Theme A

what does gender equality mean

means that men and women should be given the same rights and opportunities as each other

what issues stand in the way of gender equality

• gender prejudice (holding biased opinions)

• sexual stereotyping (having a fixed idea or image of how men and women will behave)

• gender discrimination (acting against someone on the basis of their gender)

Give examples of gender prejudice and discrimination

• Catholic women are not allowed to be ordained as priests

• In the UK some women are paid less than men for doing the same job

• In the Uk women make up roughly half the workforce, but men hold a higher proportion of senior positions

Christians views on gender prejudice and discrimination (equality)

• Christians believe all people are created equal in the image of God - Genesis

• The command to love one’s neighbour means discrimination is wrong

• Jesus treated women with respect and welcomed them as disciples

• Most Christians today see marriage as an equal partnership

Christian view on gender prejudice and discrimination (inequality)

• Some traditional Christians think husbands should rule over their wives, based on a literal interpretation of Genesis 3

What are the 4 types of families

Nuclear family, extended family, families with same-sex parents, polygamous families

Nuclear families consist of

• A mother, father and children

• The most common family type in the west

• For Christians, it fulfils God’s plan for a man and woman to be united together and increase in number (Genesis 1)

Extended families consist of

• Includes grandparents and other relatives as well

• In biblical times, many people lived in extended families for extra support

Families with same-sex parents consist of

• when a homosexual couple raise children together

• some christians disapprove of same-sex parents as they believe the children should grow up with a male and female role model as parents

• other christians believe it is important for children to be in a secure and loving family regardless of the gender of the parents

Polygamous families consist of

• when a man has more than one wife

• illegal in the UK

• For christians, it is against God’s plans for marriage to be between one woman and one man (Genesis 2)

• For christians, it can also lead to sexual immorality ( 1 Corinthians)

Role of parents

• love + care for their children

• encourage positive morals and values

• educate their children about the faith

• teach their children right from wrong

the role of children

• “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord’ - Colossians

• Love and respect their parents

• ‘Honour your father and your mother’ (Exodus)

• support and care for their parents in their old age

what are the christian views of sex before marriage

• sex expresses a deep, lifelong union that require the commitment of marriage, it should not be casual and temporary pleasure

• Anglican and Catholic churches teach that sex before marriage is wrong

• some liberal christians think sex before marriage can be a valid expression on love - particularly if the couple are intending to get married

• christians believe it is wrong to use people for sex, to spread sexually transmitted infections or to risk pregnancy outside of marriage

what is a quote for this christian view of sexual relationships before marriage

“flee from sexual immorality” - 1 Corinthians

christians view of sexual relationship outside marriage

• christians are against adultery as it breaks the marriage vows they make before God, and threatens the stable relationship needed for their children’s security

• Adultery is against one of the ten commandments (exodus)

• Jesus once forgave a women caught committing adultery, but ordered her to leave her life of sin

sexual relationships before marriage view in british society

It is now widely accepted, although it is against the religious beliefs of many people

Sexual relationships outside of marriage general views

All religions generally teach that adultery is wrong as it involves lies, secrecy and the betrayal of trust. Most - non-religious people are against adultery for similar reasons

what are the three types of contraception

• artifical : condoms, pills

• natural: rhythm method

• permanent: sterilisation

do most christians accept family planning

yes, in certain circumstances, but not to prevent having children altogether

how do catholics view contraception and family planning

• artificial contraception goes against natural law and the purpose of marriage

• sex should always be open to creating new life

• family planning should only involve natural methods of contraception

What are catholics preferred method

• their favoured method is rhythm method (avoid sex at fertile times of the month)

What are Anglican and Non-conformists views of contraception and family planning

• Contraception is allowed for couples to develop their relationships before children, to avoid harming the mothers health or limit the no. of children in a family so they can all be cared for

• In 1930 the Church of England approved artificial contraception used ‘in the light of the Christian principles’

• Christians who belie life begins at the moment of conception are against methods that prevent the fertilised egg from developing, as this is seen as causing an abortion and a form of murder

What are Anglican and Non-conformists preferred methods

Contraception that prevents conception from taking place

What are Non-religious people in british society views on contraception and family planning

• their is a widespread acceptance of artifical contraception to help family planning

• many people think it is responsible to use contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies and control population growth, and also prevent the spread of STDs

reasons for divorce

• addiction

• lack of communication

• adultery

• illness or disability

• immaturity

• work and money pressures

• domestic violence

• inability to have children

• people changing and growing apart

what are some christian views on divorce + remarriage

• sanctity of the marriage vows

• marriage is a sacrament - is permanent

• lesser of two evils - divorce should be allowed rather than remarriage

• reflect gods forgiveness - allow couples have a second chance

• committing adultery - Jesus taught anyone who divorced and remarried was doing that (Mark)

what is a biblical teaching for divorce

‘If a man divorces his wife for any cause other than unchastity (unfaithfulness) he involves her in adultery’ - Matthew

christian responses to couples having marriage problems

• christians may offer counselling, prayer and sacraments to support the couple

• they refer the couple to outside agencies as as Relate and ACCORD

• christians may be encouraged enough to bring forgiveness and reconciliation into their marriage