Relationships and Families Notes

Marriage

• Definition: Legal and sometimes religious union, typically between a man and a woman in Christianity.
• Nature:
  • Sacrament for some Christians.
  • Important commitment to spouse and God.
  • Monogamous, often heterosexual within religion.
  • A gift from God in Christianity.
• Purposes:
  • Procreation and raising a family.
  • Sexual relationship.
  • Love, friendship, and support.
  • Foundation for stable society.
  • Symbolize relationship between Jesus and the Church.
• Alternative: Cohabitation - considered by some non-religious people as equal to or better than marriage.
• Biblical Reference: Mark 10:6-9 (God made them male and female, joined together).

Divorce

• Definition: Legal end of marriage.
• Ethical arguments against:
  • Breaks commitment to spouse and God.
  • Violation of sacred vows (sacrament).
  • Catholic Church does not allow divorce/remarriage (allows annulments).
• Ethical arguments for:
  • Jesus allowed divorce for adultery.
  • God forgives sins and mistakes.
  • Compassionate to end unhappy marriage.
• Reasons for divorce:
  • Falling out of love.
  • Cheating spouse.
  • Abusive or unreasonable spouse.
  • Desertion.
• Divorce is becoming more socially acceptable.

Sexual Relationships and Sexuality

• Premarital Sex:
  • Many Christians (e.g., Catholic Church) disagree.
  • Some accept in committed relationships (e.g., Church of England).
  • Islam (zina) and Orthodox Jews view it negatively.
  • Reform Jews are more relaxed.
  • Increasingly accepted in society.
• Extramarital Sex/Adultery:
  • Most Christians disagree as it breaks marriage promises and is hurtful.
  • Forbidden in the Ten Commandments.
  • Some non-religious may find cheating wrong.
• Homosexuality:
  • Some accept homosexual relationships but believe marriage should be between a man and a woman.
  • Some accept same-sex marriage as the most loving thing; legal in the UK (except Northern Ireland).
• Reasons to accept homosexuality:
  • Jesus said nothing against it.
  • Jesus told people not to judge others.
  • Love is the most important thing.
  • Some Bible/Qur'an teachings are no longer relevant.
• Reasons to be against homosexuality:
  • Homosexual sex cannot produce children.
  • Undermines nuclear family.
  • Bible and Qur'an teach against it.
  • Homosexual sex is unlawful sex (zina) in Islam.
• Sexuality: Heterosexual, bisexual, or homosexual orientations.

Contraception and Family Planning

• Definition: Methods to prevent pregnancy and sometimes STIs.
• Reasons for acceptance:
  • Nothing forbidding it in the Bible.
  • Allows planning timing/number of children for health/financial reasons.
• Catholic Church:
  • Only approves sexual relationships open to new life.
  • Disapproves of artificial contraception (Humanae Vitae).
• Islam:
  • Not forbidden; natural methods preferred with consent and without harm.
• Jewish views:
  • Orthodox Jews consult a rabbi.
  • Reform Jews have a liberal attitude.
• Methods:
  • Barrier methods (e.g., condoms): Generally approved by Christians who accept artificial contraception.
  • Sterilization: Approved by many Christians if well-considered; Muslims may disagree.
  • Hormonal methods (e.g., the pill): Approved by many Christians unless they cause early abortion.

Remarriage

• Accepted if the church accepts divorce, at their discretion.
• Reasons:
  • Falling in love again.
  • Fulfilling sexual relationship, love, and support.
  • Providing security for existing children.

Families

• Definition: Unit of people living together or related, typically involving parents and children.
• Purposes (Christian/religious):
  • Fulfill God's command to procreate.
  • Raise and educate children in faith.
• Purposes (Religious and non-religious):
  • Educate children.
  • Fulfilling the desire to have children.
  • Provide security, love, and support.
• Nature (Christian):
  • Reflect the family of God.
  • Provide a basis for stable society.
  • Parents care for children; children respect parents.
• Types of Families:
  • Nuclear: Two parents with biological/adopted children.
  • Extended: Includes extra relatives.
  • Single Parent: One parent with their child, due to bereavement or separation.
  • Same-Sex Parents: Parents of the same gender, may adopt or use surrogacy/sperm donation.
  • Blended: At least one member has a child from a previous relationship.
• Contemporary Family Issues:
  • Same-sex parents not universally supported.

Gender Equality and the Roles of Men and Women

• Equality: Having the same opportunities and rights, being treated fairly.
• Biblical Basis:
  • Men and women are equal in God's sight (Galatians 3:28).
  • Made in God's image (Genesis 1:27).
• Differing Christian Views:
  • Some believe in different roles based on biblical teachings (e.g., Ephesians 5:22-23).
  • Others believe men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.
• Examples of Gender Prejudice and Discrimination:
  • Being thought of as inferior.
  • Refused jobs reserved for the other gender.
  • Gender-based clothing restrictions.
  • Different legal rights.
• Arguments for Different Roles:
  • Biblical teachings (e.g., Ephesians 5:21-33).
  • Tradition (e.g., Catholic women cannot be priests).
• Arguments Against Different Roles:
  • Jesus was kind to women.
  • Inflammatory Bible teachings could be considered out of date.
• Non-Religious Views:
  • Vary from biological differences justifying different roles to supporting equal rights.
• Gender prejudice and discrimination are illegal in the UK.