Marriage, sex and divorce

Question 1

What do all Christians say about adultery?

Answer 1

That it’s wrong as it breaks one of the 10 commandments and was condemned by Jesus

Question 2

What is both the catholic and evangelical attitude towards sex before marriage? (Give two details)

Answer 2

NO…

• God gave sex for procreation
• Children should be brought up in a Christian family and so sex should only take place in marriage
• Bible says sex before marriage is sinful

Question 3

What is the liberal attitude towards sex before marriage?

Answer 3

YES…

• Bible is outdated
• Marriage shouldn’t be necessary to show love
• Marriage is for life so it is acceptable to try before confirming love in marriage

Question 4

What are the four main purposes of a catholic marriage?

Answer 4

1) Life-long love + faithfulness
2) Support + comfort of each other
3) Procreation of children
4) A Christian family

Question 5

How is the purpose of life-long faithfulness shown in the marriage ceremony? (Give two details)

Answer 5

1) Exchange of vows where the couple promise to be faithful until death
2) Exchange of rings showing that marriage is never-ending, eternal and life-long (circle)

Question 6

How is the purpose of support + comfort shown in the marriage ceremony? (Give two details)

Answer 6

1) Priest asking the couple before the marriage if they will love and support each other
2) A preparation course before the wedding ceremony helping the couple to understand how to support each other

Question 7

How is the purpose of procreation shown in the wedding ceremony? (Give two details)

Answer 7

1) Priest asking the couple if they will accept children lovingly from God
2) Readings, homily and prayers all refer to the acceptance of children as a key part of the marriage

Question 8

What is the catholic attitude to divorce and why? (Give two details)

Answer 8

Not acceptable.

• Sacrament and so cannot be undone
• Mt 19:6 “What therefore God has joined together let no man put asunder” JESUS

Question 9

What is the catholic approach to annulment? (Give two details)

Answer 9

Where the marriage was not true in the first place Catholics accept an annulment.

• Coerced into the marriage
• Committed adultery before the promises were even made

Question 10

What is the protestant (and more liberal) attitude to divorce? (Give two details)

Answer 10

Allowed in some circumstances

• Lesser of two evils (children, hurtful)
• Remarriage is possible
• Jesus allowed for divorce in a special circumstance