Małżeństwo w piśmiennictwie braci czeskich XVI i XVII wieku

Abstract

The aim of the article is to present the evolution of the ideas of the Czech Brethren regarding the institution of marriage that took place over the 16th and 17th centuries and was reflected in the literature of the time. In the first period of activity, the main theologians of the Unity recognized the superiority of virginity over marriage, which was perceived as a necessary evil for the preservation of offspring. Under the influence of Martin Luther’s teachings, marriage began to be viewed positively and a woman was appreciated as a wife and mother. However, it was not until the middle of the 17th century that the marriage status was equalized with the maiden status. In the discussions on marital status, a lot of space was devoted to the marriages of priests and celibacy. The article presents the issues of marriage discussed in the scripts of the Unity written in Czech and Polish.