Changes

Over the next few centuries after the Reformation, Europe continued to be split between those more influenced by the Catholic church and influence of the Protestants seeing marriage as part of government action. While since at least the 19th century, and somewhat earlier in contentental continental Europe, marriage has been treated with a more secular viewpoint, allowing greater possibilities for divorce, it was still heavily influenced by Christian thought and custom. For instance, polygamy has not been lawful in any part of Europe or the West for about a thousand years now. Only recently have definitions of marriage began to incorporate homosexual unions, although this is limited to a few countries or states. However, we saw from historical and earlier evidence that marriage was complex and often affected by views of property and inheritance. Health was also an influence in early human development in the practice of marriage.