Description
Book SynopsisThe Western tradition has always cherished the family as an essential foundation of a just and orderly society, and thus accorded it special legal and religious protection. Christianity embraced this teaching from the start, and many of the basics of Western family law were shaped by the Christian theologies of nature, sacrament, and covenant. This volume introduces readers to the enduring and evolving Christian norms and teachings on betrothals and weddings; marriage and divorce; women''s and children''s rights; marital property and inheritance; and human sexuality and intimate relationships. The chapters are authoritatively written but accessible to college and graduate students and scholars, as well as clergy and laity. While alert to the hot button issues of sexual liberty today, the contributing authors let the historical figures speak for themselves about what Christianity has and can contribute to the protection and guidance of our most intimate association.
Trade Review'The authors and editors seek to provide both legal and historical frameworks for the development of family law, stressing the relationship between Christian teachings and various topics. Most are experts on the personages discussed, frequently noting that their contributions are taken from larger works. Almost every chapter reveals new insights, and sometimes the figures themselves are novel (at least to this reader), even though their thoughts may creep into the modern discourse on the family. The editors seek to balance the various divisions in contemporary Christianity and largely succeed. They also include a variety of disciplines.' Margaret F. Brinig, Journal of Church and State
Table of ContentsIntroduction John Witte, Jr and Gary S. Hauk; 1. Moses, the Prophets, and the Rabbis Elliot N. Dorff; 2. Jesus and St. Paul Gary S. Hauk; 3. Emperor Constantine Judith Evans Grubbs; 4. St. Augustine of Hippo David G. Hunter; 5. St. John Chrysostom Vigen Guroian; 6. Emperor Justinian Peter Sarris; 7. Theodore Balsamon John McGuckin; 8. Gratian Anders Winroth; 9. Peter Lombard Giulio Silano; 10. Popes Alexander III and Innocent III Charles Donahue; 11. St. Thomas Aquinas Philip L. Reynolds; 12. Martin Luther Steven Ozment and John Witte, Jr; 13. John Calvin Barbara Pitkin; 14. King Henry VIII Henry Ansgar Kelly; 15. Thomas Sanchez Rafael Domingo; 16. John Selden Jason P. Rosenblatt; 17. Mary Wollstonecraft Eileen Hunt Botting; 18. Abraham Kuyper James D. Bratt; 19. Emil Brunner Don S. Browning and John Witte, Jr; 20. Popes Leo XIII and Pius XI Russell Hittinger; 21. Pope Paul VI Steven J. Pope; 22. Pope John Paul II Robert P. George and Gerard V. Bradley; 23. Paul Evdokimov Michael Plekon; 24. Derrick Sherwin Bailey Mark D. Jordan; 25. Jean Bethke Elshtain M. Christian Green.
