Analysis of Results
Sorted Into Categories of Definition of Marriage, Church Teachings and Personal Beliefs
Definition of Marriage
Across all three participants there was a universal understanding and definition of marriage being a lifelong commitment that is not to be entered into lightly. All participants agreed that marriage is a sacred and holy ceromony that should be entered into with careful consideration. Though there was communal belief in tradition, participant 2 stated that the meaning of marriage is beginning to change across a communal scale: “today what’s important is more the idea and thought of marriage and the fun times, rather than the practicableness of family and support”. This view also seemed to be present among the other two participants, however it was not as relevant, rather they believe that people were “rushing into marriage” (Participant 1). Participant 1 and 3 reflect more progressive views of marriage, because they believe the way in which a husband and wife treat each other is important, rather than the sacramental teachings, showing that they believe marriage is built on “support, love and respect” (participant 3) and is about “being there and being faithful” (participant1). However participant 2 takes a more traditional approach in saying “As an Anglican and member of the church, I see marriage as holy and sacred bond that should be cherished”, demonstrably showing his connections to the Anglican faith.
Church teachings
The Anglican church teaches that marriage is holy and sacred lifelong commitment, that in essence is to suit the human condition of love and lust for the purpose of reproduction whilst a person keeps their innocence (Doctrine Committee, N.D). Participants 1 and 3 had limited knowledge on the church teachings, which is evident by their short and unsure answers when asked what marriage meant to them as an Anglican, participant 1 stated that “I don’t really understand that side of things”, and participant 3 went on to say “I suppose that I would mean to always follow the commandments”. In comparison participant 2 responded; “If I had to put it into my own words, I would say a sacred and holy bond between two people under the guidance and protection of Christ” representing a deeper understanding of the nature of Marriage according to the church. However, when the sacrament was explained to them all participants agreed that they were important and relevant for the most part. But one belief they all thought needed to change was the church’s stance on marriage equality, participant 1 stated; “I have no problem with that for marriage, I still believe in the traditional vows, whether they are same sex or not”, and participant 2 said “yes” to a need for change. Al participants also agreed with the terms of divorce as outlined by theology, participant 3 stated that he didn’t have a problem with divorce because “The church of England was established for the sake of divorce”.
Personal Beliefs
Though each participant possessed their own personal beliefs and views of marriage and what it means, some views were quite similar in nature and respect. Participant 1 and 2 took a strong stance that celibacy is important before marriage, participant 2 went further to state that “I was a virgin on my wedding night”, compared to participant 3’s view that “as long as you wait until you are in a committed relationship you are fine”. A further differentiating view is the need for the presence for religion in the marital ceromony, participant 2 stated that he was “married in the church by a priest” even though he didn’t have a full mass. On the contrary participant 1 did not view this as important, instead her wedding “was not religiously based”, rather she was married by a celebrant in the park, but she still believed that God was with her on her wedding day. However, all participants understood the importance of family and the freedom to treat marriage on an individual level. It was evident from the data collected the family is an important aspect of marriage, participant 1 and 2 have children whom they love dearly, and participant 3 wishes to have children once he is married, “well my fiancé and I have always liked the idea of an old fashioned marriage, have kids, I go to work and she would look after the kids”. All three participants also agreed that they follow the traditional views of marriage, but held them at a low importance in term of successfulness of marriage, and they held that each person should feel free to interpret marriage as they wish.
Definition of Marriage
Across all three participants there was a universal understanding and definition of marriage being a lifelong commitment that is not to be entered into lightly. All participants agreed that marriage is a sacred and holy ceromony that should be entered into with careful consideration. Though there was communal belief in tradition, participant 2 stated that the meaning of marriage is beginning to change across a communal scale: “today what’s important is more the idea and thought of marriage and the fun times, rather than the practicableness of family and support”. This view also seemed to be present among the other two participants, however it was not as relevant, rather they believe that people were “rushing into marriage” (Participant 1). Participant 1 and 3 reflect more progressive views of marriage, because they believe the way in which a husband and wife treat each other is important, rather than the sacramental teachings, showing that they believe marriage is built on “support, love and respect” (participant 3) and is about “being there and being faithful” (participant1). However participant 2 takes a more traditional approach in saying “As an Anglican and member of the church, I see marriage as holy and sacred bond that should be cherished”, demonstrably showing his connections to the Anglican faith.
Church teachings
The Anglican church teaches that marriage is holy and sacred lifelong commitment, that in essence is to suit the human condition of love and lust for the purpose of reproduction whilst a person keeps their innocence (Doctrine Committee, N.D). Participants 1 and 3 had limited knowledge on the church teachings, which is evident by their short and unsure answers when asked what marriage meant to them as an Anglican, participant 1 stated that “I don’t really understand that side of things”, and participant 3 went on to say “I suppose that I would mean to always follow the commandments”. In comparison participant 2 responded; “If I had to put it into my own words, I would say a sacred and holy bond between two people under the guidance and protection of Christ” representing a deeper understanding of the nature of Marriage according to the church. However, when the sacrament was explained to them all participants agreed that they were important and relevant for the most part. But one belief they all thought needed to change was the church’s stance on marriage equality, participant 1 stated; “I have no problem with that for marriage, I still believe in the traditional vows, whether they are same sex or not”, and participant 2 said “yes” to a need for change. Al participants also agreed with the terms of divorce as outlined by theology, participant 3 stated that he didn’t have a problem with divorce because “The church of England was established for the sake of divorce”.
Personal Beliefs
Though each participant possessed their own personal beliefs and views of marriage and what it means, some views were quite similar in nature and respect. Participant 1 and 2 took a strong stance that celibacy is important before marriage, participant 2 went further to state that “I was a virgin on my wedding night”, compared to participant 3’s view that “as long as you wait until you are in a committed relationship you are fine”. A further differentiating view is the need for the presence for religion in the marital ceromony, participant 2 stated that he was “married in the church by a priest” even though he didn’t have a full mass. On the contrary participant 1 did not view this as important, instead her wedding “was not religiously based”, rather she was married by a celebrant in the park, but she still believed that God was with her on her wedding day. However, all participants understood the importance of family and the freedom to treat marriage on an individual level. It was evident from the data collected the family is an important aspect of marriage, participant 1 and 2 have children whom they love dearly, and participant 3 wishes to have children once he is married, “well my fiancé and I have always liked the idea of an old fashioned marriage, have kids, I go to work and she would look after the kids”. All three participants also agreed that they follow the traditional views of marriage, but held them at a low importance in term of successfulness of marriage, and they held that each person should feel free to interpret marriage as they wish.