterium are generally reliable, since the extent of possible errors is limited and cannot lead the faithful away from salvation. Some teachings in the Catechism are infallible because they were previously established as infallible; other teachings in the Catechism are non-infallible. The Catechism also contains some discipline (practices), which are not teachings.

It is not always clear which teachings are infallible and which are non-infallible and which are theological opinion.

Thank you so very much! When you write “the extent of possible errors is limited and cannot lead the faithful away from salvation” what do you mean?

Maybe you might know what is unequivocably known to be infalliable in the Catholic Church.
**1. Sacred Scripture **
**2. Immaculate Conception **
**3. Supremacy of Magisterium **

Is there anything else? Have I gotten even this list wrong? If the Cathechism of the Catholic Church is not infalliable, then what source of binding moral authority does it have? Does it have any?

I looked at the link above: canon law on mixed marriages, and saw this:

3/ both parties are to be instructed about the purpose and essential properties of marriage which neither of the contracting parties is to exclude.

What is the purpose and essential properties of marriage which neither of the contracting parties is to exclude?

 

[kage_ar]

The Catechism section can be read on line here, look to the footnotes for references to other official teachings of the Church:

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c3a7.htm#1633

Mixed marriages and disparity of cult

1633 In many countries the situation of a mixed marriage (marriage between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic) often arises. It requires particular attention on the part of couples and their pastors. A case of marriage with disparity of cult (between a Catholic and a non-baptized person) requires even greater circumspection.
[1634](javascriptpenWindow(‘cr/1634.htm’) Difference of confession between the spouses does not constitute an insurmountable obstacle for marriage, when they succeed in placing in common what they have received from their respective communities, and learn from each other the way in which each lives in fidelity to Christ. But the difficulties of mixed marriages must not be underestimated. They arise from the fact that the separation of Christians has not yet been overcome. The spouses risk experiencing the tragedy of Christian disunity even in the heart of their own home. Disparity of cult can further aggravate these difficulties. Differences about faith and the very notion of marriage, but also different religious mentalities, can become sources of tension in marriage, especially as regards the education of children. The temptation to religious indifference can then arise.
1635 According to the law in force in the Latin Church, a mixed marriage needs for liceity the express permission of ecclesiastical authority.137 In case of disparity of cult an express dispensation from this impediment is required for the validity of the marriage.138 This permission or dispensation presupposes that both parties know and do not exclude the essential ends and properties of marriage; and furthermore that the Catholic party confirms the obligations, which have been made known to the non-Catholic party, of preserving his or her own faith and ensuring the baptism and education of the children in the Catholic Church.139
[1636](javascriptpenWindow(‘cr/1636.htm’) Through ecumenical dialogue Christian communities in many regions have been able to put into effect a common pastoral practice for mixed marriages. Its task is to help such couples live out their particular situation in the light of faith, overcome the tensions between the couple’s obligations to each other and towards their ecclesial communities, and encourage the flowering of what is common to them in faith and respect for what separates them. 1637 In marriages with disparity of cult the Catholic spouse has a particular task: "For the unbelieving husband is consecrated through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is consecrated through her husband."140 It is a great joy for the Christian spouse and for the Church if this “consecration” should lead to the free conversion of the other spouse to the Christian faith.141 Sincere married love, the humble and patient practice of the family virtues, and perseverance in prayer can prepare the non-believing spouse to accept the grace of conversion.

 

[kage_ar]

There are many Scripture passages, in the OT, God and the prophets warned of intermarriage.

Here is one NT passage:

usccb.org/nab/bible/2corinthians/2corinthians6.htm

14 10 11 Do not be yoked with those who are different, with unbelievers. For what partnership do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Beliar? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said: “I will live with them and move among them, 12 and I will be their God and they shall be my people. 17 Therefore, come forth from them and be separate,” says the Lord, “and touch nothing unclean; then I will receive you 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

 

[puzzleannie]

what you want is canon law on marriage, not moral theology, try the liturgy and sacraments forum for the authorotative citations you are looking for–the discussions in past threads on marriage and annulment will be most helpful

 

[Ron_Conte]

Thank you so very much! When you write “the extent of possible errors is limited and cannot lead the faithful away from salvation” what do you mean?

Maybe you might know what is unequivocably known to be infalliable in the Catholic Church.
**1. Sacred Scripture **
**2. Immaculate Conception **
**3. Supremacy of Magisterium **

Is there anything else? Have I gotten even this list wrong? If the Cathechism of the Catholic Church is not infalliable, then what source of binding moral authority does it have? Does it have any?

I looked at the link above: canon law on mixed marriages, and saw this: What is the purpose and essential properties of marriage which neither of the contracting parties is to exclude?

Infallible:

1. everything taught by Sacred Tradition
2. everything taught by Sacred Scripture
3. The infallible teachings of the Magisterium, which are solely the following:

a. solemn definitions of the Pope (papal infallibility)
b. solemn definitions of Ecumenical Councils
c. the teachings of the Universal Magisterium (when the Pope and the bishops all teach the same doctrine as required belief)

non-infallible:
All other teachings of the Pope, of Councils, and of the Bishops are non-infallible, meaning that they have a limited possibility of error.

The teachings in the Catechism have whatever weight they had before being placed in the Catechism. So the infallible teaching on the Immaculate Conception, and the infallible teaching on the Assumption, remain infallible. But no teaching is infallible merely because it is in the Catechism.

The teachings in the Catechism have the corresponding authority, depending on whether the teaching is infallible (requiring the full assent of faith) or non-infallible (requiring the religious submission of will and intellect).

Also, some portions of the Catechism describe practices, not teachings.

 

[kage_ar]

Infallible:

1. everything taught by Sacred Tradition
2. everything taught by Sacred Scripture
3. The infallible teachings of the Magisterium, which are solely the following:

a. solemn definitions of the Pope (papal infallibility)
b. solemn definitions of Ecumenical Councils
c. the teachings of the Universal Magisterium (when the Pope and the bishops all teach the same doctrine as required belief)

non-infallible:
All other teachings of the Pope, of Councils, and of the Bishops are non-infallible, meaning that they have a limited possibility of error.

The teachings in the Catechism have whatever weight they had before being placed in the Catechism. So the infallible teaching on the Immaculate Conception, and the infallible teaching on the Assumption, remain infallible. But no teaching is infallible merely because it is in the Catechism.

The teachings in the Catechism have the corresponding authority, depending on whether the teaching is infallible (requiring the full assent of faith) or non-infallible (requiring the religious submission of will and intellect).

Also, some portions of the Catechism describe practices, not teachings.

This is why it is critical to read the footnotes in the CCC, then, you know what documents are referenced.

 

[AveSantaMaria]

This is why it is critical to read the footnotes in the CCC, then, you know what documents are referenced.

Thank you very much to you two on infalliability vs. noninfalliability!! I am learning an incredible amount and clearing up confusion through these messages. Another question concerning the above links: What is Sacred Tradition? How can I differentiate between Sacred Tradition and tradition? How does one know what is a solemn definition of the Pope versus a non solemn definition? For example, are Spe Salve or Love Conquers All or Humane Vitae or In Veritas Splendor falliable or infalliable? How can I tell if the Pope and all bishops teach the same doctrine as required belief?

Finally, why do the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church seem to teach infalliable things that contradict each other, such as the definition of Heaven/Hell in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the definition of Heaven/Purgatory/Hell in the Roman Catholic Church?

 

[Seatuck]

foryourmarriage.org/interior_template.asp?id=20398787

 

[kage_ar]

This book is out of print, so, it is expensive. You may be able to get it on interlibrary loan from you library:

**Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma **

by Ludwig Ott

 

[Texas_Roofer]

Say …
Instruction from infalliable sources such as the Cathechism of the Catholic Church, the Sacred Scripture, and the infalliable teachings of the Magisterium are greatly and immensely appreciated in addition to falliable sources such as the writings of the saints!

May Christ, Mary, and St. Joseph protect, love, guide, sanctifiy, and instruct us!!

It would seem you are asking of this?

Can. 1124 Without express permission of the competent authority, a marriage is prohibited between two baptized persons of whom one is baptized in the Catholic Church or received into it after baptism and has not defected from it by a formal act and the other of whom is enrolled in a Church or ecclesial community not in full communion with the Catholic Church.

Can. 1125 The local ordinary can grant a permission of this kind if there is a just and reasonable cause. He is not to grant it unless the following conditions have been fulfilled:

1/ the Catholic party is to declare that he or she is prepared to remove dangers of defecting from the faith and is to make a sincere promise to do all in his or her power so that all offspring are baptized and brought up in the Catholic Church;

2/ the other party is to be informed at an appropriate time about the promises which the Catholic party is to make, in such a way that it is certain that he or she is truly aware of the promise and obligation of the Catholic party;

3/ both parties are to be instructed about the purposes and essential properties of marriage which neither of the contracting parties is to exclude.

 

[cameron_lansing]

. .
I looked at the link above: canon law on mixed marriages, and saw this: What is the purpose and essential properties of marriage which neither of the contracting parties is to exclude?

The purpose would be found in the natural ordination in c. 1055 §1. The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, which is ordered by its nature toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring, has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament between the baptized.

The essential properties are found in c. 1056 The essential properties of marriage are unity and indissolubility, which in Christian marriage obtain a special firmness by reason of of the sacrament.