THEME A: RELATIONSHIPS + FAMILIES

Religious attitudes towards Human Sexuality

Christianity:

- Catholics -> inclinations not sinful but must not be acted upon (against G's plan for kids)

- C of E -> it is something you can't change (part of God's plan), against homophobia + recognise Jesus never mentioned homosexuality in a negative light, welcomes couples freely (priest's decision to marry them)

- Marriage is a proper place 4 sex, secure + stable environment for family, agree before God to live faithfully together, spiritual bond of trust -> all could apply to same-sex marriages

Islam:

- Some says it's against Allah's will

- Acting upon inclinations is HARAM  (sexuality is a choice, not sinful itself)

- Inclusive Mosque Initiative: accepting + want to end stigmas

- In Qur'an, some say it is lust that is condemned not faithful HS love so supports faithful same-sex marraiges

Buddhism:

- marriage/ relationships viewed as social contract rather than religious duty -> don't oppose same-sex marriage as long as there is consent, love, respect within it

Religious Quotes about Human Sexuality:

Christian:

"Love thy neighbour as thyself" (Bible) -> not a command but to say that one can love a man and woman in the same way MODERN LIBERAL SOCIETY INTERPRETATION

"Increase in number" (Bible) 

"And with a male you shall not lie as one lies with a woman..." (Leviticus 18:22)

Islam:

"You are approaching the men out of desire instead of the women! Indeed, you are transgressing people" (Qur'an)

"And as for the two of you men who are guilty of lewdness, punish them both" (Qur'an)

Attitudes towards Sex Before Marriage

Christian (Catholic + Anglican):

- Sex is a gift from God that should be managed responsibly -> before is irresponsible (risk of unwanted pregnancy + STIs)

-  'one-night stands' -> sex seems casual + disrespect to gift

- Within marriage, sex strengthens relationship + kids born in stable relationship

- Sex requires commitment of marriage

- Importance of chastity -> pure for husband/ wife

- Sex is meaningful -> only marriage is the right environment to foster this

- SOME CHRISTIANS believe it is a valid expression of love for each other, more liberal approach that adapts and is more compatible with modern society

Islam:

- casual sex is wrong and can lead to rape, decpetion, promiscuity

- Sex is a gift from Allah (Qur'an forbid b4 marraige)

- Children have a right to be born into a family, stable relationship

- Under Shar'iah law it is known as Zinah 

Buddhism

- Buddha taught that man only sex with wife -> part of loving relationship is seen as good thing

- If based on lust -> leads to tanha (craving) -> bad karma

- Sex before marriage -> can be cause of suffering to based on desire for pleasure instead of love

- The Sex drive needs to be controlled because "craving" can only lead to dukkha (suffering)

- Right Action (EFP) (+ one of Five Precepts: not engaging in sexual misconduct)  -> avoiding sexual misconduct (many see to include sex b4 marriage)

Quotes about Sex before Marriage

Christian:

"Every sexual act must be within the framework of marriage" (Pope Pius - Catholic Catechism)

"Whoever sins sexually sins against their own body" (Bible)

"If a man seduces a virgin, who is not bethrothed and lies with her he shall give the bride price" (Bible)

"That is why a man leaves his mother + father and becomes united with his wife" (Genesis 2:25)

"Flee from sexual immorality... whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body" (1 Corinthian 6:18) BODIES ARE TEMPLES SO HOLY SPIRIT SO RESPECT THEM

Islam:

"Do not come close to Zina. Verily, it is a great sin and an evil way" (Qur'an)

"to protect all within society... only a man and his wife share the act of sex" 9Abul Wahid Hamid)

"The woman + man guilty of zina flog each one of them with a hundred stripes" (Qur'an)

"Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste until God gives them means" (Qur'an 24:33)

Religious Attitudes towards Sex Outside Marriage

Christian:

- Wrong -> involves secrecy, lies, betrayal, affects kids + causes pain

- Breaks weddings vows made before God in the wedding -> to forsake all other and be faithful to each other for life

- Threatens stable relationship needed for children's security

Buddhism

- Precept to avoid sexual misconduct/ immorality -> lead to suffering + bad karma

- Don't condemn homosecuality + sex before marriage as long as in a loving, consensual relationship 

- If based on lust (like one-night stands) -> it is just upon craving so leads to bad karma

Islam:

- teaches faithfulness within marriage

- Qur'an forbids it -> serious sin

- Destroys marriages -> against wedding promises

Religious Quotes about Sex outside of marriage

Christian:

"You shall not commit adultery" (Bible commandment)

"I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (BIBLE)

Islam:

"A man should not stay with a woman in seclusion unless he is a Dhu-Mahram (relative)" (Hadith)

"Do not go anywhere near adultery; it is an outrage, and an evil path" (Qur'an)

“Remain chaste until marriage” - Qur’an

Religious Attitudes to Contraception

Christian:

- Children are God's greatest gift to married couples (called by God to be responsible, committed parents)

- Orthodox + Catholic Church: Artificial is against Natural Law + God's purpose for marriage (family + love in sex shouldn't be separate)/ sinful since not open to new life (could encourage infidelity + selfishness) -> instead natural rhythms

- Artificial is more reliable so some use for family planning (as long as not killing fertilised egg -> against sanctity of life)

Islam:

- Only considered in context of marriage

- Children are considered a gift from God

- Expectation of couples to have children -> how many and when to up to them based on circumstances, wife's health + spacing, financial reasons

- Most accept family planning as long as not used to prevent children all together

- Some prefer Natural but accept Artificial if wife's health is at risk or serious financial difficulties

-Some see Artificial against Allah's plans (he controls when birth takes place) + Allah gives strength to cope with any kids that come (NOT OFFICIAL)

Buddhism:

- no absolute rules about it -> most believe it's fine to use forms that prevent fertilisation rather than abortion (morning after pill) -> against 1st precept of not taking life

- Right Intention (Eightfold path) means contraception may be used to prevent suffering (mother's life is at risk -> for selfish reasons is wrong

- Contraception prevents pain for couples who don't want children + no expectation for couples to have kids

Religious quotes about Contraception

Christian:

"The Conference agrees that other methods may be used, provided that this is done in the light of Christian Principles" (Lambeth Conference 1930 -> CofE approved)

"Every sexual act should have the possibility of creating new life" (Humanae Vitae 1968)

Islam:

Qur'an has no direct teachings but interprets so Allah is sympathetic to family planning

"God wishes to lighten your burden' man was created weak" (Qur'an)

"Do not kill your children for fear of poverty - we shall provide for them and for you - killing them is a great sin" (Qur'an)

for infanticide but some interpret for contraception

Religious Beliefs about the Nature of Marriage

Christianity:

- Marriage is a gift from God, part of natural-law, life-long union blessed by God, reflects the sacrificial love of Jesus, agreement before God, spiritual bond of trust that reflects the love of God for the Church, a sacrament in some Christian branches

Islam:

- Marriage is a social contract to bring 2 families together

- Strengthen the community

- Equal partnership under God

- Helps people develop spiritual by avoiding sexual sin + adding value to worship

- Husbands + wife are like garments for each other (Qur'an 2:187) "They are your garment, and you are theirs"

Buddhism:

- Marriage is seen as social contract -> not as religious duty or sacred act

- Marriage should be place where individuals are loved or cared for -> supported in developing metta (loving kindness), karuna (compassion) following the five precepts

Religious Beliefs about the Purpose of Marriage

Procreation Union Raising kids Pattern of Society One flesh Sacrament Endless

Christianity:

Parts of  Christian marriage:

Homily + Readings: Vicar reads Bible about marriage -> One Flesh + Sacrament

Questions: Endless + Procreation + Rearing Kids

Vows: Endless, one flesh, sacrament, union

Rings + Blessing: one flesh, endless, procreation, 

Acceptance + Consent: endless, one flesh, union, sacrament

Signing Register: union, pattern

Islam:

- Muslims see marriage as foundation for family life 

- According to Hadith, man completes half religious responsibilities when marries

- Marriage is best way for stable relationship + sexual fulfilment, bring two families together, faithful, lifelong partnership

- Husbands + Wives keep own rights

- Nikkah Contract = consent between H + W they married of free will

Religious Quotes about Marriage

Christian:

“Husbands love your wives just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her” (BIBLE)

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."(BIBLE)

"What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."(BIBLE)

Islam:

" There is no institution in Islam more beloved and dear [to God] than marriage" (HADITH)

"If a man gives his daughter in marriage while she is averse to it then such marriage is invalid" (HADITH) -> rejects forced marriage

Religious beliefs about Cohabitation

Christian: 1. don't agree -> sex b4 marriage is wrong, sinful (C,O)

2. Some recognise marriage is best but accept couples can live in a loving way (A+P)

Muslim: don't agree -> sexual relationship only experienced within parameters of marriage

Religious Attitudes to Divorce

Christians:

- Counselling, prayer + sacraments are used to help couples alongside outside agencies

- Catholic church: Marriage is a sacrament so permanent + may separate but not remarry, annulment permitted if it wasn't a true marriage

- Others: Marriage is 4 life but divorce is sometimes seen as the lesser of 2 evils -> allows forgiveness + happiness

- Most An, Pr,O churches allow divorce + remarriage as long as it's taken seriously

Muslims:
- Divorce allows as last resort

- For Religious divorce, must be declared by man verbally or in writing _ have to wait 3 months (iddah) without intimacy but still live together (to reconcile + sort out if pregnant)

- Families can help with reconciliation

- If granted: Women repays wedding gift, Man has responsibility to support kids

- Religious divorces are granted through Shari'ah Law

Religious Attitudes to Remarriage

Christian:

- Catholic church -> not allowed, as don't allow divorce

- Other churches -> allow but usually down to pastor's discretion whether marry divorced couples

Accept Remarriage because: gives second chance at happiness, forgiveness, God wants ppl to live in marriage (love thy neighbour) + share life with loved one, wants a parent for their child, been widowed, previous marriage failed (abuse/adultery), financial support, reconciled after divorce

Religious Quotes about Divorce + Remarriage

Christians:

"Anyone who divorces his wife + marries another woman commits adultery"

"What God has joined, no man can separate"

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful + just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"

Muslim:

"When any of you intend to divorce women... the period of waiting time shall be 3 months" 

"If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part, there is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between themselves. Such a settlement is the best way" 

Religious Beliefs about the Nature of Families:

Christian:

- fam still considered best environment for bringing up kids + keeping society stable

- Commanded to love each other -> heart of all relationships so highly value family life (where kids learn to love)

- Polygamy = sexual  immorality 

- Some traditional disapprove same-sex -> need fem+m role models (others say security + love)

Islam:

- Extended fam is the basis of Isoc + part of G's plan 4 humans -> shapes morals + character, care for elderly parent character of kids

- Allows more than 1 wife 4 a man -> only if can love + support all equally, consent of 1st wife (moral + practical), originally to protect widows + women

- Don't approve same-sex -> role models + morally wrong so not setting example

Religious Beliefs about the Purpose of Families

Christian:

- Family reflects Jesus's love and relationship with the Church

- Respect and honour elder family members + parents

- Raise kids with dignity

Islam:

- Families regarded as "guarded"/ protected from sin + dangers -> extends to whole fam

- kids raised to be good Muslims

Religious beliefs about the Role of Parents (Purpose)

Christian:

- expected to love. care + show kids right from wrong + generally raise kdis within the faith (key teachings, Bible)

- key values: respect, generosity, compassion, self discipline, confidence in own views, thinking 4 themselves etc.

- Eg: Sunday School (during Church service)

Islam: 

Traditionally (Not contemporary):

- Men work, provide 4 wife/kids, major decisions within family unit

- Women -> look after home, kids, household, command respect + obedience from kids

- Teach about food laws, in faith, love + care, set good example, stable enviroment 

- eg: ceremonies to learn, madrassah (mosque school), Arabic introduced by Ummah

Religious Quotes about the Families + Parents:

Christian:

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up 4 her" (B)

"Listen 2 your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old" (B)

"Children are the heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him" (B)

"The family remains the most important grouping humans beings have ever developed" (The CofE website)

"Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever"

"Here one learns endurance and joy of work.. love, generous - and even repeated - forgiveness, and above all divine worship in prayer and offering of one's life" (Catechism 1657)

Islam:

"Your Lord has commanded that you should worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say no word that shows impatience with them, and do not be harsh with theme, but speak to them respectfully" (Q)

"Heaven is under the feet of mothers" (HADITH)

"For every tree there is a fruit + the fruit of the heart is the child" (HADITH)

"Honour your children and perfect their manners" (H)

"It is one of the greatest sins that a man should curse his parents" (H)

Religious Beliefs about Gender Equality:

Christian:

- all created equal in God's eyes

- Jesus welcomed women as disciples + showed capable of not just domestic tasks

- "Love thy neighbour" -> discrimination is wong

- Literal interpretation (tradition) -> men are head of families, women stay home with kids

- MOST see marriage = equal partnership (everyone's gifts strengthen family unit)

Islam:

- created equal -> men + women from single soul

- M worked 2 unit Medinah tribes 2 1 ummah w equality + justive 4 all

- Some religious + moral responsibilities -> anyone good 4 Allah -> rewarded

- In Qur'an: women have full property rights, may keep maiden name, no need to spend own money on household, full financial support in marr + 3 month b4 divorce

- Some traditional believe this difference in role is not gender inequality -> just complement each others' roles

- Buddhism:  practising Buddhism is same for men and women -> "The things which separate and divide people - race, religion, gender and social position are all illusory" (Dhammapada) -> Lotus Sutra teachers equal in ability to practise religion + attain enlightenment

Religious quotes about Gender Equality:

Christian:

"With painful labour you will give brith 2 children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you" (B) -> G, Eve as punishment

“There is neither male for female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” - Bible

Muslim:

"We created you all from a single man + a single woman, + made you into races + tribes so that you should recognise each other " (Q)