Theme A W8 Exams

Purpose of Marriage

provides stability, companionship, and a foundation for family life; in religion, it symbolises faithfulness and unity, while in secular society it is often seen as a personal choice.

Marriage in Christianity

a divine union; in Catholicism, it is a sacrament symbolising the bond between Christ and the Church, intended for love, fidelity, and procreation.

Marriage in Protestantism

a covenant before God — sacred but not sacramental; remarriage after divorce is often permitted.

Marriage in Buddhism

Marriage is a social contract, not a religious duty; based on mutual respect, compassion, and moral conduct.

Bible Quote on Marriage

"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24)

Bible Quote on Divorce

"What God has joined together, let no one separate." (Mark 10:9)

Divorce in Catholicism

Divorce is not recognised sacramentally; annulments may be granted; remarriage without annulment prohibited.

Divorce in Protestantism

Accepted as a compassionate response to relationship breakdowns; remarriage generally allowed.

Divorce in Buddhism

Permitted if relationship causes suffering (dukkha); focuses on compassion (karuna) and loving-kindness (metta).

Divorce in Secular Society

Seen as a legal process and personal right; widely accepted since mid-20th century.

OTHER Bible Quote on Divorce

"Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her." (Mark 10:11)

Contraception in Catholicism

Artificial contraception is forbidden; sex should remain open to life (Humanae Vitae, 1968); natural family planning allowed.

Contraception in Protestantism

Permitted responsibly as a way to plan families and express love within marriage.

Contraception in Buddhism

Allowed if it prevents suffering; methods that destroy embryos may conflict with the First Precept (not to harm).

Contraception in Secular View

Supported for reproductive rights, autonomy, and responsible parenthood.

Bible Quote on Contraception

"Be fruitful and multiply." (Genesis 1:28) – used to support Catholic teaching against artificial contraception.

Sex Before Marriage in Christianity

Traditionally discouraged; sex viewed as sacred and reserved for marriage.

Bible Quote on Sex Before Marriage

"Flee from sexual immorality… your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit." (1 Corinthians 6:18-19)

Modern Christian View on Sex Before Marriage

Some Christians accept it if based on love and commitment rather than marital status

Sex Before Marriage in Buddhism

Permissible if consensual, respectful, and free from harm or deceit.

Sex Before Marriage in Secular View

Accepted as a personal choice based on consent and respect; linked to sexual autonomy.

Role of Parents in Secular Society

Parents provide emotional, financial, and moral guidance; family structures diverse; shared parenting emphasised.

Role of Parents in Christianity

Parents have a duty to raise children in faith; families seen as ‘domestic churches’.

Bible Quote on Parenting

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)

Role of Parents in Buddhism

educate children, provide moral training, and find suitable partners; mutual respect and compassion as said in the Sigalovada Sutta:

Historical Gender Roles

Men were providers and women homemakers; post-war feminism transformed norms toward equality.

Gender Pay Gap and Stereotypes

The gender pay gap remains around 14% in the UK; stereotypes persist; secular ethics promote equality.

Gender Roles in Christianity

Christianity often taught that men and women had different roles that complemented each other, but today many Christians focus on the idea that men and women are equal (Galatians 3:28)

Bible Quote on Equality

"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

Catholic Gender Roles

Women cannot be ordained; complementary roles within Church life.

Protestant Gender Roles

Many denominations ordain women as priests and bishops; promote gender equality.

Gender Roles in Buddhism

Early Buddhism allowed female ordination with conditions; modern Buddhism revives full ordination for equality.

Gender Roles in Secular View

Promotes gender equality and challenges traditional stereotypes.

Summary – Marriage

Catholicism: Sacrament; indissoluble. Protestantism: Covenant; remarriage allowed. Buddhism: Social contract; respect. Secular: Personal commitment; cohabitation accepted.

Summary – Divorce

Catholicism: Not permitted. Protestantism: Permitted with compassion. Buddhism: Allowed if causes suffering. Secular: Legal right.

Summary – Contraception

Catholicism: Artificial forbidden. Protestantism: Permitted responsibly. Buddhism: Allowed if compassionate. Secular: Promoted for autonomy.

Summary – Sex Before Marriage

Catholicism: Discouraged. Protestantism: Liberal views emerging. Buddhism: Ethical if consensual. Secular: Accepted as personal choice.

Summary – Parenting

Catholicism: Raise children in faith. Protestantism: Moral and spiritual guidance. Buddhism: Teach ethics and compassion. Secular: Emotional and financial care.

Summary – Gender Roles

Catholicism: Complementary; no women priests. Protestantism: Equality; women clergy. Buddhism: Equal potential for enlightenment. Secular: Equality; challenge stereotypes.

12 marker plan “Christians should not divorce” (for/against → point → quote)

for → divorce is against god’s will → ‘What God has joined together, let no one separate’ Mark 10:9

against → God is immanent so he understands

for → divorce can lead to adultery which is a sin → ‘Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her’ Mark 10:11

against → Some Christians believe that God gave humans free will so they can make their own moral decisions.