The parents' right of custody and state intervention

Abstract

Among the celebrated paintings by Michelangelo~ that adorn the Sistine Chapel, there is one which represents the Creation,, Touched by the finger of the Almighty Adam rises and as his eyes travel upwards, their glance comes to rest on two other eyes, full of intense love. They are the eyes of the first woman, whom the artist has worked skilfully into the mantle fluttering from the shoulders of the Almighty supported by angels - and with her· is their child. This vivid picture shows man attaining his completion through woman and child. The love relationship of man and woman is the will of' the Almighty God, whereby His order to "increase and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it" might be fulfilled. Through marriage, therefore, society is embellished with two unions: the union of husband and wife, and the union of these with their children. Each of these two unions is, so to spealk, ·a "unity of person". This state of things has to go on in an endless chain for the preservation of the species and to complete the glory of the Creator.