User:Matcocco/sandbox

Rough Outline

Definition
Conjugal Debt (commonly referred as "marital debt" #REDIRECT marital debt) is a term that describes spouse's sexual commitment to one another. There word stems from descriptions found in (Link to wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canonical_impediment) Cannon Law in Medieval Europe. Over time, the term has come to mean more than demand of physical intimacy between married partners, but begin to take the form of spouse financial debt and obligations.

History
Origins of the term stem from early Christian's theological work on the sacraments (link to sacraments). Specifically, cannon law collections, like that written during the 12th century by Gratian in his Decretum Gratiani (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decretum_Gratiani) denotes specific accounts of marriage. In it, he writes that the institution of marriage arose from wishing to prevent further sin (fornication). Original sin, and banishment from Paradise was one reason why Gratian argues women "conceive with pain"(http://www.arts.cornell.edu/prh3/368/texts/gratian.html). He does continue however, to justify the reasons for seeking marriage. Gratian is quick to point out four main reasons though for getting married: that is for offspring, to pay the debt, for incontinence, or to satisfy lust and for the sake of pleasure. Further reading can be found under Law, Sex, and Christian Society in Medieval Europe By James A. Brundage (specifically page 242)

Impact
Ecclesiastical courts were becoming a venue for couples to resolve marital disputes (Marriage Chapter). It thus became incredibly important to abide by some Cannon by which to procure adequate judgement. People seeking to procure annulments through abstinence on marital debt.