GCSE RS Relationships and Families

Civil partnership

A legally recognised union that has many of the same rights as marriage

Why do conservative and Catholic Christians abstain until marriage? +2 SOA

Because they believe that the purpose of sex is to pro-create and that should only be done in a family. "Honour God with your bodies"

"Flee from sexual immorality"

What do liberal Christians believe the most important factors in having sex are?

It is acceptable as long as they are in a long-term and loving relationship.

2 reasons why liberal Christians see homosexual relationships as OK +SOA

*Because God created humans in his image "So God created humans in his image".

*Because even if the Bible says it is forbidden, you should still respect everyone's opinions and choices and love them. "Love thy neighbour as yourself"

What do Catholic priests and nuns have to take?

A vow of celibacy

Chastity

Sexual purity

What do Catholics believe about sexual expressions?

They are only OK (acceptable / allowed) in married couples.

Why do many Christian young people feel torn about sex before marriage?

Because they may find it hard to resist the temptation of those around them who are not Christian.

If one member of a couple is in a relationship, it is seen as what in Christianity?

A serious betrayal and a sin.

Sanctity of marriage

Marriage is a holy gift from God.

What do Catholics believe about sexual activity outside of marriage?

It is always sinful.

Artificial contraception

Medicine or devices which prevent conception.

Natural contraception

Techniques such as abstinence and rhythm method.

Reasons for using contraception

To be able to decide when to have kids so it can be done at a responsible time.

Civil marriage

Non-religious marriage ceremony

Reasons for marriage (Atheist)

*To have children and start a family.

*For more protection in the relationship in case something goes wrong such as a partner dying.

Reasons for marriage (Christian) +SOA

*To show commitment to God

*To be able to have children.

*To be in a lifelong partnership "Til death do us part"

Reasons people choose to co-habit

To see if they are compatable for marriage

Because they believe they not need a ceremony to validate their relationship (Atheist).

3 reasons for divorce +SOA

Adultery "You shall not commit adultery".

Addiction

Physical or emotional abuse.

Ways couples can try to resolve their divorce

Counselling

Mediation (Meditation)

Prayer

Why do Catholics believe divorce is wrong?

Because marriage is a sacrament and because the partnership was created by God.

Anulment

The marriage is considered never to have taken place.

Liberal Christian view on divorce

They recognise it as a last resort.

Circumstances where liberal Christians may not accept re-marriage

If the breakdown of the previous marriage was due to the new partner.

Why do some atheist and humanists say re-marriage is acceptable

Because they do not see marriage as sacred

2 liberal Christian arguments in support of divorce +SOA

Sometimes it can be the most loving thing to do "Love thy neighbour"

Marriage should provide an environment of security and comfort thus those suffering from abuse may get divorced.

What do Christians believe about Sex?

It is a gift from God to procreate.

Fornication

Having sex outside of marriage (sin).

2 contrasting believes about sex outside of marriage

Catholic church says sex outside marriage is always wrong but liberal protestants may say that the most important thing is that it takes place in a committed loving relationship.

Promiscuity

Having many sexual partners (sin)

Roman Catholic teaching that a man should only marry a woman

"a man leaves his mother and is united to his wife"

Christian teaching against same-sex marriage

"If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable"

Liberal Christian belief about sexual immorality

The Bible was written a long time ago and cannot be applied today.

Liberal Christian denomination

Quaker (Society of Friends)

Liberal Christian belief about human sexuality

It is a gift from God and same-sex relationships are entirely compatible with Christianity.

Catholic and conservative Christian view on same-sex relationships and reproduction.

Many believe that relationships that do not aim to produce children are wrong.

*This includes same-sex relationships.

*For this reason they also disagree with contraception.

Roman Catholic teaching about contraception +SOA

Unnatural contraception is wrong because it goes against God's law. For this reason the only contraception accepted is abstinence and the rhythm method.

Onan "spilled his semen on the ground. What he did was wicked in the Lord's sight." This was described as sinful.

General Christian view about Contraception

It is OK (acceptable) if used as a tool for family planning

2 SOA about sexual immorality

"Honour God with your bodies"

"Flee from sexual immorality"

What do some Christians classify as sexual immorality?

Sex before marriage

Adultery

Homosexual relationships

What do Catholics believe about remaining chaste?

It demonstrates respect for marriage

Chastity means saving yourself sexually for a particular time or person.

Where does Jesus save a woman from being stoned for adultery?

Parable of John.

SOA that shows marraige is to have children

"Be fruitful and multiply"

Who do Christians take their marriage vows in front of?

God and their family and friends

Why can Catholics only get remarried if the first marriage is annulled?

Because a marriage cannot be ended.

Nuclear family

A family with two opposite sex parents and their children (1 or more)

Blended family

A family whose members were once part of other families

Why is a family seen as the best place to bring up a child in today's society?

Because they have financial support, a secure and loving home and they instill good morals.

Why do most people marry or co-habit?

To start a family.

How and why should Christians bring up children to be part of their faith?

Because it is gGod's will.
By baptising them.

Which denomination carries out same-sex ceremonies?

Quakers

Monogamous

You can only be married to one person at a time (or have one partner at a time)

Polygamy

Having more than one spouse at a time (7 year sentence for crime in UK)

Christian teaching about gender equality + 2 SOA

Although men and woman have equal value they are not the same and have equal roles to play

"As the church submits to Christ, so should wives submit to their husbands"

"the head of the woman is the man''

Example of gender inequality in Catholicism.

Only men can be priests

Christian belief about children

They are a blessing and parents should educate them about Christianity.

Christian SOA about children's relationships with parents

"Honour your father and your mother"

Reason many Christians believe that a relationship between a man and a woman is the best environment for procreation

Because Adam and Eve's relationship only consisted of one man and one woman

Liberal Christian belief about same-sex couples as parents.

They are just as capable of providing a safe and warm enviroment as hetero-sexual couples.

How may Christian parents bring up their children?

They may christen or baptise them.

Gender roles in modern liberal families

There are none

Why does the story of Genesis show Christians men are more important than woman? +SOA

Adam was created first then Eve "For Adam was formed first then Eve"

2 SOA about equality

"You are all one in Christ Jesus"
"I have loved you, you must love one another"

SOA that shows man is superior

"Man is the head of the house as Jesus is the head of the church"

Abortifacients

Drugs that prevent a fertilised egg from growing (not allowed in Catholicism because life begins at conception)

2 arguments for contraception

They help prevent the spread of STI's such as HIV

Allows people to have sex for pleasure

2 arguments against contraception

Some Christians say using artificial contraception is sinful because the couple are not being open to new life and preventing God's plan.

Christians that believe that life begins when
you are conceived (Catholics) may not like some abortifacient contraception due to the fact it ends a very early pregnancy.

Catholic belief about divorce +SOA

It is wrong because it goes against the sanctity of marriage.

"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery"

SOA that says homo-sexuality is wrong

"Do not do this wicked thing"