Relationships and Family

Contraception Methods

  • Various methods of contraception are available, including oral contraceptives, condoms (male and female), hormonal rings, IUDs (intrauterine devices), contraceptive injections, implants, contraceptive patches, surgical sterilization, coitus interruptus, calendar rhythm method, vaginal douches, and diaphragms/caps.

Nature and Purpose of the Family

  • Supporting Unit: Families provide care and support for their members.
  • Roles and Responsibilities: Families assign different roles and responsibilities to their members.
  • Religious Education: Families are a setting where children learn about religious rituals, beliefs, and sacred texts (e.g., the Qur'an in Islam).
    • Parents are expected to teach their children how to read and understand sacred texts.
    • In Islam the Qur’an teaches that children should care for their parents.
  • Fulfilling Religious Duties: Families participate in religious practices together.
  • Raising Children: Families are the primary unit for raising children, in line with religious teachings to ‘go forth and multiply.’
  • Nuclear Families: The most common family type in modern Britain consists of two parents with one or more children living in the same house.
  • Responsibilities: Duties that individuals are expected or obligated to carry out within the family.

Religious Attitudes Towards the Family

  • Christianity:
    • The family is a vital unit for raising children.
    • Marriage between a man and a woman is the foundation, with the expectation of having children, referencing Adam and Eve's command to ‘go forth and multiply’.
    • Children have the right to be raised by two parents in a loving environment.
    • Parents should be role models for their children.
    • Children have a duty to obey their parents, as emphasized by the commandment ‘Honour your father and mother.’
    • Parents should raise their children as Christians through prayer, Bible stories, Sunday school, baptism, and confirmation.
  • Islam:
    • Family is crucial for societal stability and individual well-being.
    • Men and women are commanded to marry and have children.
    • Children should obey and respect their parents, especially in their old age.
    • The Qur'an states: “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as] ‘uff’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.”
    • Parents have a duty to guide their children away from unwise decisions.
    • Arranged marriages are a tradition in some Muslim societies, where parents choose their children’s marriage partners.

Religious Attitudes to the Role of Men and Women

  • Christianity:
    • In Jesus' time, men dominated society.
    • Jesus broke gender norms by treating women with respect and as equals.
    • Galatians 3:28 states: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
    • Liberal Christians believe gender roles evolve with societal changes and advocate for equal opportunities for women in all aspects of life.
    • Traditionalists believe men should lead in the home because Adam was created before Eve, and women are subject to men's authority according to St. Paul.
    • Traditionalists see the man as the head of the household, with the woman responsible for housekeeping and childcare.
  • Islam:
    • The Qur'an indicates that men and women are equal in the eyes of God.
    • The Qur'an states: “And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer – those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.”
    • Most Muslims believe men and women have different strengths and roles in family and society.
    • The Hadith describes them as “twin halves of men.”
    • Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of the mother in the family.
    • Traditionally, men are responsible for the family's security and finances, while women care for the home and children.
    • Wives are expected to be obedient, seen as equitable given women's significant responsibilities.
    • The Hadith states: “A woman is a guardian of her husband’s home and is responsible for it.”

Worldwide Family

  • Religious Believers as Extended Family:
    • Members of a shared faith are often considered an extended family.
    • Christians refer to themselves as ‘People of God’ or ‘Church.’
    • Muslims use the term ‘ummah’ for the worldwide community of Islam.
  • Pope Francis's View on Family:
    • The family is the basis of human society and the Church.
    • Mothers play a fundamental role in passing on religious faith.
    • Pope Francis stated: “It is very important to reaffirm the family, which remind the essential cell of society and the Church; young people, who are the face of the Church’s future; women, who play a fundamental role in passing the faith and who are a daily source of strength in a society that carries this faith forward and renews it.” (2013)

Traditional vs. Changing Views

  • Traditional View:
    • The father was the provider through work.
    • The mother was responsible for domestic life.
    • Both Christian and Muslim views were patriarchal, with men as leaders.
  • Modern View:
    • Men and women are increasingly seen as partners with shared responsibilities.
    • Women continue working after marriage and childbirth.
    • More men are taking on the role of house-husbands.
    • In 2015, the UK introduced shared parental leave.

Cohabitation

  • Definition: Living together in a sexual relationship without being married or in a civil partnership.
  • Liberal Anglicans: Accept cohabitation within committed relationships, but view marriage as ideal.
  • Catholics: See marriage as the ideal, citing the Bible: 'a man…must be joined to his wife and the two become one'.
  • Some Denominations: Disagree with cohabitation, as it devalues the sacred nature of sex, which should occur only within marriage.
  • Conservative Views: The Catholic Church and conservative Anglicans do not accept cohabitation and expect couples to abstain from sex before marriage.
  • Baptist Churches: Some may refuse to marry cohabitating couples.

Nature and Purpose of Marriage

  • Christianity:
    • Some Christians view marriage as a lifelong commitment and the best place to raise children ('go forth and multiply').
    • It is considered the ideal setting for a sexual relationship, with many Christians advocating chastity before marriage.
    • Marriage is seen as God’s plan for humanity and a gift, a sacrament not to be broken.
    • The phrase ‘ordained by God’ emphasizes marriage's significance.
    • Vows exchanged during the wedding ceremony reflect a lifelong commitment, such as ‘til death do us part.’
    • Jesus emphasizes the importance of marriage, stating, ‘For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and two will become one flesh. So, they are no longer two, but one flesh.’
    • The phrase ‘what God has joined together let no man separate’ indicates that marriage should be a lifelong union.
  • Commitment: A sense of dedication and obligation to someone or something.

Nature and Purpose of Marriage

  • Islam:
    • All Muslims are encouraged to marry for companionship, though divorce is allowed.
    • Marriage is the basis for family life, as most Muslims believe in chastity before marriage.
    • Marriage is a gift from God where couples show affection and support each other.
    • The Qur'an states: ‘may you find tranquillity in them, he placed between your affection and mercy.’

Christian Wedding Ceremony

  • Marriage is considered a gift from God.
  • Ceremonies usually take place in a church or chapel.
  • The service includes a sermon and hymns.
  • The couple exchange vows.
  • The minister/priest says, ‘What God has joined together, let no man separate.’
  • Legal registers are signed.
  • The bride typically wears white.
  • The couple meets with the minister/priest to discuss plans, and banns are read for three Sundays.

Muslim Wedding Ceremony

  • Nikah: A simple ceremony where a man and woman declare their commitment as husband and wife.
  • Location: Can take place in a mosque (led by an imam) or at the bride’s home.
  • Wali: The woman’s guardian offers the bride to the groom.
  • Witnesses: Two adult, good Muslims must be present as witnesses.
  • Mahr: Payment of a dowry or marriage gift from the groom to the bride.
  • Marriage Contract: Signed by the bride, groom, and witnesses.
  • Consent: Must be the consent of both parties.
  • Sermon: Given to bless the marriage.
  • Vows: Not necessary, but may be exchanged.
  • Prayers: End the ceremony for the bride, groom, families, and the Muslim community.
  • Legal Recognition: In Wales and England, the nikah is not a legally recognized marriage. A civil ceremony is also required. If a UK mosque is licensed, the marriage is legally recognized, but few are.

Arranged/Assisted Marriage

  • Arranged Marriage: Parents choose a suitable partner for their child.
  • Meeting: Families arrange for prospective partners to meet in their presence.
  • Rejection: Young people can reject their partners; forced marriage is forbidden in the Qur'an.
  • Function: In strict Muslim societies, it helps match partners based on parental wisdom.

Marriage Outside of Religious Traditions/Inter-faith Marriages

  • Discouragement: Muslims discourage marrying outside the faith because children are less likely to follow the faith.
  • Islamic Law: Forbids Muslim women from marrying non-Muslim men; Muslim men may marry Christian women.
  • Christian Concerns: Christians may marry non-Christians, but some, like Catholics, consider potential tensions.
  • Ceremony Location: There may be issues with where an inter-faith wedding ceremony can take place.
  • Catholic Tradition: A non-Catholic partner must agree to raise children in the Catholic faith.
  • Rites of Passage: Differences may cause difficulties (e.g., infant baptism vs. adult baptism).
  • Food Customs: Differences could cause difficulties.
  • Festivals: Decisions are needed about which festivals to follow.
  • Core Values: Religious traditions share similar core values.
  • Enrichment: Diversity of practice can be enriching.

Adultery

  • Christianity:
    • Adultery is wrong.
    • Marriage is sexually exclusive.
    • The Ten Commandments forbid adultery: ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
    • Marriage is a sacrament, a holy relationship not to be broken.
    • It goes against vows made to each other and to God: ‘Until death do us part.’
    • It destroys the special relationship.
    • Can harm the family unit.
    • The Bible teaches that the blood Jesus' shed on the cross covers all sin, including infidelity: ‘the blood of Jesus, God's Son, purifies us from all sin’ .
  • Islam:
    • Sex outside of marriage is disapproved of and adultery is wrong.
    • Marriage is a lifelong union based on trust, morality, and devotion.
    • Adultery is seen as harmful and goes against the unity of the ummah (community).
    • It is considered a form of theft.
    • The Qur'an states: ‘And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way’ .  
    • Punishment: ‘The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication - flog each of them with a hundred stripes.’
    • In some countries, adultery is punishable by death.

Divorce and Separation

  • Catholic Church:
    • Marriage is a lifelong commitment; divorce is not recognized.
    • ’…what God has joined together, let no one separate.’
    • Annulment or separation are the options when marriage breaks down.
    • Catholic belief is based on the teachings from the Bible, for example: Jesus replied, ‘ …I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery’ .
    • Separated Catholics should not cohabitate with others and may not receive Holy Communion.
    • Civil divorce is not recognized by the Church.
  • Other Christian Denominations:
    • Accept divorce, as UK law allows it.

Divorce and Separation

  • Islam:
    • Married couples should try to reconcile, with community and imam support.
    • The Qur'an says: ‘And if you fear dissention between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, God will cause it between them. Indeed, God is ever Knowing and Aware’ .
    • Divorce is allowed as a last resort.
    • Shari'ah Law permits divorce, but it is considered ‘the most detestable of lawful things before Allah’.
    • Marriage should end in front of Allah, requiring application to a Shari’ah council.
    • A three-month period is given for reconciliation and to ensure the woman is not pregnant.
    • A religious divorce is granted at the end of this period.
    • Women can ask for divorce by ‘Khul’ if unfairly treated.
    • The Qur'an states: If a woman fears indifference or neglect from her husband, there is no blame on either of them if they seek ˹fair settlement, which is best’ .

Remarriage and Annulment

  • Anglicans (including Church of Wales):
    • Accept divorce.
    • Remarriage is up to the minister's discretion.
    • A non-church wedding is preferred.
    • Some vicars may offer a service of prayer and dedication.
  • Non-conformists (e.g., Methodists):
    • Remarriage is permitted if suitable and acceptable.
    • No minister can be forced to conduct a remarriage against their will.
  • Catholics:
    • Remarriage without an annulment means attendance at Mass is allowed, but not Holy Communion.
  • Islam:
    • Divorced partners are free to remarry.
    • The Qur'an teaches ‘take in those among you who are single’.
    • Remarriage is encouraged; there is no celibacy.
    • Muslims are encouraged to marry and have children.
    • All Muslims should marry for companionship.

Nature and Purpose of Sex

  • Christianity:
    • Sex should only occur within marriage.
    • Sex is viewed as a gift from God and is holy.
    • Casual sex (promiscuity) is unacceptable.
    • The Bible states: sexual immortality…those who live like this will never achieve salvation’
    • St Paul warns against causing harm: ‘I have the right to do anything, ’ you say – but not everything is beneficial’.
  • Islam:
    • Sex should happen within marriage.
    • Married partners are expected to meet each other’s needs.
    • Sex outside marriage is wrong.
    • The Qur'an states: ‘And those who guard their chastity except from their wives, they are free from blame; But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors’.
    • Sex is an act of worship and must occur within marriage.
    • Sex outside marriage may lead to promiscuity.
    • The Qur'an says to: ‘Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste until God gives them the means’ .

Chastity

  • Traditional Teachings:
    • In Christianity and Islam, a person remains chaste until marriage.
    • The Silver Ring Thing promoted this idea.
    • Unmarried Christian teenagers wear a silver ring to show they will remain chaste until marriage.

Celibacy

  • Definition: The decision not to have a sexual relationship.
  • Catholic Faith:
    • Monks, nuns, and priests take a vow of celibacy.
    • They vow not to marry or have sexual relationships.
    • It is a positive choice to dedicate one’s life to the service of God.
  • Islam:
    • Adults should marry and have a companion in life.
    • No one needs to live a celibate life.

Contraception

  • Protestants:
    • Believe in the use of contraception for family planning.
    • It is responsible and moral.
    • Some forms also prevent STDs.
  • Catholic Church:
    • Opposes artificial methods, as it goes against Natural Law.
    • Many Catholics find this teaching difficult.
    • Many want to enjoy sex without having more children than they can look after.
    • Some adopt the rhythm method.
    • Following Aquinas’ Natural Law theory would accept the primary precept of ‘continuation of the species through reproduction’
    • So a secondary precept might be that contraception is wrong as that would prevent reproduction.

Contraception

  • Islam:
    • The Qur'an has no explicit references.
    • It is generally accepted that a form was used during the time of Prophet Muhammad.
    • Contraception is accepted with criteria: It must not harm the body and must have the consent of both husband and wife.
    • Most Muslims accept limiting family size but oppose permanent forms like sterilization.

Same-Sex Relationships

  • Christianity:
    • Many oppose same-sex marriage on biblical grounds and natural law.
    • The Bible states: ‘If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death’.
    • Others say such passages reflect past cultural values and don’t apply today.
    • The Catholic Church prohibits same-sex marriage, as relationships should only be between a man and a woman.
    • They believe that ‘be fruitful and increase in number’ can only be fulfilled by a heterosexual couple.
    • 2023 Pope Francis granted his formal approval allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples so long as they do not appear to endorse their marriage.
  • Islam:
    • Forbids same-sex marriages and homosexual relationships.
    • Sex should only be between husband and wife.
    • Marriage is a sacred contract between a man and a woman only.
    • Homosexuality is considered immoral.
    • The Qur'an says to: ‘Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are transgressing people’ .
    • Some Islamic states impose the death penalty.
    • In the UK, openly homosexual Muslims face opposition despite legal protections.

Role of Men and Women in Worship and Authority

  • Christianity:
    • In the early Church, disciples were all men.
    • Jesus respected women among his followers.
    • In Jesus’ time it was normal for men to take up positions of authority. Society is different now and men and women are more equal.
    • Galatians 3:28: ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus’
    • Women can take up active roles in worship and authority.
    • They can become a nun or sister, taking vows to devote their lives to God; they are equal members of Church congregations.
    • Catholic women are always lay people and cannot be ordained.
    • Pope John Paul II confirmed that women could never be priests.
    • In the Anglican Church, men and women take up equal roles in Church leadership and worship. In 2013, the Church voted to allow women to become bishops.
  • Terms
  • Gender equality – People of all genders enjoying the same rights and opportunities in all aspects of their lives.
    Roles – Position, status or function of a person in society, as well as the characteristics and social behaviour expected of them

Role of Men and Women in Worship and Authority

  • Islam:
    • Allah creates all people from one soul, and Muslims oppose discrimination.
    • The Qur'an states: ‘O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it is mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women’.
    • The Qur'an does not mention whether females can act as an imam.
    • However, in the Hadith, there are mentions of two of Muhammad’s wives, Aisha and Umm Salamah, leading prayers.
      An imam must be a good Muslim to lead a community in prayer so gender is irrelevant as to whether a person can be a good Muslim.
    • The Qur'an says: ‘Whoever does an evil deed will not be recompensed except by the like thereof; but whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – those will enter Paradise, being given provision therein without account’ .
    • Most Muslim groups do not allow women to be imams and lead men in prayer.
    • Women and men are usually separated during worship. Some Muslims scholars claim that having a female imam would invalidate men’s prayers.