On Marriage and Family Life

Saint John Chrysostom

Book 7 of Popular Patristics Series

Language: English

Published: Mar 15, 1986

Words: 26341
Pages: 116

Description:

  1. Homily 19 on 1 Corinthians 7
  2. Homily 20 on Ephesians 5:22-33
  3. Homily 21 on Ephesians 6:1-4
  4. Homily 12 on Colossians 4:12-18

"Christian tradition often seems to give only grudging approval of married life, particularly its sexual aspect. In these sermons we find an important corrective to this view. Although himself a monk, Chrysostom had a profound understanding of the needs of his congregation. Inspired by the epistles to the Corinthians and Ephesians, he discusses the reasons God instituted marriage--primarily to promote holiness of the husband and wife, and only secondarily to produce children. Chrysostom goes on to discuss sexual relations, the mutual responsibilities of marriage, and parenting. While parts of vast majority of his advice has timeless relevance for the Christian family."