Theme A - Flashcards

Natural contraception

• The rhythm method - having sex just before or just after a period to reduce likely hood of pregnancy

• Celibate/ abstinence - abstain from sexual acts

• Pulling out

Allowed by all Christians including Catholics - Purpose of sex is to procreate so there must always be a chance of conception so God can decide if a baby should be born

Artificial contraception

• Condoms (catch sperm so does not reach egg

• Coil - implanted in body and dislodges egg (can be fertilised)

• The pill - manipulates hormones so woman is infertile

• Emergency contraception - morning after pill (destroys already formed zygote)

Today many Christians accept all forms of contraception that do not destroy already formed life. Some argue that the coil and emergency contraception are killing already formed life/embryos and so should not be allowed as are destroying the sanctity of life.

Family Planning

Today many families use contraception to plan when they would like children or if they would like them at all so they can raise family in a safe and loving environment. This also empowers women as they are no longer expected to become mothers as soon as they are married.

Sex before marriage (for)

C of E , protestants, contemporary British attitudes

Today, Christian couples are allowed to have sex before marriage so long as they are in a committed relationship and potentially co-habiting. This is because the purpose of sex for protestants is to show love and the couple are on the road to marriage. Today sex before marriage has become more common and some people do not wish to get married at all (eg. civil partnerships, the patriarchy, pressures)

Sex before marriage (against)

Catholics, traditional Christians, married couples

Catholics believe the purpose of sex is to procreate and children should only be born into a stable environment (a married couple-parents as role models). Sex is a gift from God that should be cherished as part of a marriage as the couple have “become one” - if sex before marriage occurs it is less special and people may be led to promiscuity and sin.

Homosexual relationships and marriage (for)

United reform church, contemporary British attitudes, young people

It is loving for Christians to accept people’s decisions and love so same sex couples should be allowed and their marriages accepted. God made man “in his image” so gay people were made that way on purpose. More people are accepting of homosexuality after homosexual marriage was legalised in 2013 in the UK.

Homosexual relationships and marriage (against)

Catholics, C of E, Iran, Saudi Arabia, older generations

For Christians in the bible is says “man shall not lie with man as he does with woman” so same sex relationships are sinful. The purpose of sex is procreation so homosexuality is wrong. It is illegal to be gay in countries across the world. Homosexuals cannot provide a stable environment for children as there is not a role model for each gender.

Heterosexuality

God mad Eve as a “helper” for Adam and because he was lonely. He to them to “be fruitful and multiply”. Children are told to “honour your mother and father”. Biologically sex between a heterosexual couple can produce children.

Sex outside of marriage (for)

Abuse survivors, open marriages, forced marriage, abandonment

For Christians in some situations it is most loving to forgive adultery if the person who did it had good reason, such as they were abused, assaulted or neglected by their partner. If a marriage does not meet certain requirements it can be annulled by the catholic church and not recognised so sex outside of marriage is okay. Open marriages have consenting couples who agree to have sex outside of marriage.

Sex outside of Marriage (against)

Christians, married people, contemporary British attitudes

In the bible it says “thou shall not commit adultery” so it is forbidden to commit adultery. You should be loving and devoted to your partner as you promise to before God at your wedding. In society today cheating on a partner or having sex with someone else without their consent is wrong and grounds for divorce.

Divorce in the UK

In the UK grounds for divorce are: abandonment, adultery, separations with and without consent and no blame.

Reasons for divorce include: falling out of love, addiction, abuse, arguments, differing opinions and lack of compatibility

Annulment

Catholics do not accept divorce as they believe a marriage is a sacred promise before God that should never be broken. However, they can view a marriage as void if the marriage was not legally valid. Examples of this include: Not consummated, forced, partner is pregnant by someone else, partner is having a sex change.

ADULTERY IS NOT GROUNDS FOR ANNULMENT AND IT IS DIFFERENT TO DIVORCE

Divorce and Remarriage (for)

Orthodox, some Christians, abuse victims, contemporary British attitudes

For Christians if the promises to God are broken (eg adultery) then a divorce is acceptable and most loving for the victim. For circumstances of abuse or neglect then it is most loving for most Christians to allow divorce. Remarriage is not celebrated in the church and many have less extravagant ceremonies for those getting remarried but it is most loving to give the person a second chance. Today divorce is common.

Divorce and Remarriage (against)

Roman Catholics, Judges, married couples, disabled people, older generations

Marriage is a gift from God that should not be broken and thrown away, you and your partner have become one. Divorce makes it easy to end a relationship when things are hard. Divorce removes children from a secure environment. Remarriage removes the sanctity of marriage.

The Nuclear Family

Mother and father and biological children. Pattern for society and recommended secure environment for Christians to raise their children. Both gender role models. Parents may feel pressure to stay together making everyone unhappy

The Extended Family

More than two generations living together. Plenty of role models so secure environment for children. May feel neglected or overshadowed. Chaotic environment.

The Blended/Step family

Remarried parents and children. Both gender role models. Slightly secure but may feel uncomfortable and be a lack of connection between parents and kids.

Single-parent families

One parent and children. Less secure and not a role model of both gender parents. Closer parent-child relationship.

Same-sex parents

Gay couple and children. Cannot procreate naturally and not role model of both genders. Can provide a secure and loving environment.

Role of parents and children

• Children must “honour your mother and father”

• Parents must teach their children (manners and education)

• Parents must keep their children safe and active

• Parents must ensure their kids are healthy and happy

Religious Parents

Religious parents must perform all the roles of normal parents but also must: Raise their child in the faith, celebrate festivals, read the bible, go to church, be baptised, complete confirmation, understand God, have a religious name.

Polygamy

In Christianity monogamy is the expected pattern for a relationship and it is illegal to be married to more than one person in the UK. However, some people are in open marriages or have multiple partners with consent.

Gender Equality (for)

Catholics, baptists, contemporary british attitudes

The bible says “we are all one in Christ” and “love women with total respect”. Everyone is equal in the eyes of God and we are all his children. Today women have more rights than in the past and their equality is widely accepted. Eg) Women’s suffrage and women in political power and contraception.

Gender equality (against)

Fundamentalist Christians, traditional people, older generations, Taliban

Fundamentalists would argue women and men are equal but with different roles and women are expected to be subservient to their husbands and their primary role is as a mother. The bible says “wives submit to your husbands” and “he (husband) will rule over you”. In the past women did not have the right to vote and were unable to have jobs as could not use contraception and did not have tools to help them care for their children (eg. washing machines)