Marriage with a deceased wife's sister: Leviticus XVIII. 18, considered in connection with the Law of the Levirate
Written by Mayow Wynell Mayow
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Reading guide
Themes, characters and key ideas in Marriage with a deceased wife's sister: Leviticus XVIII. 18, considered in connection with the Law of the Levirate, written by Chaptra AI.
- about 12 hours
- advanced
- Academic
- Didactic
- Formal
Mayow Wynell Mayow's "Marriage with a deceased wife's sister" is a late 19th-century theological treatise vigorously opposing the legalization of marriage between a man and his deceased wife's sister. The author meticulously constructs an argument rooted in Scriptural interpretation, primarily focusing on Leviticus XVIII.18, which he asserts unequivocally forbids such unions as incestuous. Mayow systematically refutes contemporary arguments advocating for these marriages, particularly those misinterpreting the Law of the Levirate, emphasizing adherence to traditional Christian doctrine. The book serves as a robust defense of established ecclesiastical and societal norms against proposed legislative changes during a period of significant social debate.
“"The plain and obvious sense of Leviticus XVIII. 18, is a direct and perpetual prohibition of marriage with a deceased wife's sister."”
Key themes
- Immutability of Divine Law
- This is the foundational theme of the book. Mayow argues that biblical injunctions, particularly those concerning marriage and kinship as found in Leviticus, are not subject to human legislative change or evolving social sentiment. He asserts that these laws are divinely ordained, universal, and perpetually binding, reflecting God's unchanging moral order. Any attempt to alter them is seen as a transgression against divine authority.
- Sanctity of Marriage and Family
- Mayow views marriage not merely as a social contract but as a sacred institution divinely ordained, forming the bedrock of societal order. He emphasizes the concept of affinity, where a spouse's relatives become one's own, thus extending prohibitions against incest to in-laws. Altering marriage laws, particularly to permit unions deemed incestuous by scripture, is presented as an assault on the sanctity of this institution and the purity of family relations, leading to moral decay.
- Biblical Hermeneutics and Interpretation
- The entire book is a masterclass in 19th-century biblical hermeneutics, focusing on how scriptural texts should be read, understood, and applied to contemporary legal and moral questions. Mayow critiques what he perceives as flawed interpretations by his opponents, asserting a literalist and consistent reading of Leviticus. He demonstrates the challenges of reconciling seemingly contradictory biblical passages (like Leviticus XVIII.18 and the Law of the Levirate) and the methods employed to establish a coherent theological position.
Worth discussing
How does Mayow's interpretation of Leviticus XVIII.18 compare with modern biblical scholarship or different theological traditions?
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