Personal And Family Issues (5 And 10 Markers) Flashcards
Explain why a Christian couple would decide not to have sex before marriage. (5)
- biblical teaching - no sex outside marriage - Genesis 2:24 - ”gift from God (…) man and woman become one in sexual union”
- avoids risk of STI/Ds and unwanted pregnancy
- avoids being emotionally hurt
- avoids devaluing sex as a gift from God
“The idea of celibacy is outdated”. Do you agree? (5)
Yes:
- decline in priesthood - deterred by celibacy?
- priests do not understand marriage - they can understand if they are married
- many Protestant churches allow married clergy - Catholic Church out of touch
No
- celibacy sets priests apart - demonstrates their commitment
- provides a challenge for priests
- gives priests more time to help others
“Biblical teaching on divorce is not relevant in the 21st century.” Do you agree or disagree? Refer to Christian teaching. (10)
Any 6 from
No:
- commandment on adultery is still relevant
- teaching that a couple should be compassionate and forgiving still relevant - e.g. the forgiving father
- Genesis “one man one woman” is relevant to those against homosexuality
- Matthew “let man not be separate - marriage should be permanent
Yes:
- Jesus said there should be no divorce however it may be the only option
- if a spouse commits adultery repeatedly it can be very difficult to forget
- homosexuals do not see biblical teaching as important - they get married legally instead
“People with little or no faith should be allowed to get married in a church.” Agree or disagree? (10)
Yes:
- they receive God’s blessing to support their marriage
- it can evoke their faith
- symbolism in the sacrament gives them a full understanding of Christian marriage (e.g. rings)
No:
- they may lack respect for the church
- they don’t contribute financially to the church, they should be the ones paying
- it removes respect for the sacrament for those who have faith
“Today’s more relaxed attitude to divorce has damaged the whole of society.” Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons. Refer to Christian teaching. (10)
Any 6 from
Yes:
- it disrupts the family unit, particularly the lives of children
- seen as an option rather than working at the marriage - a cop out
- creates challenges in marriage and makes them farcical
- people are less forgiving and less likely to work hard for their relationship
No:
- creates personal independence
- can free victims of abuse
- sometimes divorce is the only option
- Matthew 5:31-32 Jesus appears to say divorce is ok were there is adultery
Do you think biblical teaching on the family is still relevant? (5)
Any 3 from:
Yes:
- exodus teaches us to honour our parents
- proverbs advises us to care for the elderly
- proverbs indicates the importance of disciplining children as a sign of love
No:
- the Old Testament encourages beating children - unacceptable - outlawed since 1987
- proverbs 29:17 is sexist in its description of family life, insinuating the son is more important than the daughter
“The decline of religion is causing the family unit to become less important”. Agree or disagree? (5)
Yes
- more people are choosing to bring up children as single parents; the church teaching is now less important
- many families separate e.g. addictions, unemployment etc.
- dysfunctional families where abuse occurs have little positive contribution in society
No
- family unit still very important
- family members support each other e.g. the elderly
- the typical nuclear family is still the most prevalent
- cohabiting and other types of families are still loving environments, they also allow gay people to marry
“Same-sex couples should be allowed to get married.” Do you agree? (5)
Any 3 from:
Yes
- other Christian religions allow same-sex marriage e.g. Baptists
- Gay couples can legally marry already
- teaching in homosexuality is outdated and God’s blessing can enrich their marriage
- all life is sacred and we should celebrate connection
No
- biblical teaching e.g. Genesis “worse sin than heterosexual rape”
- Catholic Church sees homosexuality as intrinsically disordered
Etc.
What do the Christian churches say about pre-marital sex? (5)
Also give a biblical reference
- Catholics - follow teaching that fornication is a sin - therefore wrong
- Presbyterian - sex should be enjoyed in the full commitment of marriage
- Church of Ireland - pre-marital sex can devalue sex as a gift from God
- Genesis 2:24 states sex should take place within marriage
