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.