'Introduction,' to John Witte, Jr. and Eliza Ellison, eds., Covenant Marriage in Comparative Perspective

John Witte, Jr. and Eliza Ellison, eds., Covenant Marriage in Comparative Perspective (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2005), 1-25

21 Pages Posted: 9 Sep 2019

See all articles by John Witte, Jr.

John Witte, Jr.

Emory University School of Law

Joel A. Nichols

The University of Alabama School of Law; Emory University - Center for the Study of Law and Religion

Date Written: 2005

Abstract

The doctrine of covenant has reemerged in a number of contemporary Jewish, Christian, and Islamic circles as a common trope to map and measure the higher (or spiritual dimensions) of the marital union. The doctrine of covenant has also reemerged separately in a number of recent American states as a convenient means of strengthening marital formation and dissolution requirements. This article is the Introduction to a volume that analyzes the covenant theology and law of marriage in the past and the present. After analyzing the modern covenant marriage movement, the authors demonstrate that Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike view marriage both as a contract and as a covenant.

Keywords: marriage, covenant marriage, contract marriage, pactum, ketubah, kitab, Muslim family law, Jewish family, mutual consent, husband and wife, fidelity, support, betrothals, wedding, Talmud, John Calvin, Geneva, Tametsi, canon law

Suggested Citation

Witte, John and Nichols, Joel A., 'Introduction,' to John Witte, Jr. and Eliza Ellison, eds., Covenant Marriage in Comparative Perspective (2005). John Witte, Jr. and Eliza Ellison, eds., Covenant Marriage in Comparative Perspective (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2005), 1-25 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3445700

John Witte (Contact Author)

Emory University School of Law ( email )

1301 Clifton Road
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Joel A. Nichols

The University of Alabama School of Law ( email )

101 Paul W. Bryant Drive, East
Box 870382
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
United States

Emory University - Center for the Study of Law and Religion ( email )

201 Dowman Drive
Atlanta, GA 30322
United States

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