Christian Theology of Marriage

According to Augustine, sexual love is a legitimate and profound expression of one’s desire for intimate connection with one’s beloved.

Augustine believed that the sole purpose of marriage is the procreation of children.

Augustine considered concupiscence in married people who do not strive for procreation to be a mortal sin.

Augustine believed that sexuality is a result of the fall of humanity.

Augustine believed that marriage and continence are equally good.

Augustine believed that the sexual union of husband and wife is an unnatural act.

The Catechism states that sexual pleasure is morally disordered when sought for itself, isolated from its procreative and unitive purposes, and also from its emotional purposes.

Augustine believes that human sexuality is a result of the fall and is inherently connected with concupiscence.

Augustine thinks that marriage can be dissolved if the couple is unable to procreate.

A married person whose partner can no longer be sexually active must remain sexually inactive.

Augustine views lust as a natural and positive aspect of human sexuality.

Human sexuality is seen as a comprehensive human expression that comprises only the body.

In Augustine's view, marriage in paradise would have been characterized by lust and shame.

A person with a genetic mismatch can feel unhappy regardless of their anatomical appearance.

Augustine believes that the sexual organs would be aroused by lust in a perfect marriage.

The ability to procreate is the exclusive goal of human sexuality.

Human sexuality is only an expression of love and consideration for others.

Augustine's understanding of marriage is that it is only for procreation and not for the happiness of the couple.