The Thomistic Institute

The Importance of Friendship in Marriage | Dr. Nathaniel Peters and Prof. Jane Peters

5 snips
Jul 15, 2025
Dr. Nathaniel Peters, Director of the Morningside Institute, and Prof. Jane Peters, a Religious Studies scholar, delve into the profound connection between friendship and marriage. They discuss how nurturing friendships within marriage fosters personal growth and enriches the marital bond. The duo emphasizes marriage as a transformative sacrament reflecting Christ's love, the joy of shared experiences, and the vital role of raising children together. Their insights combine historical theology with practical anecdotes, offering a fresh perspective on marital virtues.
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INSIGHT

Friendship as Virtuous Habit

  • True friendship in marriage is a habitual exchange of love and goodness between spouses.
  • Aquinas shows friendship as a virtue inclined toward mutual delight and virtuous growth.
ANECDOTE

Mercy After a Car Crash

  • Nathaniel crashed Jane's car early in their friendship and was met with mercy, not anger.
  • This mercy became a foundation for their enduring mutual patience and love in marriage.
INSIGHT

Marriage Mirrors Exclusive Virtue

  • Virtuous friendship requires rarity, time, and exclusivity to flourish fully.
  • Marriage embodies such friendship's exclusivity and demands cultivating goodness over time.
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