How Does Religion Influence Marriage? Christian, Jewish, Mormon, and Muslim Perspectives
Keywords
Christian, Jewish, marriage, Mormon, Muslim, religion
Abstract
Seventy-six highly religious Christian, Jewish, Mormon, and Muslim married mothers and fathers were interviewed regarding how and why three dimensions of religion (i.e., faith community, religious practices, and spiritual beliefs) influence marriage in both beneficial and challenging ways. Through qualitative data analysis the author identified eight emergent themes that link religion and marriage: (1) the influence of clergy, (2) the mixed blessing of faith community service and involvement, (3) the importance of prayer, (4) the connecting influence of family ritual, (5) practicing marital fidelity, (6) pro-marriage/anti-divorce beliefs, (7) homogamy of religious beliefs, and (8) faith in God as a marital support. Qualitative data are presented in connection with each theme, and clinical implications are offered.
Original Publication Citation
Marks, L. D. (2005). How does religion influence marriage?: Christian, Jewish, Mormon, and Muslim perspectives. Marriage and Family Review, 38, 85-111.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Marks, Loren, "How Does Religion Influence Marriage? Christian, Jewish, Mormon, and Muslim Perspectives" (2008). Faculty Publications. 4895.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/4895
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2008-10-08
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7699
Publisher
Marriage & Family Review
Language
English
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Family Life
Copyright Status
© 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright Use Information
http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/