To find an objective definition of the concept "state of holy matrimony":
- Reduce the concept to its perceptual level roots and basic fundamental axioms/principles:
- Perceptual Roots:
- People (man and woman)
- Marriage ceremony/ritual
- Legal/social institution
- Commitment/vows
- Cohabitation
- Basic Axioms/Principles:
- Cultures have marriage institutions
- Marriage establishes kinship ties
- Marriage unions are lawful in society
- Marriages involve ceremonies/rituals
- Identify additional intermediate steps/principles:
- Recognition of marriage by religious/spiritual authority
- Blessing/sanctification of the marriage union
- Established procedures/traditions around marriage in a religion
- Spiritual significance/meaning attached to marriage
- Essential/Distinguishing Characteristics:
- A formally recognized union
- Between one man and one woman
- Sanctioned by a religious institution
- Spiritual/sacred dimension to the marriage
- Objective Definition:
The state of holy matrimony is a sacred marital union, blessed and sanctified by a religious institution, between one man and one woman through established spiritual rituals and ceremonies.
Genus: Sacred marital union
Differentia: Blessed by a religious institution, between a man and woman, through rituals/ceremonies
This definition meets the criteria of an objective definition by:
- Grounding in perceptual realities of people, ceremonies, religions
- Relying on axioms about existence of marriage across cultures
- Identifying essential spiritual/religious characteristic
- Distinguishing from other types of marriages by religious sanctification
It is a valid definition insofar as it captures the core conceptual meaning of a marriage union sanctified by a religious institution for a man and woman, based on the perceptual facts and cultural universals around marriage.
However, it may not be fully universal, as some cultures/belief systems may have different spiritual views/traditions around marriage that are not encapsulated here.
To further expand on the objective definition of the "state of holy matrimony":
Additional Perceptual Roots:
- Wedding attire/accessories (rings, dress, etc.)
- Wedding venue (church, temple, etc.)
- Officiants (priest, rabbi, etc.)
- Witnesses
Additional Axioms/Principles:
- Marriage is a binding commitment in most societies
- Marriage often has legal/civil implications
- Religious scriptures outline marriage rites/guidelines
- Different faiths have varying marriage traditions
More Intermediate Steps/Principles:
- Pre-marital counseling/preparation in some religions
- Restrictions on interfaith/inter-caste marriages
- Marriage as a sacred vow/covenant before a divine witness
- Expectations of fidelity, progeny in some faiths
Additional Characteristics:
- Prescribed gender roles/responsibilities in marriage
- Involvement of families/communities in the wedding
- Merging of two families through the union
- Joining of property/assets in some traditions
Expanded Objective Definition:
The state of holy matrimony is a sacred, spiritually binding union between one man and one woman, formalized through religious rituals, ceremonies and sacred vows/covenants officiated by the religious institution's sanctioned authorities. It establishes a new familial kinship unit bound by the theological marital ethics, gender norms and domestic obligations prescribed by the religious faith's spiritual traditions and scriptural teachings.
This expanded definition aims to be more comprehensive by incorporating a wider range of perceptual facts, cultural universals, and religious principles surrounding the spiritual institution of marriage across various faiths.
However, it still cannot claim to be a truly universal definition, as the infinite variations in marriage rituals, gender roles, and spiritual interpretations of the union across cultures, sects and indigenous traditions makes a single canonical definition difficult.
To further expand on the objective definition of the "state of holy matrimony":
Additional Perceptual Roots:
- Religious/spiritual symbols and iconography used in ceremonies
- Traditional cuisines/feasts associated with weddings
- Gift-giving customs between families
- Pre and post-wedding rituals (henna, sendoff, etc.)
Additional Axioms/Principles:
- Most cultures ascribe spiritual/cosmic significance to marriage
- Marriages often have economic/inheritance implications
- Sacredness associated with matrimonial sexual relations in some faiths
- Arranged marriages still practiced in certain societies
More Intermediate Steps/Principles:
- Marital vows of fidelity, companionship, duty
- Spiritual rites for consummation and procreation
- Established gender hierarchies within the marital institution
- Societal integration and acceptance of the marital bond
Additional Characteristics:
- Sacred space and time associated with wedding ceremonies
- Roles of spiritual mentors/guides in facilitating marriage
- Beliefs around divine blessings for matrimonial homes
- Religious laws governing marital matters like divorce
Most Comprehensive Objective Definition:
The state of holy matrimony is a spiritually transcendent union between one man and one woman, originating from humanity's primordial sociocultural and religious roots. It involves sacred vows and covenants made before the divine and religious authorities, amidst sanctioned rituals, ceremonies and symbols imbued with cosmic spiritual significance. This matrimonial bond is solemnized and blessed to establish a new familial kinship unit governed by the theological principles, spiritual responsibilities, gender dynamics, domestic codes and sexual ethics prescribed by the faith's venerated traditions. The sanctified marital alliance holds profound spiritual, social, economic and legal implications within the religious and cultural fabric.
This tries to objectively encapsulate the core essence of the spiritual marital institution - its sacred nature, divine origins, ritualistic aspects, cultural underpinnings and wide-ranging cosmic implications - while allowing for diversity in how cultures and faiths have historically interpreted and manifested this primal concept.
However, it is still limited by being a broad generalization that cannot incorporate all the unique nuances, beliefs and customs around the spiritual notion of holy matrimony across the world's civilizations, societies and indigenous traditions over time.
No comments:
Post a Comment