Charles Guth III

This introduction to the thematic issue on covenant theology sketches some of the contours of the history of this theme in Christian theology, paying closer attention to Protestant voices who, since the early 16th century, have dedicated much attention to it, giving rise, eventually, to what became known as ‘federal theology.’ This maximalist approach to the place and role of covenant within Christian faith and theology was followed by a relative lack of attention by prominent 19th century thinkers (Schleiermacher, Ritschl), before a stunning revival in the 20th century, especially with parts 3 and 4 of Karl Barth’s Church Dogmatics in the 1950 s. The introduction points out the tension between an affirmation of God’s unconditioned election toward covenant, and the many biblical texts which call for a reciprocity, and thus obedience from the part of human beings.

Many Christians treat marriage as a covenant. An influential group of contemporary Christians argues that covenant marriage provides a response to what they regard as the social ills of high divorce rates and the ‘breakdown’ of the traditional family. These Christians often look to John Calvin's marriage theology for inspiration because he linked treating marriage as a covenant to regarding marriage as sacred and indissoluble. In this article I cast doubt on the wisdom of treating marriage as a covenant. I develop a critical genealogy that shows Calvin's marriage theology oppressed women by reinforcing their subordination to men and trapping women in abusive marriages. I then argue that recent social science suggests covenant marriage functions similarly among contemporary Christians. I consider whether a non-oppressive form of covenant marriage can be developed, before suggesting that we cannot yet know whether covenant marriage is salvageable.