Christianity's teachings, particularly those attributed to Jesus, emphasized a preference for celibacy and spiritual connection over marriage and family ties. Early Christians believed that with Jesus' imminent return, earthly relationships were a distraction from spiritual devotion. This anti-family sentiment persisted even after expectations of Jesus' return were unmet. Historian Diarmaid MacCulloch notes that for centuries, marriage was not central to Christian practice, and clergy did not perform weddings regularly until the 12th century, highlighting a historical tension between celibacy and traditional family structures in Christianity.
Jesus' teachings discouraged family life, suggesting that devout followers should prioritize spiritual over earthly ties, as true disciples may 'hate' their families for his sake.
The early Christian missionaries viewed marriage as a distraction, believing the imminent return of Jesus rendered earthly bonds, like marriage and children, irrelevant compared to spiritual devotion.
Historian Diarmaid MacCulloch highlights that anti-family attitudes persisted in Christianity even after the first century, emphasizing that celibacy was often seen as superior to marriage.
MacCulloch notes that marriage only gained popularity in Christianity after centuries, with clergy traditionally not officiating weddings until the 12th century.
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