Vrijednost i ideali obitelji. Religijska i socijalna promocija obitelji kao mjesta ra|anja
Value and ideals of the family. Religious and social promotion of the family as locus of procreation

Summary/Abstract: In researching his chosen theme from religious and social point of view, the author distinguishes the function of the marriage from the function of the family. In his introduction he points out that marriage depends on position of the family in a respective society. He relies on recent documents of Catholic magisterium and on achievements of scholars in treating three aspects of his theme: institution of the family, mission of the family and special challenges for modern families. Family as institution personalizes and socializes its members: “The relationships between the members of the family community are inspired and guided by the law of ‘free giving’. By respecting and fostering personal dignity in each and every one as the only basis for value, this free giving takes the form of heartfelt acceptance, encounter and dialogue, disinterested availability, generous service and deep solidarity” (FC, 43; cf. GS, 52). The mission of the family is to serve the life cherishing human sexuality as expression of mutual gift and acceptance of the marriage partners and “bringing to reason” human fertility through practicing a responsible parenthood (GS, 50; 87; HV, 10; FC, 28-36). New phenomena of “free” marriage unions which are not registered with religious community nor with civil institutions, one parent families, homosexual and lesbian couples - are quite a challenge for new appreciation of marriage and family as institutions in religious and social community. In his conclusion the author advocates a broader concept of marriage fertility as a way to serve human life: “A respect for life as demand of marriage, family and of entire community must embrace persons and groups who are without assistance and who are needy: disintegrated or marginalized families, elderly persons, disabled and marginalized individuals, exiles, patients, drug addicts.”

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