Christian Marriages and Family Flashcards
1
Q
What does the bible say about marriage? Define monogamous?
A
Marriage should be monogamous and between a man and a woman and for life.
“But at the beginning of creation, God ‘made them male and female.’‘For this reason, a man will be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
2
Q
What is the purpose of marriage in Christianity?
A
- To provide companionship, friendship, and support between a husband and a wife
- To enjoy a sexual relationship within marriage and raise a family.
- To make a lifelong commitment to another person, establishing a permanent and stable relationship, thereby also providing stability to society through the teachings of good moral and social behaviour.
3
Q
What do the majority of Christian denominations consider marriage as?
A
- A sacrament- a ceremony which God is involved in.
- Vows, such as being faithful, are made between the man and the woman and also to God, demonstrating marriage as being sacred and binding.
4
Q
Marriage is believed to be a ______ from God?
A
Marriage is believed to be a GIFT from God- it is part of God’s plan for men and women to live together as stated in the Bible.
5
Q
Why is marriage beneficial in Christianity regarding children?
A
Marriage is believed to provide security and a stable environment for children to be raised as Christians.
6
Q
What is a strong anti-marriage view from a Christian perspective?
A
- Although marriage is a sacrament and extremely important in Christianity, some Christians believe that God doesn’t want everyone to be married.
- Jesus himself was not married
- Some Christians believe they have a vocation from God, for example, being a monk or nun, where marriage is not a requirement.
7
Q
What are non-religious attitudes to marriage?
A
-They do not accept marriage as a religious institution blessed by God, but they do accept marriage in a secular sense as a couple making a commitment to each other.
8
Q
Define Cohabitation?
A
A cohabitation agreement is a contract between two people who are in a romantic relationship and live together but are not married.
9
Q
Why do some couples choose to cohabit rather than marry?
A
- As many believe that marriage is expensive and unnecessary
- They also believe that marriage is, essentially, just a contract.
10
Q
What do Christians argue against cohabitation and why do they oppose cohabitation?
A
- Marriage provides stability
- Marriage is the basis for family life
Marriage also involves sacred vows made in front of Gods, therefore they do not support Cohabitation as an alternative.
11
Q
What is the purpose and importance of sexual relationships in Christianity?
A
- Sex is a gift from God
- Procreation
- Sex should only take place within marriage, as it is an important way for a man and woman to demonstrate commitment to each other.
12
Q
What are alternative Christian views on sexual relationships?
A
- Some Christians believe that, in modern society, some ideas of the traditional Christian view of sexual relationships are outdated.
- They believe that love is more important and should be celebrated in whatever form it occurs.
- This may also allow them to accept cohabiting couples who have sexual relationships as well as homosexual couples who are in a permanent and stable relationship.
13
Q
What are non-religious attitudes regarding sexual relationships?
A
- Humanists believe that they should be allowed only if the relationship is consensual and does not harm those involved in the relationship.
- Atheists are unlikely to have problem with sex before marriage.
14
Q
What type of sexual relationships are forbidden in Christianity?
A
Adultery
15
Q
Do non-religious people accept homosexuality? Atheists? Humanists?
A
Atheists: Yes!
Humanists: Yes!
16
Q
What are the 5 different types of family?
A
- Nuclear
- Extended
- Blended
- Single-parent
- Same-sex
17
Q
What is a nuclear family?
A
Two parents (man/woman) and their children living together
18
Q
What is a blended family?
A
Step-families who have joined together through remarriage.
19
Q
What is an extended family?
A
Parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
20
Q
What is a single-parent family?
A
One parent and children
21
Q
What is a same-sex family?
A
Two same-sex parents and children,
22
Q
What is the purpose of family in Christianity?
A
- Provide the right place for a married couple to have children
- Provide stability and security for society, as children can be raised in the correct social and moral setting
- To teach children the difference between right and wrong
- To raise children as Christians and introduce them to the Christian faith
23
Q
What are the roles and responsibilities of parents in Christianity?
A
- Most Christians believe they have a role and responsibility to get married and have children if they are able to, as this is what God intended.
- Parents have a responsibility to love, support, and care for their children and keep them safe.
- Christian parents should expose their children to Christianity and raise them in the Christian faith- for example, through getting them baptised or christened and getting them involved with the community, and teaching them religious scriptures and send them to church.
24
Q
Why is family important in Christianity today?
A
- Family strengthens society, providing structure and support.
- Family is where people feel safest- with the people they love.
25
What are the roles and responsibilities of Children in Christianity?
- The Bible teaches that children should honour, obey and respect their parents.
- Children are expected to care for their parents in their old age, just as their parents once cared for them.
26
What social environment should Christian families be part of?
Within the family, children are introduced to Christianity- attending church and celebrating festivals as a family unit. Children are also baptised attend Sunday school and learn about Christianity.
27
How important are Churches in Christianity and to families?
- The Church is seen as a family that Christians belong to wherever they are in the world.
- The Christian community can provide support to the family unit when it faces problems.
28
What is the preferred family form in Christianity?
Most Christians prefer the traditional family unit of a nuclear family, as they feel this reflects the idea of the family first shown in the bible with Adam and Eve.
29
How is the Christian view of families different from today?
Today, Christians are realistic about the changes to family in society and would accept the differing kinds of family that provide a stable upbringing for children..
30
Why do churches support families?
- They hope that by helping children to develop an interest in Christianity, they are helping to ensure there will be a new generation of believers.
- It is a way to provide support for parents, helping them to raise their children in a stable environment and to educate their children in the Christian faith.
- It demonstrates inclusion and helps to foster a sense of community
31
What are features of family services?
- A welcoming atmosphere for children
- Opportunities for children and teenagers
- A talk or part of the service aimed at children
32
Define Rites of Passage?
Rite of passage are special events that mark key stages in a person's life.
33
Why are rites of passages important?
As they enable children to become part of the Church as they grow up.
34
What are the four rites of passages?
- Thanksgiving service
- Baptism or Christening
- First communion
- Confirmation
35
What does the Thanksgiving service involve?
A service giving thanks for the birth of a baby and welcoming them into the Church
36
What does Baptism or Christening involve?
When a child is made a member of the Church
37
What does the First communion involve?
When a child receives their first Holy Communion (same as the Eucharist- the service of Christian worship at which bread and wine are consecrated and shared).
38
What does Confirmation involve?
When a person confirms they want to be a member of the Church.
39
What groups for children are available for those who visit Church?
- Sunday school
- Music, art and drama classes
- Tuition classes for school work
- Confirmation preparation classes
- Youth groups for teenagers
- Childcare groups to support working parents
40
What groups for parents are available for those who visit Church?
- Parenting classes
- Parent and baby groups
- Family counselling
- Baptism preparation classes
- Marriage enrichment groups
41
What groups for Adults are available for those who visit Church?
- Social events
- Coffee mornings
- Bible study groups
42
How does the Church or local parish support vulnerable people in the community who can not visit Church?
- They might visit disabled people at home or sick people in hospital.
- Many churches also provide advice or access to counselling services for those with issues such as depression or financial troubles
- They may also provide practical support for those in need by, for example, running a food bank.
43
Why is the support of the Parish important today?
- The parish provides practical, emotional, and spiritual support.
- The parish allows Christians to socialise with others who share their faith and beliefs
- The support of the parish demonstrates the love of God, as family was part of his intention for humanity.
- The parish provides a sense of Christian community and strengthens the Church and the people within it.
44
How do Catholics, traditional Protestants, and more traditionalist denominations feel about contraception?
- The use of artificial contraception is wrong, as it goes against God's command 'to be fruitful and increase in number' (Genesis)
- Sex should always be open to the possibility of conception, and artificial contraception prevents this.
- Natural methods (such as the rhythm method) are acceptable to the Catholic Church and most Protestants, as a way of helping a couple control when they have children.
- For Catholics, these teachings are confirmed in the Papal Encyclical Humanae Vitae, issued by Pope Paul VI in 1968.
45
What are Catholics views of contraception based on?
For Catholics, these teachings are confirmed in the Papal Encyclical Humanae Vitae, issued by Pope Paul VI in 1968.
46
Do Anglican Christians support the use of contraceptions?
The Anglican Church approved the use of artificial contraception at the Lambeth Conference in 1930, provided it is used 'in the light of Christian principles'.
47
For what reason do Christians, like Anglican Christians, support the use of contraception and oppose it?
Support:
-Aid family planning
Oppose:
-encouraging promiscuous behaviour
48
What type of contraception are Christians, like Anglican Christians, preferential towards?
- Some Christians only accept contraception that prevents conception from taking place (such as the condom or contraceptive pill).
- They oppose methods that work after conception has occurred by preventing the fertilised egg from implanting in the womb (such as the morning-after pill) as this is considered a form of abortion.
49
Do Non-religious people support the use of contraception?
-Most non-religious people, including Humanists and Atheists, accept the use of contraception.
50
Does the Bible support the use of contraception?
The use of artificial contraception is wrong, as it goes against God's command 'to be fruitful and increase in number' (Genesis)
51
Why do most non-religious people support the use of contraceptives?
Many argue that deciding whether or not to use contraception is a personal choice, provided it does not harm anyone involved
Contraception also leads to fewer unwanted pregnancies and allows women to have greater control over their lives.
Contraceptions will maker the couple safer by preventing STIs.
Contraceptions would be the most loving course of action to take, for example, if the couple carry a genetic disorder, as it would lower the quality of life of their children
52
What is Situation Ethics?
Situation Ethics is an ethical theory established by Fletcher, that states that moral decisions should be based on what is the most loving thing to do in any particular situation. This can be used when regarding contraception.
53
Will Christians refer to situation ethics when deciding if contraception is bad or good?
No, Christians tend to make decisions based on Church teachings, the Bible, and their own conscience.
54
Define Divorce?
The legal ending of a marriage
55
What is the meaning of marriage in Christianity?
Lifelong union
56
Do Catholics accept divorce?
- No
| - The marriage vows are a covenant (agreement) or sacrament made before God, therefore can not be broken.
57
Do Protestants accept divorce?
- Yes
| - God accepts that people make mistakes and relationships sometimes break down.
58
Do Catholics accept remarriage?
Divorced Catholics are not allowed to remarry in a Catholic church
59
Do Protestants accept remarriage?
Divorced people are allowed to remarry in a Protestants church if the local clergy agrees to it.
60
Are there any exceptions to Catholic rules of divorce?
An annulment is allowed in certain circumstances, such as if the couple were forced to marry or were underaged when they got married. This effectively says that the marriage never took place.
61
Are there any exceptions to Protestant rules of divorce?
More conservative Protestants disapprove of divorce and remarriage.
62
Why might some non-religious people oppose divorce?
They argue that divorce has made it too easy for couples to end a relationship and that it negatively affects any other children involved.
63
Why might some non-religious people, like Humanists, accept divorce?
Others, like Humanists, believe that divorce is the compassionate response when relationships have broken down, and that remarriage can create happiness.
64
What is the situation ethics view of divorce?
Situation ethics would approve of divorce in certain situations, but not in others. Their response to divorce and remarriage will depend on what is the most loving thing to do.
65
What does British Humanist Association argue regarding contraception?
If contraception 'results in every child being a wanted child, and in better, healthier lives for women, it must be a good thing'.
66
What is the symbolism of a wedding ring in marriage?
That marriage is intended to be for life- symbolised by the ring given in the wedding ceremony being an unbroken circle.
67
Most Christians believe that men and women are equal.
How is this supported in the Bible?
In Genesis, man and women were both created in the image of God, and both are given authority to rule over the rest of creation.
"God created mankind in his own image, male and female he created them.
68
Many Christians believe that although men and women have equal worth, they have different roles.
How is this supported in the Bible?
Ephesians in the Bible suggests that men and women have different roles in a marriage. A wife should 'submit' to her husband, and a husband should 'love' his wife.
"Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord...Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church"
69
Some Christians believe that men are superior to women.
How is this supported in the Bible?
-In Genesis, man (Adam) is created first. The woman is created as a 'helper' of him.
"First, God formed man and in his nostril breathed the breath of life... then from the rib of man God made woman to be the helper of man"
-In Genesis, the woman disobeys God first by eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. She then appears to tempt man to also disobey God.
"The women took the fruit, which she found so pleasing to eye, from the tree which God forbade and ate it. And had also given some to her husband."
70
What are the three different Christian views regarding Gender Equality?
- Men and women are equal
- Men and women have different roles
- Men are superior to women.
71
What do most Churches teach regarding gender equality?
Most Churches emphasise the importance of gender equality
72
What do some churches believe the role of women and men to be?
The Catholic church teaches that within the family, the Mother's role is to look after the home and the children, while the father's role is to go out to work in order to provide for the family.
73
What do some conservative Christians believe regarding gender roles and how is it opposed by liberal Christians?
- Some Christians think the husband should be the head of the family, and his authority should be respected by the wife.
- More liberal Christians disagree with the idea of Gender roles, and believe it is not necessary to have a head of the family.
74
What do Humanists and Atheists believe about gender equality?
- Humanists and Atheists are likely to be more acceptant of the modern-day view of the roles of men and women within the family unit.
- They believe in the equality of men and women and support their roles, as long as they are happy in them.
75
Define Gender prejudice?
- Gender prejudice is when judgements are made about men and women on the basis of their gender.
- For example, an employer assumes that women are emotionally weaker than men.
76
Define Gender discrimination?
- Also referred to as sexism
- Gender discrimination happens when someone acts on their prejudice.
- For example, an employer doesn't appoint a woman because he assumes that she is too weak to handle the pressure.
77
Does Jesus advocate gender equality?
- Jesus treats men and women with equal respect.
- His female followers are important to him, and there are examples where he shows kindness to women who have been treated badly by others.
- For example, Jesus heals a woman who has been cast out by her community.
78
How did Christian wedding vows initially demonstrate inequality?
-Previously, Christian wedding vows included the promise that wives would 'obey' their husbands.
79
How did Christian wedding vows gradually become more equal?
The word 'obey' was initially dropped from Methodist wedding vows in the 1930s and, in 2006, the Church of England approved alternative vows that left out the word 'obey'.
80
In what denomination is gender inequality still present in Wedding Vows?
Catholicism
81
Define ordination?
The appointment of men and women to professional ministry in the Church.
82
When did first women become ordinated in the Church of England?
- Priests in 1994
| - Bishops in 2014
83
When did first women become ordinated in the Catholic Church?
Never!
84
What are arguments supporting the ordination of women?
- Discriminatory
- Women have different skills and perspectives to offer their congregation
- Women may be able to deal more sensitively with pastoral issues.
- Women priests can relate better to women in their community.
85
What are arguments opposing the ordination of women?
- In the Bible, the Apostle Paul says, 'I do not permit a woman to teach or assume authority over a man' (Timothy)
- Jesus chose only men to be the 12 disciples.
- Women have not been authority by God to be leaders in the Church
- Jesus was a man, those are ordained are a representation of Jesus
86
Where is it stated that only men can ordained?
Catechism (Catholicism only)
87
Which Christian charities support and advocate gender equality?
- Christian Aid
- Tearfund
They believe gender inequality impeaches basic human rights.
88
Who was the first female bishop?
Libby Lane
