Christianity - Marriage and the family (pg 9-18) Flashcards
purpose of christian marriage
- make a lo gym life commitment to someone
- to provide a companionship
- enjoy a sexual relationship and have a family
what do christians believe about marriage
1 marriage is a sacrament, a ceremony in which god is involved
2 beloved to be a gift from god
3 provides security and a stable environment for children
4 god doesn’t want some people to be married ( monk/nun )
what do non-religious people think about marriage
humanists don’t accept marriage as a religious institution blessed by god
what is cohabitation and why do people do it
living together without being married
many believe marriage is expensive and unnecessary.
Christians argue marriage provides stability, they do not support cohabitation
what is the nature and importance of sexual relationships
Christians believe sex is a gift from God, it should take place only within a marriage
Shows commitment
what does the bible say about sexual relationships
St Paul condemned homosexual acts
Adultery is forbidden in the ten commandments
“Be fruitful and increase in number’
non-religious attitudes to sexual relationships
consenting adults should be able to share a sexual relationship. Atheists are unlikely to have a problem with sex before marriage or homosexuality
Different types of family
Same sex parents
Nuclear - Two parents (man/woman) and their kids
Extended - parents, children, aunts and uncles, cousins
Single parent
Blended families - stepfamilies joined through remarriage
purpose of family
Gods intentions for humans:
- provide a place for children
- provide stability and security
- teach children right and wrong
- introduce children to the christian faith
how can the parish help families
supporting couples expecting children organising family events parental support classes counselling encouraging Sunday school
parish and worship, christian teaching, rites of passage and counselling
worship - local churches hold family services
christian teachings - believe these include the family
rites of passage - celebrating these events as a family
counselling - about marriage or other, offer solutions
why Is support of the parish important today
socialising
support
sense of community
different types of contraception
natural methods - include the rhythm method, sex when the female is not fertile
artificial - human made objects designed to prevent pregnancy e.g. condom/birth control pill
religious beliefs about contraception
Catholic - prevents the purpose; having a child
could encourage promiscuity or casual sex could lead to STIs
Protestant - sex is also for pleasure and expression of love
sensible method of family planning
artificial methods don’t go against gods teachings
Atheist and humanist views on contraception
Atheists - planning for a family
- harmful to the mother
- prevent STIs
Humanists - no issue as “results in every child being a wanted child”
nature of marriage
intended to be for life, symbolised by the ring being an unbroken circle divorce is necessary is it is the lesser of the two evils
catholic and Protestant views on divorce
Catholic - marriage id for life
- Jesus said divorce is wrong
- legal separation may be accepted in cases
Protestan - not encouraged but maybe necessary
- Uk law allows it
- god forgives sins
humanist or atheist view on divorce
breakdown of marriage can cause family problems, divorce can sometimes be necessary.marriage is not associated with religion
roles of men and women and in family
- both made in the image of god
- woman is ‘helpmate’ for man
- today both are equal
Define gender prejudice/discrimination
prejudice - judged on gender to be superior or inferior
discrimination - (sexism) when treated differently as a direct result of gender
Where is gender discrimination in the church
Catholics on accept men as bishop, priest or deacon and pope
hoe do christians promote gender equality
Christian Aid and Tearfund work with communities to tackle inequality using christian teachings
Atheists and humanist attitude to gender equality
share the view the view that men and women are equal
