Marriage Advice

Until the last decade it had been generally assumed that no education for marriage was necessary.

Marriage Advice Information...

This belief has lately been challenged, but there are still many who adhere to the old be­lief that such knowledge is gained instinctively. They would agree that training is necessary for other vocations. They would cer­tainly agree that those entering religious life should have special training. They would not hire a secretary without special training, but education in the complicated relationships of marriage was considered unnecessary.

One has to take an examination to get a driver's license, but as far as I know no examination is required to get a marriage license.

Even among those who urge education for marriage there is disagreement as to what should be taught. Emphasis has until recently been placed on the physical facts of marriage. Lately this has been de-emphasized.

Now more accent is given to the psy­chological interrelationships of the married couple. A knowledge of the sacramental and theological aspects of marriage has been taken for granted because it was considered that these were a part of religious training.

With the increase in mixed marriages, some readily available source of information on these aspects of marriage became neces­sary. The result has been a rash of books, some good, many bad. Some have emphasized one aspect of marriage, some another.

Few have presented a balanced consideration of marriage.
DT