The Matrimonial Covenant as the Nature of Things (of Marriage)
The Matrimonial Covenant as the Nature of Things (of Marriage)

Summary/Abstract: The regulations of the Code of Canon Law of the Latin Church concerning the issue of matrimony refer to the nature of things. This wording does not determine (as far as the content is concerned) whether the norm has legal-natural character or not, merely indicating the source of origin of the binding norm. Nature can be regarded as a defining foundation which reflects the essence of the object and the substance of its meaning as the nature of things. Considering the current state of knowledge, the nature of matrimony can be defined as a covenant, which formulation is accepted by Christian Churches. The nature of covenant contains elements negatively determining the law controlling matrimony, against which the law cannot establish norms (unity and indissolubility), as well as positive elements whose range is very wide (the good of spouses and their offspring). Deliberations about the nature of things in the present state of knowability constitute (beside the biblical-theological reflections) an element of ecumenical dialogue. Only joint and correlative consideration of the determinants in reference to the nature of things is a chance to reach an agreement.

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