historical/theological love affairs
This Old Testament woman found herself caught up in Laban's trickery toward Jacob. Rachel offered her a night with Jacob in exchange for some mandrake root.
Who is Leah?
What is 1 Corinthians 13?
This English mystic and anchoress describes divine love as motherly love. She is quoted in this excerpt from the Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot
And all shall be well and
All manner of thing shall be well
When the tongues of flames are in-folded
Into the crowned knot of fire
And the fire and the rose are one.
— T.S. Eliot, Little Gidding, Four Quartets
Who is Julian of Norwich?
This miracle is commonly referenced in the opening pastoral greeting during an Anglican wedding ceremony.
What is the Wedding at Cana?
This is the name of the church where Rebecca and Andrew are getting married!
What is Christ Church Fox Chapel?
The speaker in Song of Songs remarks "for your love is better than" this particular type of alcoholic libation.
What is wine?
This theologian said "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You"
Who is Augustine of Hippo?
This is a bra that has no structural elements whatsoever. There is no underwire and no padding.
What is a bralette?
After his wife Idette's death, this French theologian described his grief this way: "I have been bereaved of the best friend of my life, of one who, if it has been so ordained, would willingly have shared not only my poverty but also my death. During her life she was the faithful helper of my ministry. From her I never experienced the slightest hindrance."
Who is Jean Calvin?
The writer of Song of Songs compares his lover's eyes to this bird.
What are doves?
This German theologian wrote the following concerning marriage: "all creatures are divided into male and female; even trees marry; likewise budding plants; there is also marriage between rocks and stones."
Who is Martin Luther?
This early Anglican theologian declared Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine null by the logic that Henry violated Leviticus 20:21 by marrying his brother's wife
Who is Thomas Cranmer?
These two women had intimate relationships with Swiss theologian, Karl Barth. The first assisted with theological writing and constructive academic work, essentially co-writing his Church Dogmatics, while also living in his house as his mistress and true love. The second was his wife, who also lived in the house with him and his mistress.
Who are Charlotte von Kirschbaum and Nelly Barth?
Directly following the liturgy for the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage in the Book of Common Prayer, this is another supplemental resource for a specific situation related to marriage.
What is the liturgy for the Blessing of a Civil Marriage?
This 13th century Italian philosopher and theologian makes a key argument that marriage is the pinnacle of friendship.
Who is Thomas Aquinas?
This is the year that the (Catholic) Church established marriage as a sacrament.
When is 1164?
This is a well known theologian in France, during the Middle Ages, who eloped with Héloïse, the brilliant niece of a his fellow churchman at Notre Dame. She bore him a child. In an attempt to save his career but still placate Héloïse's furious uncle, this man proposed they marry in secret. This would mean that Héloïse would not be living in sin, while this man could still pursue his church ambitions. Héloïse resisted the idea, arguing that marriage would not only harm his career but undermine their love. (as marriage was understood as distinct from true passionate love at the time)
Who is Peter Abelard?
According to Saint Augustine, these are the three 'goods' of marriage.
What are Offspring, Fidelity, Sacrament?
This 3rd century saint's feast day within the Church of England falls on October 9, the day of Andrew and Rebecca's wedding. He was a Christian Martyr, with a popular story claiming he, the decapitated bishop, picked up his head and walked several miles while preaching a sermon on repentance. A statue of him is featured at the left portal of Notre Dame.
Who is Saint Denis of Paris?
This type of lingerie is a short slip dress that's simple to literally slip into and can be paired with a matching bikini or thong..."It'll make you feel so beautiful and flirty—kind of like a wedding dress, only skimpier."
What is a Chemise?