Christians' Beliefs Flashcards
Why is the idea of reconciliation important in Christianity?
> Christianity is a faith based on Jesus’ teaching of love and forgiveness
in all relationships the idea that people should be ready to forgive those who have wronged them is very important
What is the Christian teaching on marriage?
> marriage is considered to be a gift from God so that two people can live as one, express their love for one another with the further gift of sex
marriage is a sacrament
through the sacrament of marriage God is invited into the relationship between husband and wife
God is present as they exchange vows and God will remain with them throughout the marriage helping them make a success of their married lives
marriage is a gift of creation through which husband and wife may know the grace and love of God
marriage is the second rite of passage
What are Christian beliefs about same sex relationships and unions?
> Quakers have allowed same sex unions for almost 20 years
same sex commitment ceremonies follow the same format as a Quaker wedding, the couple exchange vows within their worshipping community
Church of England Christians have a variety of views
some priests are prepared to bless the same sex couple after their civil partnership ceremony at a registry office
Roman Catholics believe that same sex relationships are wrong and forbidden by the Bible
no bishop would allow a same sex marriage or even a blessing after a civil partnership ceremony at a registry office
Where does the Christianity teaching on marriage come from?
> from the beginning in the Genesis story it says man and woman should be united and become one
Matthew’s Gospel Chapter 19 says: ‘…so they are no longer two but one.’
marriage was an important part of God’s plan
Genesis 2:18 God says: ‘It is not good that the man should be alone’
clear that man and woman should live as one
What is the Christian teaching on sex?
> sex is a natural part of life and a gift from God so that two people can express their love for one another
the sexual act is seen as a celebration of the couple’s union and an expression of love, care, concern and commitment for each other
main purpose is for having children
sex is holy, sacred and special and should be reserved for marriage or long term relationship
through the sexual act partners can share and show God’s love for them as individuals
What does 1 Corinthians 7:9 say about sex?
> St.Paul wrote to the people in Corinth saying that sexual desires should always be channelled into marriage
the appropriate place for sex is within marriage
What is the Christian teaching about sex before marriage?
> should be avoided
the sexual act should be within a marriage or long term relationship as it is an expression of love, care, concern and commitment the couple have for each other
1 Corinthians 7 advises people to get married if they cannot resist temptation
the union of two people and sex go hand in hand as two parts of God’s gift
What does Christianity teach about adultery?
> against the Ten Commandments
adultery is condemned in Matthew’s Gospel Chapter
breaks the vows the couple made to each other
breaks the bond of trust in the marriage and trust is a very important part of marriage
damages the stability of the family environment
puts children in an unsafe situation
marriage is a life commitment
What is the Christian teaching on forgiveness and reconciliation?
> forgiveness and reconciliation is the best option
the couple promise to love each other until death
Christianity is based on Jesus’ teachings on agape love
Describe the Christian teachings on divorce
> Church of England believes that divorce is a serious step but accepts divorce as a last resort if all else fails
divorce is legal in the UK
in some cases it is necessary and is doing what’s best for the marriage
Roman Catholics don’t accept divorce as marriage is sacrament and cannot just be cancelled
for very serious reasons marriages can be annulled because the serious reason would’ve made the marriage not a valid one in the first place
EG a marriage were someone was forced into marriage against their will
What are the Christian teachings on divorce?
> Matthew 19 : 4-6 ‘What therefore God has joined together, let no one separate
1 Corinthians 7 : 10-11 ‘and that the husband should not divorce the wife’
What happens when a person wants to remarry?
> The Church of England usually discourages remarrying in Church
advised to have a registry office wedding but depends on the circumstances
some Church of England ministers will agree to a service of dedication or blessing as was the case with Prince Charles and Camilla
other Protestant churches such as the Methodists will allow remarriage but only if considered suitable
Should people be allowed to remarry?
> everyone deserves a second chance at happiness but it depends on the circumstances
the law will allow anyone who is legally divorced to remarry in registry office
remarriage in a Roman Catholic Church is never allowed unless the marriage has been annulled
some people believe this is unfair on Roman Catholics who find themselves divorced through no fault of their own
Christianity is all about forgiveness and it doesn’t seem very loving or forgiving to no allow people a second chance
What do Roman Catholics do if they cannot live with their partner?
> agree to separate
>remain married in the eyes of the God and the Church
Should remarriage be in a religious building?
> couples who have divorced have broken their vows to love, respect and cherish each other so divorce makes a mockery of marriage
any remarriage should therefore not be done in a religious building as people have broken their promises they made before God
others say God is full of love and forgiveness and if two people have a made a mistake they deserve a second chance and get remarried in a religious building to get God’s blessing and love to help in their new marriage
if people are Christians a Church is the appropriate place for them to make their marriage vows
