Published in Medieval and Early Modern Iberian Peninsula Cultural History

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Saint John Chrysostom refers to the obligations of spouses in a marriage. He addresses mainly his advice in men, because the male selfishness hardly is tamed and he sometimes behaves with cruelty. Chrysostom condemns the practice of physical violence and abuse of women by men. On the contrary he requires the sacrificial spirit from man, great forgiveness and not threats and intimidation. With grace and meekness, the deep peace of the family will be ensured and the discontent will be removed and also the devotion of one spouse to the other will increase. Chrysostom says: “There is nothing, nothing more precious than to anyone be loved so much from his wife or from her husband”. St. John Chrysostom refers to a cohesive element, the foundation of conjugation, communication between spouses. It is the daily interaction of both spouses. The most important element of communication is discussion. The debate should be about intimacy, mutual respect in an atmosphere of freedom, equality and love. Then you may find the solution in case of disagreement or conflict. St. John Chrysostom thinks that the husband and the wife must try together to have a happy marriage.