Theme A - Relationships and family

What is marriage?

Public, legal declaration of life-long love and commitment. Uniting two people in a relationship of love.  

(For some Christians it's a sacrament) 

What is Christian marriage for?

• Kids (Procreation) 

• Sex  

• Care and comfort

Why do people get married?

• Commitment 

• Tradition 

• Legal 

• Start family 

• Love 

• Sacrament

• Bond

What is a divorce?

A legal separation between two people, previously married. 

When was the Divorce Reform Act passed?

1973

What is the meaning of the term “irretrievable breakdown”?

This allows the legal divorce if the marriage has suffered a ‘breakdown’ eg. 2 years of separation, adultery or violent behaviors.

What is the Christian agency ‘relate’

A charity that provides counseling for struggling marriage

Why do some Christians disagree with divorce?

• Till death do us part 

• Sacrament cannot be broken 

• Forgive not 7 times but 70x7 

• Jesus: divorce only if adultery 

• Divorce + remarriage = adultery 

What is the purpose of sex (Christian teaching)?

• Procreation (reproduction) 

• To seal (consummate) 

• Strengthen a relationship 

• Sharing pleasure 

• Expression of (married) love 

Two contrasting views about sex before marriage?

1. Roman catholic: Sex before marriage is wrong. Sex is a gift from God for procreation and it is properly expressed in marriage.

2. Quakers: While marriage is the ideal, that loving, committed, non-exploitative relationships are possible, outside of marriage

What is contraception?

A method used to prevent fertilisation/pregnancy; some also prevent STI. 

What are the three broad types of contraception?

• Barrier eg condom

• Hormonal methods eg pill

• Natural family planning/fertility awareness

What is natural family planning?

Observing and knowing the menstrual cycle to avoid sex during the fertile window 

Christian reasons for contraception:

• If against abortion, better than abortion 

• Prevents diseases 

Christian reasons against contraception: 

• Prevents pregnancy which is a gift from God (should be valued and welcomed) 

• Encourages promiscuity 

Why is natural family planning recommended in the catholic church? 

• Healthier 

• Cheaper (accessible to the poor) 

• It gives dignity to women; couple share responsibility 

• Does not encourage promiscuity or adultery 

• “Natural” so is in accord with the will of God 

Arguments used to challenge the Catholic teaching: 

• Contraception does not necessarily result in promiscuity 

• In some parts of the world over population is a significant issue 

• God gave us intelligence; we use it to develop procedures like contraception. It is not, therefore, unnatural 

• It is needed to address problems like AIDS 

Homosexuality (Christian teachings)

Opinion 1: Homosexuality is a sin and should be condemned as it goes against the will of God in creation. (And therefore, those who are homosexual, go to hell) 

Opinion 2: While being homosexual, is not wrong or sinful, because that’s how God created you, homosexual acts are not right, as they are not the ideal which God gives for sex as an expression of married love between a man and a woman. 

Opinion 3: Homosexual relationships should be judged on the same basis as heterosexual relationships – if they are committed, respectful, loving and exclusive, they are good. Homosexuals are created in the image of God and reflect his love. 

Opinion 4: Homosexuality is a gift of God in creation and should be celebrated.