The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church and Every One of the Faithful

by Girolamo Zanchi

Developing from Girolama Zanchi's exegetical labors through Ephesians, Spiritual Marriage draws readers into the rich theological of doctrine of union with Christ. Following the lead of the apostle Paul, Zanchi demonstrates how our earthly marriages fulfill their truest purpose by drawing our attention toward the spiritual marriage between Christ and His Church. By paying attention to the Genesis account of Adam's marriage to Eve, to pertinent Old Testament laws, and to the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, we begin to understand something of that higher and heavenly union. This new translation helps us better understand the great mystery of Christ and His bride.

Table of
Girolamo Zanchi (1516-1590) and Spiritual Marriage
The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church and Every One of the Faithful
Dedicatory Epistle
Introduction
1. The Creation of Eve and Her Marriage to Adam
2. The Doctrine of Carnal Marriage
3. The Doctrine of Spiritual Marriage
4. The Final Causes of the Spiritual Union
5. The Duties of the Husband and of the Wife

Genres: Theology

152 pages, Hardcover

Published November 18, 2021

About the author

A.k.a. Jerome Zanchius

Reviews

[Todd Bryant · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't generally struggle to pick up a book and read it - even if it's not my favorite topic or author. However, this one took forever to read as I just generally picked something else up. The style of the author was quite frustrating. The translation was very stiff (I'm guessing). But more than that, Zanchi had no issue typing up literally everything in the Bible. I am very hesitant to call something a type that the Bible doesn't. He was on the other end of that spectrum.

There were also some statements that were confusing at best...heretical at worst.

I just cannot recommend this book. I'm not even sure I could say I'm glad I read it.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores the theological details of union with Christ. In part (the large third chapter) it is a critique of some Lutheran notions of the so-called ubiquity of the body of Christ. A short book, but as it was written in the late 16th century, and follows the scholastic style of the times, it is not an easy read. Recommended for those with a taste for the period and the topic.

[Johnny Schat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good theological foundation for reflection on Christ’s union with His Church and that union’s reflection in our marriages. I just found it dry at times, but this should have been expected. The biographical introduction was helpful and interesting. The translation was very readable and accessible.

[Adam Heida · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful treatment of our union with Christ and how that is expressed in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Also serves as a great introduction to Reformed Scholasticism!