Would it be O.K. if a couple who intended to get married and bought a house together moved into the house before receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony in order to save on finances? What is the Church's teaching about this?
Thanks,
Jason
Jason,
Technically speaking as long as you are sexually abstinent you would not be sinning. There are, however, other issues to take into consideration. Foremost is the issue of scandal. This refers to the impression given by you as Christians that cohabitation is acceptable. One might respond to this by saying that God knows the truth of the relationship and this is true. However, we also have the responsibility of presenting a Christian witness to the world. Another response is often given that cohabitation is socially acceptable. While it has become socially acceptable that does not mean that it is morally acceptable and is all the more reason why a proper Christian witness is needed. There is also the reality that you will be placed in an occasion to sin, that is you would be tempted by the situation to enter into pre-marital sexual relations. It is best not to place yourself in such a situation. Unfortunately, many couples today find themselves in the situation that their finances and living arrangements are combined and to separate would pose some what of a financial burden. If it is indeed so burdensome as to make financial independence impossible then the best thing to do is to live together as brother and sister. In most cases, however, I suspect that it is more an issue of convenience as opposed to financial impossibility. If indeed you are already living separately I would urge you to remain in that situation to protect yourselves from sinning and to give a proper Christian witness in a world that so sorely needs one.
