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Singleness and Marriage after Christendom

Lina Toth

152 Pages
2021

Singleness and Marriage after Christendom

Wipf and Stock Publishers

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Singleness and Marriage after Christendom - Summary

Momentous societal shifts are upon us, particularly the rise of singlehood and evolving ideas of happiness. Lina Toth's 'Singleness and Marriage after Christendom' explores this cultural wave, challenging the entrenched Christian ideal of marriage as the pinnacle of existence. Through historical analysis and insightful commentary, Toth reframes singleness not as a deficiency, but as a unique opportunity to experience belonging and purpose within a faith community.

Key Ideas

1

The Evolution of Marriage and Singleness

Toth meticulously traces the historical trajectory of marriage and singleness, from the early church's radical embrace of singleness to the modern emphasis on romantic love and coupledom. This historical context unveils how cultural norms, rather than biblical mandates, have shaped our current perceptions.

2

The Idolization of Marriage

Toth challenges the often-unquestioned pedestal upon which marriage sits within Christian circles. She argues that this idolization not only creates a hierarchy that devalues singleness but also places undue pressure on married couples to achieve an idealized, and often unattainable, version of happiness.

3

Reimagining Family in the Church

The heart of Toth's argument lies in her call to redefine 'family' beyond the traditional nuclear model. She envisions the church as a space where both single and married individuals can experience genuine belonging, mutual support, and spiritual kinship. This reframing challenges churches to move beyond marriage-centric models and embrace the diverse gifts and callings of all members.

FAQ's

The main argument of 'Singleness and Marriage after Christendom' is that singleness should be viewed as a valid and fulfilling path within the Christian life, challenging the traditional Christian ideal that places marriage as the ultimate goal.

Lina Toth addresses the historical context by tracing the evolution of marriage and singleness from the early church's acceptance of singleness to the modern focus on romantic love and coupledom, showing how cultural norms have influenced current perceptions.

Toth proposes that the church should redefine 'family' to include both single and married individuals, creating a community where everyone can experience belonging, mutual support, and spiritual kinship, moving away from a marriage-centric model.

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