Personal and Family Issues Flashcards
What does a heterosexual relationship mean?
A sexual relationship is one where two people agree (consent) to have sex on a regular basis.
When this occurs between a man and a woman it is called a heterosexual relationship and it usually applies to adults.
What is chastity?
The practice of abstaining from sex is called ‘chastity’.
Christians believe all people who are not married should be ‘chaste’.
The main Christian churches agree with this.
What is pre-marital sex?
Sex between people before marriage, also applying to young teenagers
What is the Presbyterian Church’s views on pre-marital sex?
The Presbyterian Church:
“Ideally God meant sex to be enjoyed in the context of the full commitment of marriage. It is the physical expression of the deeper reality of two becoming one in marriage.”
What is the legal age of consent?
The legal age for having sex in Northern Ireland, known as ‘the age of consent’, is 16.
What is the Church of Ireland’s views on pre-marital sex?
The Church of Ireland:
“We believe that human sexuality is a wonderful gift from God and, at a time in life when they are most aware of this gift, we would urge that young people question any behaviour that devalues this gift, or which hinders its fulfillment within the context of marriage.”
What is the Catholic Church’s views on pre-marital sex?
The Catholic Church
“Fornication is carnal union between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman. It is gravely contrary to the dignity of persons and of human sexuality which is naturally ordered to the good of spouses and the generation and education of children.”
Why would Christians argue against sex before marriage?
- Avoids an unwanted pregnancy
- Avoids the risk of contracting STI’s
- Avoids people feeling hurt or devalued
- The Bible presents sex as a gift from God within the context of marriage as presented in the book of genesis.
What is celibacy?
Deliberately choosing not to enter into a relationship but to remain single/celibate.
Reasons Against celibacy in the Catholic Church:
- Would increase the number of vocations
- Would allow Priests to have a companion
- Help them to understand family life
Reasons for celibacy:
Religious reasons - Some religious orders ask their members not to have sexual relations of any kind so that they can devote themselves to God and the service of others, as Christ did, E.g Catholic Priests
Still looking - Some people are single because they have not found a person that they want to spend their lives with.
Divorce - A divorced person may choose not to become involved in another relationship. Perhaps they are too hurt by what has happened to them.
Death of a partner - Their partner has died and they do not want to become involved with anyone else.
Self-development - People may be focusing on themselves and fulfilment for the moment
Reasons for celibacy in the Catholic Church:
- Time to devote to the Parish
- Totally committed to their work
- Sets them apart like the apostles
What does a homosexual relationship mean?
A same-sex relationship is one where two men are attracted to each other or two women are attracted to each other. This is also known as a homosexual or gay relationship. Some people are sexually attracted to both men and women. They are called bisexual.
What does the Catholic Church teach about homosexual relationships?
They say they are acts of depravity, intrinsically disordered, psychological genesis is largely unexplained and they cannot be approved
They are called too chastity
Pope Francis describes them as socially wounded but also says “I am not one to judge”
What does the Church of Ireland teach about homosexual relationships?
Homosexual acts are incompatible with scripture.
The Church of England refused to appoint a gay priest to be a bishop
Church of Ireland parishes are opposed to homosexual practice
