catholic relationships in the 21st century

SOW for marriage

‘the two will become one’ (Bible)

What are the purposes of Catholic marriage?

• Loving

• Lifelong - covenant with God

• Exclusive - only 2 people

• Fruitful - should have children

What are the features of a Catholic marriage?

• Vows enter couple into an unbreakable covenant

• Circular rings representing everlasting love

• Can only be between man and woman - teachings in Genesis that they’re made for eachother

• Register at the end is the legal marriage

What are the divergent views of marriage?

• Same-sex couples can marry in the UK since 2014, but the Catholic Church does not permit this (as it cannot be procreative)

• Many couples cohabit, which some say suggests the diminishing value of marriage in society

• The Catholic Church sees cohabitation as a temptation to have premarital sex

SOW for sexual relationships

Sex is a ‘gift from God’ (CCC)

What are the purposes of a sexual relationship?

• Procreative

• Marital (within marriage)

• Unitive

What are the divergent views towards relationships?

Non-religious:

• People should behave morally; premarital sex is okay

• Sex between two consenting adults in acceptable

Catholic:

• Premarital sex is never okay

• Contraception isn’t supported

• Must be between a man and woman

What do Catholics believe about families?

• Created by God, where children learn faith, prayer, and morals

• ‘domestic church’ (CCC) where children should be brought up

• It is a vocation for lay Catholics

This is influenced by Mary and Joseph’s Holy Family (who are faithful, obedient, and protective)

What is the purpose of a family?

• Lifelong union

• Procreation

• Sign of Christ’s love in the world

• Support

• Faithful - receive sacraments

What are the different types of family?

• Nuclear (‘traditional’) - best way to raise a Catholic family

• Blended - a couple where one or both has children from previous relationships)

• Single parent

• Same-sex parents

• Extended - including grandparents, uncles, etc living together

Why is supporting families important to the Catholic Church?

• Parents are full Church members and are raising active members of the Church

• Catholic families not immune from struggles (e.g. debt, abuse, separation)

In what ways does the Catholic Church support families?

• Family worship - Sunday masses bring families together

• Classes for parents - first communion classes for their children, marriage preparation classes teach family planning

• Family Group Movement - social groups which bring family + lay Church together

• Groups for children - children’s liturgy and youth clubs

• Counselling - may prevent divorce

Why is artificial contraception wrong in the Catholic Church?

Sexual relationships have to be unitive AND procreative (cannot be separated). It goes against God’s will, as all life is holy (Sanctity of Life) and a gift from God.

What are Humanist / Atheist views on family planning?

• Many argue contraception helps couples be responsible + regulate births

• They believe individuals should make their own decisions on contraception, abortion, etc

What are other Christian views on family planning?

• Church of England allows non-abortive (barrier) contraception, as it stops conception occurring

• Some Christians believe in situation ethics - that it depends on the circumstances

What is the Papal Teaching?

• Humanae Vitae (Pope Paul VI, 1968) confirmed preventing pregnancy ‘contradicts the will of the Author of life’

• Couples should not be forced to have children, but should plan around their natural cycle to manage this

• Contraception encourages premarital sex

When is remarriage allowed?

Catholics - after death of partner or an annulment (‘the marriage was never valid’)

Others - after death of a partner, annulment, and divorce (some consider situation ethics first)

What is the Church teaching on divorce?

• God does not want divorce, as a covenant made during the sacrament of marriage is unbreakable

• The Church supports couples to help with marital issues

• Legal divorce is allowed for the safety / health of the family (e.g. if a parent is abusive), but they remain married in God’s eyes so cannot get remarried

Why do some other Christians allow divorce and remarriage?

• Jesus allowed divorce for adultery

• Christianity is based on forgiveness and second chances

What does the Church teach about equality of men and women?

• They should have equal roles and rights - e.g. both can teach catechesis, distribute the Eucharist, etc

• Women can’t be ordained

• Both husbands and wives are called to ‘give themselves in love’ (CCC)

• Whoever does domestic work (in the home) is not less important than work to generate income

What are the similarities between men and women (using Adam and Eve)?

• Both created in the image of God

• Both disobeyed God

• Both cursed for their disobedience

What are the differences between men and women (using Adam and Eve)?

• Eve created from Adam’s rib so they would complement and fulfil eachother’s needs (neither is superior)

• They are cursed for their disobedience in different ways

What are divergent Christian views on men and women in the Church?

• Other Christian churches have female clergy / ministers

• Many Christians agree women should be supported as they juggle home and careers

• All Christian churches agree upon the importance of family and equality

SOW for gender prejudice

‘there is neither male nor female’ (Bible) - God has no preferences between people

How did Jesus combat prejudice and discrimination?

He treated everyone with respect and as individuals.

Examples:

• The Samaritan woman at the well

• The woman caught in adultery

• The Greek woman

Why are woman not ordained within the Church?

• Jesus was male and had all male disciples

• Woman still play an active role within the Church