familes and relationship

What is the Christian purpose of marriage?

Christians believe marriage is a sacred covenant designed for procreation, stability, and spiritual unity. It provides the ideal environment to raise children in a faith-centred household, fulfilling God’s original intention for humanity. Quote: God blessed them and said “Be fruitful and increase in number.” — Genesis 1:28

Why is marriage important in Islam?

Marriage is viewed as a religious duty that protects morality, supports emotional companionship, and creates a secure structure for raising Muslim children. It also completes a believer’s faith by encouraging responsibility and purity. Quote: “"When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half," — Hadith

Why do some Christians accept cohabitation?

Some liberal Christians argue that committed love and intention matter more than legal ceremony, seeing cohabitation as morally acceptable if it reflects genuine devotion. They emphasise compassion and the primacy of love. Quote: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” — Mark 12:31

Why do Muslims reject cohabitation?

Cohabitation is rejected because Islam teaches that sexual intimacy belongs exclusively within marriage, which protects individuals, maintains social order, and prevents exploitation. Quote: “Do not come near adultery. It is an outrage and an evil path.” — Qur’an 17:32

Why do Christians believe marriage is lifelong?

Marriage is understood to be a divinely established and permanent union, symbolising Christ’s unbreakable relationship with the Church. Therefore, ending it undermines God’s intention for stability and commitment. Quote: “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” — Mark 10:9

Why is family important in Christianity?

Family is the primary context where faith, moral values, and spiritual discipline are taught, shaping children into responsible Christians. Parents have a religious duty to guide children towards God. Quote: “Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” — Ephesians 6:4

Why is family important in Islam?

The family is the foundation of an Islamic society, where children are taught obedience, discipline, and devotion to Allah. The mother is especially honoured for her central role in nurturing future believers. Quote: "Paradise lies beneath the feet of your mother" — Hadith

Why should Christians honour their parents?

Honouring parents is a divine commandment, and demonstrating respect promotes social stability and reflects gratitude for the care parents provide. Christians believe obedience to parents is obedience to God. Quote: “Honour your father and your mother.” — Exodus 20:12

Why should Muslims honour their parents?

Respecting parents is a central Islamic virtue, and failing to do so is considered sinful. Islam emphasises compassion, humility, and patience towards parents, especially in old age. Quote: “Do not even say ‘uff’ to your parents.” — Qur’an 17:23

Why do Christians oppose gender discrimination?

Christians argue that all humans possess equal dignity and value, as both genders are created in God’s image. Therefore, inequality contradicts fundamental Christian teachings about justice. Quote: “"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them".” — Genesis 1:27

Why do some Christians support different gender roles?

Some traditional Christians believe gender roles reflect God-given order, with men leading in the household while women support family life. They see this not as inferiority, but as complementary design. Quote: “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” — Ephesians 5:22

Why do Muslims oppose gender discrimination?

Islam teaches that men and women are equally accountable before Allah, deserving equal spiritual reward. Discriminating against women undermines Islamic principles of justice and fairness. Quote: “And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged.” — Qur’an 16:97

Why do Muslims accept different gender roles?

Muslims believe gender roles reflect divinely ordained responsibilities, with men expected to provide financial protection and women traditionally focusing on family care. These distinctions are viewed not as inequality, but as complementary roles designed to maintain justice and social harmony. Quote: “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other.” — Qur’an 4:34

Why do Catholics oppose divorce?

Catholics see marriage as a sacrament, an unbreakable spiritual bond that mirrors the permanent love of Christ for the Church. Ending marriage is therefore seen as violating God’s eternal covenant and destabilising family life. Quote: Luke 16:18 "Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery,.”

Why do some Protestants allow divorce?

Protestants emphasise compassion, forgiveness, and practical care, allowing divorce when relationships become harmful or irreparable. They argue that ending a destructive marriage can reflect Christian love and responsibility. Quote: “Be kind and compassionate to one another.” — Ephesians 4:32

Why does Islam allow divorce?

Islam permits divorce as a last resort, recognising that human relationships sometimes break down. The Qur’an encourages attempts at reconciliation, but ultimately prioritises justice, dignity, and emotional wellbeing. Quote: “If they desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them.” — Qur’an 4:35

Why is divorce discouraged in Islam?

Although allowed, divorce is discouraged because it disrupts family unity and contradicts Allah’s preference for stability. Muslims believe sustaining marriage strengthens community cohesion and protects children. Quote: "Of all lawful things, the most detestable to Allah is divorce."  — Hadith

Why do Christians believe sex belongs inside marriage?

Christians see sex as a spiritually significant act that unites a couple on a physical and emotional level. Limiting sex to marriage preserves commitment, prevents exploitation, and respects God’s design for relationships. Quote: “The two will become one flesh.” — Mark 10:8

Why does Islam forbid sex before marriage?

Islam forbids sex before marriage to protect individuals from harm, reduce temptation, and uphold modesty. Remaining chaste preserves dignity and prevents the social problems associated with casual sexual behaviour. Quote: “"And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way".” — Qur’an 17:32

Why do Catholics reject contraception?

Catholics believe contraception interferes with the God-given purpose of sex, which is procreation. Artificial methods are seen as undermining natural law and rejecting God’s plan for human life. Quote: God blessed them and said “Be fruitful and increase in number” — Genesis 1:28

Why do most Protestants allow contraception?

Protestants see contraception as a responsible way to plan families, protect wellbeing, and reduce hardship. They argue that intention matters more than method and that loving stewardship reflects Christian morality. Quote: “"You shall love your neighbor as yourself." .” — Mark 12:31

Why do Muslims have mixed views on contraception?

Many Muslims permit contraception to protect the mother’s health and ensure financial stability, but others argue it interferes with Allah’s will. The decision depends on balancing responsibility with trust in divine provision. Quote: “Allah intends every facility for you.” — Qur’an 2:185

Why do some Christians oppose homosexuality?

Conservative Christians take a literal interpretation of scripture, believing homosexual acts break God’s moral law. They argue sexuality must align with biblical teaching on marriage between a man and a woman. Quote: “Do not lie with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination.” — Leviticus 18:22

Why do some Christians support same-sex relationships?

Liberal Christians prioritise love, justice, and human dignity, arguing that sexual orientation is created by God. They reject discrimination and say relationships should be judged by mutual commitment and compassion. Quote: “"You shall love your neighbor as yourself".” — Mark 12:31

Why do Muslims reject homosexual acts?

Muslims reject homosexual acts due to explicit Qur’anic condemnation and belief that sexual relations must lead to procreation within marriage. The story of Lut is used to warn against immoral behaviour. Quote: “You approach men with desire instead of women…” — Qur’an 7:81

Why must Muslims still treat LGBTQ+ people with respect?

Even if Muslims disagree with behaviour, Islam demands justice, kindness, and fair treatment for all humans. Discrimination and cruelty contradict Islamic teachings on compassion. Quote: "Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly."— Qur’an 49:9