EP 204: A Council on Matrimony with Stephen Jenkinson
Feb 19, 2024
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Stephen Jenkinson and Kimberly delve into the institution of marriage with engaged couples, questioning the authenticity of weddings. They discuss the importance of meaningful ceremonies, cultural differences, and the transformative power of marriage vows. The episode serves as a teaser for their upcoming online series exploring forgotten pillars of matrimony.
Understanding the difference between marriage and matrimony requires delving into culture, religion, and personal identity.
Couples yearn for authenticity in matrimonial experiences, seeking to transcend superficiality and create meaningful, unscripted moments.
Deep dives
The Separation of Marriage and Matrimony
Marriage and matrimony are distinct. The intricacies of matriarchy and patriarchy intertwine around them, forming a complex web that challenges conventional Western perspectives. Understanding the difference between them requires delving into the realms of culture, religion, and personal identity, especially in intercultural unions.
Reimagining the Significance of Weddings
Weddings have become performative rituals, often lacking depth and vitality. The traditional templates followed without genuine emotional resonance lead to a sense of something vital missing from the proceedings. Couples yearn for more authenticity in their matrimonial experiences, seeking to transcend the superficial and create meaningful, unscripted moments.
Authenticity Over Conventionality
Many conventional weddings exude shallowness and lack authenticity, leaving participants feeling disconnected. The focus on appearances and following set procedures limits the scope for genuine, heartfelt experiences. The reluctance to embrace realness and delve deeper into the essence of matrimony results in a hollow, unsatisfying ceremonial experience.
Embracing the Other World in Matrimony
Matrimony transcends mere promises and enters a realm where vows become present-moment words imbued with transformative power. The concept of vows as signals of authentic connection and dedication to each other and the broader world challenges conventional notions of weddings. By fostering an environment of mystery and deep connection, matrimony seeks to elevate the human experience to new heights.
With special guest host Stephen Jenkinson, Kimberly and Stephen consult with three engaged couples and an unmarried woman to wonder aloud about the institution of marriage.
Stephen describes his experience, when he was asked to marry several couples, how he did his homework.
What does it mean to approach matrimony as something other than a predictable, foreseen conclusion?
Are weddings overly performative?
Is it possible for a wedding to feel authentic?
Kimberly describes what she learned from having a wedding in the working terreiros culture of Bahia, Brazil.
Stephen describes why a ceremony has no audience - it only has witnesses and participants. Stephen and Kimberly contend with how contemporary couples, longing for ceremony in their matrimony, strive for integrity in their union.
This episode is just the tip of iceberg. Starting February 25th, Stephen and Kimberly will start their 5-part Online Series "Forgotten Pillars: Patrimony, Matrimony, Kinship, Ancestors & Ceremony." They will dive much deeper into the lessons gleaned from working cultures of the past to inform meaningful ways for couples, families, and communities to come together for experiences that linger long past the "big day." Find out more or join us: https://kimberlyannjohnson.com/forgotten-pillars/
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