...Anthropology: Marriage and Divorce Marriage is an institution under siege today, and only a return to the biblical foundation of these God-given institutions will reverse the decline of marriage and the family in our culture today. With this in mind, we must first look at Gen. 2:18, 21-24. “The Lord God said; it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him...and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh”. It could be said that we are seeing the first wedding. We can conclude from this account in Genesis that marriage is God's idea, designed and instituted by the Creator. In these verses we also discover that at the heart of God's design for marriage is companionship and intimacy, making it a lifetime covenant between mankind and God, never to be severed by human action. There are several epistles written by the Apostle Paul that refer to marriage and how believers are to operate within the marriage relationship. The following are especially profound in reference to a successful biblical marriage. “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord for the husband...
Words: 828 - Pages: 4
...THEO202_B07_200930 Short Essay #2 Short Essay on Anthropology: Marriage and Divorce The origin of marriage comes from Genesis 2:18, where God said that it is not right that man should be alone. Regardless of the intention that God had for marriage when he ordained it, too many people have made it to be something of a fad or a trend. That is why we as Christians should strive to uphold and embody the sacred vows that we took in the eyes of man and of God and be an example to a lost world. The biblical teaching of marriage is that it is the union of one man and of one woman (Gen. 2:24). This bond is portrayed in the relationship as a covenant. A covenant is a personal relationship within a publicly known structure, based on promises given and accepted. (1) As two become on flesh it is important that we remember it is God’s intent that you remain intact forever (Gen. 2:24). There are some biblical laws concerning marriage. After Levitical law marriage to family is outlawed (Lev. 20:19), marriage to foreigners is considered dangerous (1 Kings 11:1-2-10; 2 Cor. 6:14-15), and both husband and wife are to be submitted to each other (Eph. 5:22-33). In a biblical marriage the husband did not possess his wife until the bride price was paid (Gen. 34:12). Even before this though there was a time of Betrothal to one another. This was a legally binding contract that stated they would remain celibate (Matt. 1:18). The marriage would be consecrated on the first night, in which...
Words: 898 - Pages: 4
...Ethnographic Comparison Keelymarie Rothgaber February 17, 2015 Module 5 Assignment 1 The societies that I have chosen was Italian and German and the human culture aspect I have decided to use was domestic life and kinship. The reason why I chose domestic life and kinship was because Cultural anthropology plays a big part in how we choose to interact and live our lives differently in different cultures. Anthropology can be an interesting way to evaluate groups or individuals progress or expectations. Kinship is relationships with your family and anthropology plays a part by observing how it has changed and what makes it different from culture to culture and why. Domestic life is essentially how an individual relates to their family, home, and other household affairs. Italy was known as the birthplace of western civilization and started an impact internationally with the Roman Empire. Renaissance, Roman Catholic Church and the Risorgimento. Italy is located in southern Europe bordering Austria, France, and Switzerland along with others. The Italian family is very important to the social structure of Italy, it provides a stabilizing influence for all the family members. Different parts of Italy have different size families, the south is known for having a large extended family living together while the north is mostly a nuclear family. All family members provide financial and emotional support for each other. In Italy it matters to others on how you present yourself...
Words: 1287 - Pages: 6
...Running head: THE KINSHIP SYSTEM 1 The Kinship System of the San Vannell Berrien ANT 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Dr. Ilda Jiménez y West January 28, 2013 THE KINSHIP SYSTEM The Kinship System of the San The San of the Kalahari, also known as Bushmen, is the oldest culture in the world dating back over a hundred thousand years ago. The Kalahari Desert, reaching across South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, is home to some of the most inhospitable lands in the world. The San have a unique language, which incorporates a distinct “click” sound when they are talking. The San have no leader, constantly move around to find new sources of food, and are autonomous when making decisions to stay with a community or move elsewhere. In fact, they are so peaceful that “conflict or disruptive behavior is rare. These communities have no rulers, no written laws, no formal rule enforcers, and no formal mechanisms for controlling, capturing, or punishing rule breakers” (Nowak & Laird, 2010, sec. 3.6). This is due to the small size of their band, their claim to little or no private property, and the fact that food is shared with everyone in the community. Furthermore, San societies are relatively smaller than most societies due to their constant moving to find new areas to forage. Moreover, the San, known for their skills as hunters and gatherers comprise most of their diet from big game, roots and tubers. In the same way, the men of the San culture hunt big game while the women...
Words: 1401 - Pages: 6
...“How Structurism Arranges Marriage in India, America, and the Rest of the World” In fact, marriage in the U.S. is just as arranged as marriage in India. Outright if you were to ask someone if marriage in the United States was the same as in India, you would surely get a quick; “No” for a response since largely the United States practices marriages of individual self-choice while India practices arranged marriage. For better or worse, there are many reasons as to why both these countries follow their own marriage styles, but what happens if we were to look beyond what’s in front of us and truly study what ‘unseen’ forces play into a marriage. Would we even dare suggest that marriage in the United States (the freest nation in the world) is just as arranged in India, is it possible to see that arranged marriages in India are perhaps freer than a marriage of self-choice? First we must answer what is a marriage and what forces play into a marriage to truly know. The definition of a marriage in the 1950’s was the union of a non-related male and female backed by their family members with duties and obligations to love and care for one another with the prospect of having children. Nowadays this definition is dated, thanks to the study of Anthropology and the phenomena of homosexuality; a politically correct and culturally considerate definition of marriage would be; “a culturally sanctioned union between two or more people that establishes certain rights and obligations...
Words: 2213 - Pages: 9
...Iroquois Kinship Tiffany Wheeler ANT 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Alfred Wilfong April 17, 2013 Iroquois Kinship The Iroquois people were very structured, with the women being the top dogs in their social setting. Iroquois women were in control of crops, particularly maize, and that gave them control over more than just a food source. Men were allowed to do their job as long as the women agreed with what they were doing. If women were against a particular raiding activity, they withheld maize from the warriors, which meant the men could not go (Nowak, 1979). Properties were inherited by females, such as land and tools. After marriage, men moved in with their wives to their longhouse. Marriage was encouraged between what the Iroquois considered cross cousins, which today would be what normal people consider to be their cousins. For example, if someone's maternal uncle married an unrelated woman and they had children, it would be encouraged for the cousins to marry one another. Marriage was a delicate thing, however, because the woman was capable of simply packing her husband's belongings and tossing them outside to get her point across that their marriage was over. Based on the above information, the biggest example of the way the Iroquois kinship system impacts the way they behave is their matriarchal system. The eldest woman in each longhouse has the authority to determine the rights to property and resources. Another example would be their belief...
Words: 635 - Pages: 3
...Amy Strickland MLA September 14, 2014 Dr. Alan Bandy THEO 202 B02 Anthropology: Marriage and Divorce I do have to say that I may not have personal experience with marriage but I do know what the bible has to say about it, and that is ultimately what matters. The modern view on marriage tends to be that of lesser importance. If it does not work, then no big deal because there is always the option of divorce. This view usually has the effect of not taking holy matrimony seriously because there is a backup plan. When things go wrong couples are just giving up. God never said marriage would be easy, but He is there to help us every step of the way. Marriage is between one man and one woman for life, and there is only one reason that a couple should ever get a divorce, according to the bible. The bible gives us the guidelines for marriage and how it is supposed to look and work. Almost all marriages had to have the parent’s approval, and were more a matter of convenience rather than for love during bible times. (Elwell 741) Girls were usually between the age of twelve and seventeen; while boys were between fourteen and eighteen. (Elwell 741) The husband was responsible for providing for his family, and the wife was responsible for having child and talking care of them and the house. According to Elwell, matriarchal marriage occurred when a man went to live with and became part of his wife’s family. (740) Also, a “‘Betrothal’ was a legally binding...
Words: 792 - Pages: 4
...Emmanuel Aigbedion THEO202_B20_201220 Short Essay #2 Short Essay On Anthropology: Marriage and Divorce The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” ...For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Gen 2:18, 24 NIV). God himself is the originator of the marriage institution, He hates divorce (Mal 2:16), but permits it in extreme cases. In this essay, I will attempt to discuss marriage, the issue of divorce and remarriage, from the biblical point of view and how these issues impact the Church and the society at large. I will like to define marriage as a legal and mystical union between a man and a woman. Simply put, it is a bond of love between a man and a woman. The bible teaches that at a point in a man’s life he will leave his father and mother and become united with a woman and both of them will become one flesh (Gen 2:24, Mark 10:7-8). There is no biblical age requirement for marriage between a man and woman, however, “By early Christian times girls often married between twelve and seventeen, and boys between fourteen and eighteen.”1 Marriage is basically for the physically and spiritually matured and not for children. It is also not for the mentally impaired and psychotic. In the Old Testament times, the Israelites were restricted from marrying foreigners, although this was not always practiced (Ezra 9:10-12). In the new testament times Christians...
Words: 928 - Pages: 4
...Name Writing Style Used: MLA Course and Section Number: THEO 202 Anthropology: Marriage and Divorce Marriage is viewed differently by today’s society than that of Biblical times. While there are still some similarities in the regulations and limitations of marriage, the overall view and importance has slowly transformed. Society has taken on the mindset that marriage is simply a document that means nothing and if the marriage ends up not working out then it is okay to divorce and move on to other relationships. The Bible is clear as to what marriage stands for and that it is something that must be fought for and should last a lifetime. The concept of marriage was established when Adam and Eve were created. In Genesis 2:18-25 it tells not only of how Eve was created but why she was created. According to L.I. Granberg and J.R. Root, God made marriage so that a man and woman could be joined to form “one flesh” and reach a sense of completeness. (Granberg, 743). It can be found in 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 what is required and asked of both the man and the woman to have a healthy, God honoring marriage (NIV). The Bible does not give an exact moment in which a couple is considered to be married in the eyes of God, but rather lists three principles that should be followed. The first being that marriage should follow the marriage requirements the government has set. Romans 13:1-2 says that we must obey the government that the Lord has placed over us (NIV). The second principle, depending...
Words: 952 - Pages: 4
... Short essay on Anthropology: Marriage and Divorce The day begun rather normally as I ventured out to walk my little dog. Laughing as I watched her run in circles, I noticed my friends Tom and Jane approaching with rather solemn looking faces. They asked if they could have a moment of my time, so I quickly scooped up my dog and motioned for the park bench. Jane began telling me that they were contemplating getting a divorce, and wanted to know if I had any advice. I was a bit taken aback since I had never been married, until they told me they wanted a biblical perspective and knew I was a bible student. I let both of them know how much I valued the commitment of marriage and this was the main reason I was older, yet still not married. I believe that you should not go into a marriage half- heartedly. I told Tom and Jane that I was waiting on God to bring me the right man. I feel that if people put a greater value on marriage there would be very few divorces. Tom and Jane nodded and then I began. “God ordained marriage for the good of man.” (Gen 2:18-25) In biblical times it was customary for a man to marry a woman within his immediate family, though there were stipulations. In those days men could marry a half-sister under his 2 father’s side, and marriage to foreigners was looked down...
Words: 848 - Pages: 4
...D07 Essay on Anthropology: Marriage and Divorce Marriage is a sacred vow between a man and a woman and the Bible gives us guidance. As Christians there are many verses within the Bible that teach on marriage for newlyweds, husbands, wives and engagement. The Bible says that marriage is for companionship and intimacy. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man.' For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. (Genesis 2:18 21-24 NIV). In a marriage, husbands are to love and sacrifice and wives are to submit. Even though in today’s society, women being submissive are not popular. The Bible teaches us that husbands and wives are equal partners. It also teaches that wives are godly in character and that husbands are kind and to honor their wives. It is good for a man not to marry. But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. (1 Cor. 7:1-2, NIV) This verse teaches that it is better to marry than to be immoral. A couple is married in the eyes of God when it is consummated through sexual intercourse, has a formal ceremony and is legally married. Today it is acceptable to cohabitate and for the woman to be the provider. The Bible is very clear on divorce, as stated in Matthew...
Words: 707 - Pages: 3
...Theo 202-D22 Short Essay #2 Anthropology: Marriage and Divorce “At the beginning, the Creator made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh.’” (Matthew 19:4-6) What the bible teaches us about marriage is difficult to live by for many unmarried, married, and once married adults today. Our society has fallen so far away from the biblical standards of marriage and also of how we are to conduct ourselves inside this unity. God’s original design of marriage was to be between one man and one woman who permanently unite together. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) After God created Adam, he took from his body, and created Eve because God did not want man to be alone. Also in Genesis we read, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” (Gen 2:24) Marriage is “the total unity of persons – physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.” (Elwell 743) Paul uses this union to symbolize the unity of Christ with the church. Unfortunately, the fall of man brought a curse upon man, nature, and marriage. Painful childbirth, sin, and the impure desires of man brought turmoil inside the covenant of marriage. Some people argue that marriage becomes official when a couple...
Words: 908 - Pages: 4
...ANTH 1200 – Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 10-29-12 Dr. Williams, Instructor 1 Study Questions for Quiz# 3 (Ferraro’s Chapters 9, 10 and 11) 1. Are there any universals about gender roles across all societies? Use examples from your readings to support your position. 2. Male dominance a cultural universal? Use examples from your reading to support your position. 3. How important are economic factors in the definition of gender in the United States? 4. What are “Genderlects”? Answer: Linguistic differences in the ways in which men and women speak within their culture 5. What is postpartum sexual taboo? Answer: the rule that a husband and wife must abstain from any sexual activity for a period of time after the birth of a child 6. What is gender stratification? Answer: The hierarchical ranking of members of a society according to gender 7. If women are not allowed to hold important positions in religious activities, does that indicate stratification? 8. Does the prohibition of women from the same economic activities as men always indicate stratification? 9. What are three social benefits of marriage? 10. Describe and discuss the differences between American style marriage and marriage among any cultural group in Sub-Saharan Africa. 11. In which state of the United States is polygyny most widely practiced? Answer: Utah 12. What is a critical factor influencing the incidence of polygyny? Answer: The Old Testament of the Bible ...
Words: 754 - Pages: 4
...Marriage Practice ANT101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Prof: Christina Winn October 1, 2013 Marriage is a bond between man and woman that should not be entered into lightly. Many cultures have different views on how a man and woman should be joined together. Many traditional Christians believed in asking the bishop or leader of their congregation for consent before they got married. Second, in the Muslim culture, they are allowed to marry at a younger age than christens are allowed. Finally, marriage and divorce go hand in hand, in the Jewish culture divorce is usually handled right there in the community without the need for a judge. In many cultures it is a sign of respect to ask for permission from the father of the woman the man wants to marry. Christians wished to have the consent and blessing of their bishop or the leader of their congregation, and by the end of the fourth century it had become customary in some regions of the Empire for a priest to bless the marriage of a Christian couple (Grubbs, 1994). Muslim’s on the other hand believe that a man and a woman enter into marriage with both of them agree equally. “In Islam marriage cannot take place unless the female freely agrees to it and a dowry is given to her” (Islamicbulletin.org). Obviously a woman in each of these cultures enters into it on her own free will, but the Jewish culture adds a little bit to it. “Mishnah Kiddushin 1:1 specifies that a woman is acquired (i.e., to be a wife) in...
Words: 1299 - Pages: 6
...Divorce is common in marriages some people go into marriage without thinking of it consequences due to their selfish desires. Despite the fact that divorce is discussed in almost any society or anthropology book, no unified explanation for family instability are available Levinson and Malone [1960 -69] state that “anthropologist have offered little in the of trustworthy ,universal explanations for divorce”. The differences in culture, traditions and practices among societies make it almost impossible to offer general explanation to family instability. The widely held belief is that when a significant amount of money or property is exchange the marriage is more stable. This belief is supported by Minturn ex al{1969:308] Findings that absence of bride price ,dowry ,and gift exchange at marriage makes divorce more easier .Family issues. Lack of communication, cheating, and young marriages, are the main causes and effects of divorce. Family issues are one of the main causes of divorce. It is very frustrating when it comes to relatives .They think that they have the right to make certain decisions in their children home which is not advisable. Parents are always troublesome when they are not able to have their grandchildren .It is usually difficult for the parents to understand that children are gift from God .They usually expect too much from their children which is not right...
Words: 1227 - Pages: 5
