Bridal theology

Within the Christian tradition, bridal theology, also referred to as mystical marriage, is the New Testament portrayal of communion with Jesus as a marriage, and God's reign as a wedding banquet.[1] This tradition in turn traces back to the Old Testament.[2] This theology has influenced the works of Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Ávila, Gregory the Great and Bernard of Clairvaux.[1] A similar concept existed in Valentinian Gnosticism with the notion of the bridal chamber, which involved a marriage to one's heavenly counterpart.[3] [4] Some mystics take this 'marriage' as a symbol of Union with God and hence, no negative connotations are sharpened for orthodox thinkers.

In the sect known as The Family International, a particularly radical form of bridal theology is taught: members of the group of both sexes are encouraged to masturbate while visualizing themselves as women having sex with Jesus. This is known as the "Loving Jesus revelation". [5]

See also

References

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  1. 1 2 Kenda, Creasy Dean (2004). Practicing passion: youth and the quest for a passionate church. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans Pub. pp. 124–126. ISBN 0-8028-4712-9.
  2. ↑ Balthasar, Hans Urs von; Fessio, Joseph; Riches, John Kenneth (1983). The glory of the Lord: a theological aesthetics. San Francisco: Ignatius Press. ISBN 0-89870-249-6.
  3. ↑ http://www.gnosis.org/library/valentinus/Valentinian_Sacramental.htm
  4. ↑ Philip L. Tite, Valentinian Ethics and Paraenetic Discourse
  5. ↑ "Loving Jesus".
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