Making a Case for Marriage
Why does marriage matter? Why choose to get married? Why work to stay married? These and other such questions are on people’s minds today.
For help in answering the questions many will turn to social science research. Fortunately there is a lot of helpful information in the research that affirms the role and value of marriage for individuals, families, and society.
Pope John Paul II has written: “The Church values sociological and statistical research when it proves helpful in understanding the historical context in which pastoral action has to be developed and when it leads to a better understanding of the truth” (On the Family, 5).
The series of short presentations that will appear on this section of the NPIM website – and there will be a total of eight topics – shows how Church belief and teaching about marriage are strengthened and confirmed by the findings of social science research. These points of convergence are a strong factor in “making a case” for marriage – particularly with younger generations of adults who rely heavily on such research in their quest for truth and direction.
Each topic is presented using the same format: (1) a summary of the state of the issue, including statistical information with sources; (2) key points from social science research: and (3) key points from a sampling of church teaching. Much more could be said about all the topics, of course, so we encourage you to add your own points and to customize the presentations to suit your needs.
The schedule of topics is:
| 2006 |
| October: |
Why Isn't It Good to Live Together Before Marriage?
(This is available in both English and Spanish.) |
| November: |
Why Do Children Need Married Parents?
(This is available in both English and Spanish.) |
| December: |
Why Is Marriage Good For Both Men and Women?
(This is available in both English and Spanish.) |
| 2007 |
| January: |
Thinking About Divorce? Think Again.
(This is available in both English and Spanish.) |
| February: |
What Promotes A Happy and Lasting Marriage?
(This is available in both English and Spanish.) |
| March: |
What Are The Facts About Natural Family Planning?
(This is available in both English and Spanish.) |
| April: |
What Difference Does Marriage Education Make?
(This is available in both English and Spanish.) |
| May: |
How Does Society Benefit From Strong Marriages?
(This is available in both English and Spanish.) |
| August: |
How Does Legalizing “Same-Sex Marriage” Deny the True Nature of Marriage?
(This is available in both English and Spanish.) |