Marriage and Vatican II

At the Second Vatican Council, many influential teachings about marriage were formulated.  Many of these teachings and ideals are different than the views of marriage in our society today. The article states, "The Second Vatican Council’s 'Constitution on the Church in the Modern World' expresses 'high esteem' for marriage and family life, and speaks of the 'lofty calling' of spouses and parents." In our society today, marriage is taken for granted; divorces are very common, as well as affairs. This constitution describes marriage as a vocation. As learned in previous chapters, vocation means a calling or pathway that God has set for us in our lives. Nowadays, people do not feel that marriage is necessary in their lives and that it is possible to be independent without a significant other. The constitution also suggests that overtime, the love of a husband and wife should "grow and ripen." This element of love is ideal in most marriages. People wish to grow and strengthen their love with their spouse.