Christianity and Marriage: Perspectives and Practices

This assignment delves into the realm of Christianity and marriage, examining various aspects such as Christian wedding essentials, interfaith marriages, and the role of religion in wedding ceremonies. It also touches upon the legal implications of unregistered weddings and provides an overview of popular non-religious wedding readings. Additionally, it discusses the cost of weddings and who should pay, as well as the significance of marriage vows and wedding ceremonies. The assignment concludes with a brief history of marriage and a unique example of an organic Christian wedding. It is an insightful resource for students looking to understand Christianity's views on marriage and relationships.

UNIT 4 RESEARCH PROJECT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Formulate and record of possible research project outline specifications........................3
1.2 Identification of factors contributing into the process of research project selection and
factors that motivated your choice of topic for research........................................................3
1.3 Critique Literature review................................................................................................4
1.4 Producing a research project specification.......................................................................6
1.5 Appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification...........................8
2.1 Research Resources........................................................................................................10
2.2 Research Specification and procedures..........................................................................10
2.3 Research Questions........................................................................................................10
3.1 Data Analysis..................................................................................................................11
3.2 Findings and discussion..................................................................................................16
3.3 Recommendation............................................................................................................17
4.1 PPT.................................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................31

1.1 Formulate and record of possible research project outline specifications
Christian weddings are completely different from weddings of other religions as
individuals follow broader concept on weddings. In accordance to Christians weddings,
relationship is the gift of god and therefore, it is important for people to start it from the House of
God.
As per beliefs on the weddings of Christians which are conducted in front of God at
Church, it is very necessary for people to make public declaration of commitment and love in
front of God. In this process, people make promises to maintain the delicacy of bond of love
(Tribe, 2015). Thus, it is a practice which helps people in understanding the pureness of love
where no individuals can take for granted.
Aim: “To explore the concept of Christian Weddings and its celebration”
Objectives
 To ascertain the concept of Christian Weddings.
 To determines difference in celebration of Christian wedding with regard to weddings of
other religions. To access the norms considered in Christian Weddings and its celebration?
Question
 What is the concept of Christian Weddings?
 What is the difference in celebration of Christian wedding with regard to weddings of
other religions?
 What are the norms considered in Christian Weddings and its celebration?
1.2 Identification of factors contributing into the process of research project selection and factors
that motivated your choice of topic for research
The motive of conducting research on concept of Christian weddings is important to help
people in developing perceptive over promises which have been taken in front of the God. This
will help in determining the importance of practising wedding in churches (Assembly, 2015).
However, the rationale behind conducting this study will assist in analysing safe practices that
should be considered by programmers and wedding planners at the time of organising Christian
weddings.

The reason behind choosing this study is my personal interest and another researches in
specific field that is Christian Weddings and its celebration.
1.3 Critique Literature review
According to Christian weddings, 2009, Christian marriages holds the concept shared in
Bible, couple performs ceremonies of commitment in front of God. According to Christians,
wedding is the bond which cannot be taken for granted and therefore it is important for the
couple to perform rituals in church. Apparently, as per the views of Hughes, 2016, the couple
vows in front of god, so that no person is relationship can deny the promise made in front of
Jesus. The promise list in Church consider the basic consideration of marriages but are most
essential elements of love and commitment. The vows comprise promise, to hold hand until
death do us apart regardless of the situation such as, rich, poor, worse, sick, lack of love, etc. The
bond is locked with the promise of cherishing love entire life. Similarly, Surkis, 2010., has stated
that the wedding ceremony in church is conducted with proper rituals, like first the priest in
church welcomes congregation and reads out the beliefs of Christians. Further, couple declare
about their bond which they will cherish entire life. Vows are the most important part of the
ceremony in which couple make promises of being together entire life. Moreover, the rings are
exchanged and then priest makes announcement declaring both as husband and wife. Lastly, the
prayers are sung for wishing happily married life to couple, after which readings are done from
bible and minister preaches. At last, signing of register is done which is the most common legal
requirements which is the evidence of marriage.
As per Christianity: marriage and divorce, 2014, in Christian wedding Saturday is the
most common day for weddings and Wednesday is the least approached day. Christians are the
ultimate believers of Jesus and what is written in bible is considered as finally and most precious
part of ceremony. Like as per research out of 240854, 68600 couples believe in religious
elements mentioned in Bible, to which they follow and perform their wedding ceremony. Apart
from most popular day for wedding, the age criteria of Christians for wedding has been increased
and now the age to which the person can marry is 36 for men and 34 for women.
According to What does Christianity say about marriage? 2018, Christianity offers most
approachable form of wedding, as in this bride and groom confirms their marriage by own
kissing in front of god. Further, it is most effective process of performing rituals, as it helps the
people in analysing person's will to engage in bond of love and commitment. This reduces the

chance of pressure marriages which is the major cause of separation. Thus, the readings of bible
also denote the sense and significance of the bond of marriage and love. In first marriage of
church which was of Adam and Eve. God announced, that man is a personality which cannot live
alone and therefore I have to make appropriate helper for them, who can assist men entire their
life.
As per Hanrahan, 2016, Christian wedding and ceremonies are of different types where
couple and family organizes ceremonies according to their own wish. On the other hand,
according to A Brief History of Marriage, 2017 every religion follows different ceremonies for
wedding. However, the most common part of marriages is vows and commitment of couple in
front of gods and priest. Assembly, 2015, has stated that the ultimate motive of Christians behind
organizing their wedding in church is to commit their love and front of Jesus and to seek
blessings.
Apparently, Block, 2012 has discussed about different religious practices which has
increased competition among Christians for performing different wedding practices and
ceremonies. Erlank, 2014, has stated about rising discrimination in Christian weddings like
wedding of black Christian are completely different from white Christian weddings. However,
according to Wedding Ceremonies, 2018, vows are the most important part of Christian wedding
and it is important for the individuals to respect the promises which are taken and accepted in
front of Jesus. Mitchell, 2018, has stated that vows are the essential ritual of Christian weddings
which make love and commitment ceremony unique and precious for couple. According to Why
marry in church? 2017, church is the most holy place for Christian and therefore it is important
for them commit their love in front of Jesus. Moreover, it is about blessing to new wedded
couple for blissful love life. The Most Popular Non-Religious Wedding Readings. 2017, focused
on couple who have not followed the Christian ceremonies for wedding but are handling it
successfully with blessings of Jesus. According to Smith, 2012, marrying second time after
separation is against catholic system. Further, as per the beliefs of church it is important for the
couple to respect the bond and commitment. How much does a wedding really cost and who
should pay? The bride, groom and parents' guide to the big day, 2015, In this the cost involved
in wedding is a kind of investment, in return of which the couple gets blessings from relatives
and closed ones. According to Reverend, 2002, when couple of different religion vows in front
of Jesus, denotes value of commitment towards their love. As per the views of Marriage,

Divorce, and the Church: What do the stats say, and can marriage be happy? 2014, there are
various ceremonies in which couple confess their love to Jesus. This religion spreads happiness
in surroundings with the shower of love. They celebrate this function with the positive feeling of
love and optimism. According to Wedding Ceremonies, 2018, the vows which are promised by
Christian couple during ceremony cannot be rewritten and changed in any case like, legal
reasons or lack of commitment. Moreover, there are distinct type of Christian vows which differs
according to 2 main religions that is Roman Catholics and Protestants. It however depicts an
enthralled sense of joy in the guests who feels great in listening to the vows exchanged by the
bride and groom. During vows couple responds to the questions and promises asked by the
priest.
As per Wedding vows, 2017, Christian wedding ceremonies are the special and blissful
time for people where they spend time with their families at holy place. It is process where
couple commit and exchange vows and rings which denotes their lifetime commitment. Getting
married in a religious ceremony. 2017, has stated that weddings are religious ceremony therefore
it is important to be performed by priest or pastor with proper arrangements. It is done with
special context of exchanging promises that are referred to be the most important part of a
Christian wedding and thus has special norms to be followed with a vital presence of the priest.
1.4 Producing a research project specification
Research methodology is the most important part of research process as its enables use of
different tools and techniques to conduct systematic study. It helps the scholar in determining all
the ethical consideration and limitations which can interrupt the research process. It offers tools
which helps in understanding the issue and concept of research aim and objectives.
Research Philosophy: It is the process of analysing overall ideas and terms which are necessary
to be considered in study. It helps in deriving appropriate solution of research questions. There
are two types of research philosophy that is interpretivism and positivism where positivism helps
the scholar in formulating hypothesis of available information (Geerts, 2011). Apparently, with
the help of interpretivism, scholar focuses on seeking for suitable justification by developing and
understanding real and actual issue. Thus, in this research process the researcher used
interpretivism philosophy which helped investigator in exploring different sources of information
to understand concept of Christian Weddings and its celebration.

Research approach: It is the most important tool of methodology as it assists the researcher in
analysing reliable solution and information to particular problems. It helps in setting roadmap for
entire study which is a time saving process and helps in guiding a path way to conduct research.
There are two types of research approach that is inductive and deductive. The inductive approach
of study helps the investigator in making information specific to general whereas the deductive
approach helps in formulating information general to specific. Both the approaches assist in
deriving appropriate solution (Hogg, 2010). Thus, in this study the researcher has implemented
the use of both the approaches in order to derive reliable and accurate conclusion and
recommendation.
Research design: Design is important for study as it helps in analysing research outcome on
right time. It is an effective process as it helps in investigating specific outcomes which are
related to research. There are various types of research design such as experimental, exploratory,
descriptive, etc. (Rubin and Babbie, 2016). Thus, in this research process the researcher has
implemented the use of exploratory design where the person explored every possible outcome to
develop understanding over concept of Christian weddings.
Data Collection: Data collection is the most crucial part of research process as it helps the
researcher in collecting reliable information for the study. There are two type of data collection
process that is Primary and secondary (Sobh and Perry, 2016). In primary research the person
focuses on collecting information through questionnaire, focused group, survey, etc. Whereas in
secondary research the person aim at gathering data through governmental publication, articles,
magazines, books, journals, etc. In this research process, researcher has focused on collecting
information on concept of Christian Weddings and its celebration through both data collection
process which helped developing critical understanding over the tittle. Thus, it helped in making
investigation process effective and efficient.
Sampling: It is a process of selecting sources to collect information. In this the researcher is
liable select specific participants or sources from large group of population. For choosing sources
of secondary research the investigator implements the use of random sampling method from
which aim at selecting specific sources according to research tittle. However, there are many
methods of sampling like, cluster, probability, non-probability, etc. In this research process the
scholar implemented the use of random sampling methods as it is based on both data collection

process therefore for primary information the person will choose random 10 participants who are
capable of answering over research tittle. However, for secondary information the researcher has
chosen 20 articles.
Data Analysis: It is another critical part of research process as it is focused on analysing and
collected information. There are two types of data analysis technique that is qualitative and
quantitative. The quantitative approach helps in analysing information through mathematical
terms which is accurate but time consuming. Apart this, there is qualitative method in which
person is able to analyse information with the help of themes in descriptive form which offers
easy way of drawing conclusion on the basis of gathered data. Thus, in this process the
investigator used qualitative analysis for both primary and secondary collected information.
Ethical consideration: Ethical consideration plays an important role as it is focused on emotions
and feeling of sampled participants. It helps in making research process effective as it is focused
on maintaining confidentiality of collected and analysed information.
1.5 Appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification
Activity 1th
Week
2nd
Week
3rd
Week
4th
Week
5th
Week
6th
Week
7th
Week
8th
Week
9th
Week
10th
Week
Determini
ng topic of
research
Analysing
literature
review
Drafting
Methodolo
gies
Accomplis
hed
research

Proposal
Designing
question
and
conducting
research
Arranging
records
and
informatio
n
Interpretat
ion and
analysis of
Collected
data
Conclusion
and
discussion
Final
report and
submission
2.1 Research Resources
 Scope: This will assist the society in developing understanding over concept of Christian
Weddings and its celebration, which is the best approach that can assist programmers and
wedding planners in planning and organising Christian weddings.

 Time: This is will take time of 7 to 8 weeks as it is based on primary and secondary
research in which the researcher will first collect information from all possible sources
and then will make analysis to draw reliable conclusions and recommendations.
 Resources: This comprise secondary sources which are, article, governmental
publications and books based on Christian weddings. Apart from secondary sources, the
researcher focused on surveying on concept of Christian weddings from 10 Christians for
which the focus of scholar was to target, volunteers, funds and experts.
 Cost: To conduct effective research the researcher required funds which comprise,
travelling expense, funds for issuing of governmental publication and books and articles
and internet expenses. Cost is also related to preparing and surveying for questionnaire.
2.2 Research Specification and procedures
In this study the researcher has implemented the use of specific techniques keeping in
mind research objectives and questions. In this process the researcher has implemented the use of
interpretivism research philosophy. Both type of research approaches has been used by scholar to
derive appropriate solution. Further, the investigator has implemented the use of exploratory
research design to analyse primary and secondary collected data with qualitative technique.
2.3 Research Questions
The research questions are formulated by the researcher which assisted the person in
collecting and analysing data. This is the step is based on comparing and contrasting
information.
Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Gender:
1. What according to is the concept of Christian Weddings?
 Performing ceremony in front of God
 It helps in cherishing love for life
 Reading prayers and sermon
2. Do you believe it is important to plan marriages on specific days a month?
 Yes
 May be

 No
3. What according to you is need of performing wedding ceremonies in Church?
 Performing rituals
 It is mandatory
 love and commitment in front of God
4. Do you believe in organising weddings on Saturdays?
 Yes
 May be
 No
5. What according to you is the most important part of Christians weddings?
 Declarations
 Vows
 Proclamation
 Prayers
3.1 Data Analysis
Theme 1: Cherishing love for life is the concept of Christian Weddings.
What according to is the concept of Christian Weddings? Frequency
Performing ceremony in front of God 4
4
5
1
Performing
ceremony in front
of God
It helps in
cherishing love for
life
Reading prayers
and sermon

It helps in cherishing love for life 5
Reading prayers and sermon 1
Interpretation: From theme 1, it has been analysed that, according to 5 participants, concepts of
Christian wedding enhances the value of weddings as it helps in cherishing love for life. The
people believes that it allows to make purest form of building bond of love for entire life.
Further, from the analysis it has been derived the people have strong view over their religion
(Wardle, 2011). No individuals practice values against the beliefs of religion. However, as per 4
people, performing wedding ceremonies in front of God reflects the concept of Christian
wedding because it is the practice which helps the individual in understanding the meaning of
weddings and devoting their life to each other.
Theme 2: Yes, it is important to plan marriages on specific days a month.
Do you believe it is important to plan marriages on specific days a month? Frequency
Yes 5
May be 2
No 3
Yes May be No
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
5
2
3
Frequency

Interpretation: From theme 2, it has been analysed that 5 individuals believe that it is important
to plan marriages on specific days of a month because according to them those are the most
religious days like Saturday is considered as the best day for organising wedding. Apparently,
according to 3 Christians there is no specific day for organising wedding because as per these
people wedding is itself a feeling of bond and purity which calls for celebration and therefore
specific days for confronting God is not necessary (Poole, 2011). Thus, as per 2 Christians out
of 10 it is being evaluated that not believing in specification of days is fine but organising
weddings on specific days enables motivation and sense of celebration.
Theme 3: Love and commitment in front of God is need of performing wedding ceremonies
in Church.
What according to you is need of performing wedding ceremonies in Church? Frequency
Performing rituals 4
It is mandatory 1
love and commitment in front of God 5
Interpretation: According to theme 3, it has been evaluated that as per 5 participants developing
bond of love and commitment in front of god is the basic ritual of performing wedding
ceremonies. The people believes, that it is important for the individuals to start their new lives
4
1
5
Performing rituals
It is mandatory
love and commitment in
front of God

with the blessing and permission of God (Erlank, 2014). Moreover, it is the practice which helps
in getting prayers from priests which act as blessing. Apparently, according to 4 Christian
participants performing rituals in front of god is the basic need due to which wedding ceremonies
are held in church.
Theme 4: Yes, people believe in organising weddings on Saturdays.
Do you believe in organising weddings on Saturdays? Frequency
Yes 5
May be 2
No 3
Interpretation: According to theme 4, it has been analysed that, 5 participants believes in
organising weddings on Saturdays. As per these people Saturdays are blissful days and therefore
is considered as the best day for organising wedding (Welch, 2011). However, according to 3
people organising wedding in church in front of god is important whereas specification of day
does not really matter because every day according to these participants is considered as equally
blissful.
Theme 5: Vows and prayers are the most important part of Christians weddings.
Yes
May be
No
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
5
2
3
Frequency

What according to you is the most important part of Christians weddings? Frequency
Declarations 1
Vows 4
Proclamation 1
Prayers 4
Interpretation: As per survey of 10 Christian participants it has been determined that according
to 4 individual’s prayers are the most important part of Christians weddings because it is thing
which happen after all wedding process and in this priest and families are focused on giving
blessing for successful wedding life to couple (Block, 2012). However, according to 4
participants’, vows are the most important part of ceremony as in this couples are asked to
promise each other for lifetime commitment regardless of any situation. Thus, the concept of
Christian wedding is based on committing love in front of god which cannot be taken for
granted.
3.2 Findings and discussion
As per primary and secondary data, it has been analysed that Christians have strong belief
over marriages. Further, from the discussion it has been identified Christian wedding in Church
is a blessing of God for the bond and commitment of love. However, from the research, it has
been evaluated that it is important for the people to make sure that Christian weddings are
Declarations
Vows
Proclamation
Prayers
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
1
4
1
4
Frequency

organised in church. Further, from the primary research it has been evaluated that there is one
specific day for Christian weddings which is considered as blissful for the purpose of wedding.
Saturday is the day which is considered most suitable for wedding (Gries, Su and Schak, 2012).
Thus, for organising wedding plans and programmes it is important for the event managers and
programmers to ensure that the best day to plan Christian wedding is Saturday.
3.3 Recommendation
As per the research, it has been analysed that it is important for the programmers and
people to learn about the concept of Christian Weddings. Further, it helped in understanding
difference in celebration of Christian wedding with regard to weddings of other religions because
it is the thing which will help to manage loopholes of event plans like,
 The event management team should focus on scheduling wedding on Saturdays.
 The Christian beliefs and values are very strong therefore it is important for the society to
respect the norms and wedding concept of Christians
 The programmers of Christian wedding should ensure that wedding is held at church with
proper arrangement and ceremonies like, ring, vows, declaration, readings and sermon,
etc.

4.1 PPT

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Assembly, X.O.G., 2015. The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and in the
Contemporary World. The Final Report Of The Synod of Bishops to The Holy Father,
Pope Francis, Vatican City. 24.
Block, K., 2012. Ordinary Lives in the Early Caribbean: Religion, colonial competition, and the
politics of profit. University of Georgia Press.
Erlank, N., 2014. The white wedding: Affect and economy in South Africa in the early twentieth
century. African Studies Review. 57(2). pp.29-50.
Geerts, G. L., 2011. A design science research methodology and its application to accounting
information systems research. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems.
12(2). pp.142-151.
Gries, P., Su, J. and Schak, D., 2012. Toward the Scientific Study of Polytheism: Beyond
Forced‐Choice Measures of Religious Belief. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.
51(4). pp.623-637.
Hogg, K. M., 2010. Composing Qualitative Research. Qualitative Market Research: An
International Journal. 11(4). pp.439–443.Kumar, R., 2014. Research Methodology: A
Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. SAGE.
Poole, K., 2011. Christian Crusade as Spectacle: The Cavalieri di Santo Stefano and the
Audiences for the Medici Weddings of 1589 and 1608. In Push Me, Pull You: Imaginative
and Emotional Interaction in Late Medieval and Renaissance Art (p. 13).
Rubin, A. and Babbie, E.R., 2016. Empowerment series: Research methods for social work.
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Surkis, J., 2010. Hymenal politics: Marriage, secularism, and French sovereignty. Public
Culture. 22(3). pp.531-556.
Tribe, L.H., 2015. Equal Dignity: Speaking Its Name. Harv. L. Rev. F..129. p.16.
Wardle, L.D., 2011. The boundaries of belonging: Allegiance, purpose and the definition of
marriage. BYU J. Pub. L.. 25. p.287.

Welch, M., 2011. Pre‐Christian Practices in the Anglo‐Saxon World. In The Oxford Handbook of
the Archaeology of Ritual and Religion.
Online
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<http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/ritesrituals/weddings_1.shtml>.
Hughes R., 2016. Death of church wedding in Britain: Record number of couples REJECT
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<http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/february/marriage-divorce-and-body-
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readings/>.
Reverend W. H. C. 2002. A Catholic Priest’s Perspective on Interfaith Marriage. [Online].
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<https://interfaithfamily.com/life_cycle/weddings/a_catholic_priests_perspective_on_inter
faith_marriage/>.
How much does a wedding really cost and who should pay? The bride, groom and parents' guide
to the big day. 2015. [Online]. Available through:

<http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/howmoneyworks/article-3112152/How-does-
wedding-really-cost-pay.html>.
Smith L. A., 2012. Unregistered weddings, or cohabitation with a religious blessing, are a legal
minefield. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/commentandblogs/2012/05/07/unregistered-weddings-
or-cohabitation-with-a-religious-blessing-are-a-legal-minefield/>.
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<https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/getting-married-religious-ceremony>.
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<https://www.yourchurchwedding.org/article/wedding-vows/>.
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A Brief History of Marriage. 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<https://yesterday.uktv.co.uk/article/brief-history-marriage/>.
Hanrahan J., 2016. Would you RSVP 'yes' to this wedding? Hipster Christian couple decorate
their 'organic' nuptials with op shop bargains and refuse to serve ALCOHOL (but give
guests jars of water and cups of tea). [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3975580/Couple-marry-organic-ceremony-
without-alcohol.html>.