Philosophy and Ethics - Relationships

Question 1

Adultery

Answer 1

Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not their spouse. Many
Christians teach against adultery, as it breaks the vow “till death do us part”.

Question 2

Divorce

Answer 2

To legally end a marriage. Some Muslims believe that divorce is acceptable but must be a last resort.

Question 3

Cohabitation

Answer 3

To live together in a civil relationship without being married or in a civil partnership. Some Christians believe this is wrong because sex should only take place within marriage.

Question 4

Commitment

Answer 4

A sense of dedication and obligation to do something. In a Christian marriage ceremony, commitments are made during the vows (e.g. to look after one another in sickness and in health).

Question 5

Contraception

Answer 5

Methods used to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant during or following sexual intercourse. Roman Catholics teach against this because they believe every sperm is sacred.

Question 6

Gender equality

Answer 6

People of all genders enjoying the same rights and opportunities in all aspects of their lives. Christians believe we are all equal as we are made in God’s image.

Question 7

Responsibilities

Answer 7

Actions/duties that you are expected to carry out. For example, Christians believe you have the responsibility to teach your children about God.

Question 8

Roles

Answer 8

Position, status or function of a person in society, as well as the characteristics and social behaviour expected of them. For example, a parent has the role to care for their children.

Question 9

Nuclear Family

Answer 9

Most common type of family in modern Britain – consists of 2 parents & one or more children living together.

Question 10

Single Parent Family

Answer 10

Where one parent raises one or more children alone. The number of single parent families has continued to rise in Britain as a result of increasing divorce rates.

Question 11

Extended Family

Answer 11

A number of adults and children who are related living in the same home. For example, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents living together and sharing in family roles.

Question 12

Childless Family

Answer 12

Where a married or co-habiting couple are either unable to have children naturally or decide not to have children. Same-sex couples are often a childless family.

Question 13

Purpose of family life in Christianity

Answer 13

• Family is the basis of Western society and most Christians believe that children should be brought up in a loving and supportive community
• The Church should be a model of family life, with members of the Church united like a family
• Most Christians believe the foundation for family is mariage, and the ideal family unit is the nuclear family
• Christians believe children are a “gift from God” and so parents have the responsibility to care for them properly and to teach them how to live and accept authority
• Many Christians believe the home is where religious believe should be taught and religious practices/teaching should be lived out
• Many Christians believe it is their duty to teach their children about their faith (e.g. teaching the 10 commandments) and in return children respect and obey their parents until they are adults themselves: “Honour your father and your mother” - (Exodus 20:12)

Question 13

Reconstituted Family

Answer 13

Some divorced adults chose to remarry or live in a co-habiting relationship, leading to a reconstituted family. This is made up of a mix of step-parents and step-children.

Question 14

Purpose of family life in Islam

Answer 14

Islam has historically held a traditional view of the role of men and women in family life: that the woman’s role is in the home whilst the man’s role is in the working world
* Men are often regarded as the protectors of women and families and providers of financial support
* Women are expected to have children and to fulfil the role of a wife and mother
* Although Muslims view men and women as having different roles, they are both viewed as equals
* Parents have a responsibility to care for their children physically and emotionally - their children should grow into self-disciplined, independent adults
* Parents teach their children right from wrong and children must respect their parents as commanded in the Qu’ran
* Caring for your parents in the most difficult time of their lives is considered a blessing and an opportunity for spiritual growth; it is not enough to pray for them but to act with limitless compassion
* Muslims believe the ideal family is the extended family: “Your Lord has commanded that you be kind to your parents … since they cared for you when you were small” - (Qu’ran 17:23-24)

Question 15

Purpose of family life in Humanism

Answer 15

Humanists believe that children should make up their own mind about religion, so parents should not share their religious beliefs with them because they think all children should have a free choice.

Question 16

Christian marriage ceremony

Answer 16

• Many choose to get married in a church because they believe that marriage is a sacrament, meaning that God blesses the marriage by the sending of grace to the married couple
• During the service, the Father walks the bride down the aisle, symbolising that he is giving her over to the groom to look after her
• Traditional vows are exchanged as a public demonstration of their commitment
• An exchange of rings symbolises their eternal love, and prayers and hymns say thanks to God and ask for his blessings on their marriage
• Most Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God and is the right atmosphere to engage in sexual relations to build a family life
• Marriage is a rite of passage and marks a stage in a couple’s status and an important stage in their lives

Question 17

Islam marriage ceremony

Answer 17

• Usually takes place at home or in the Mosque and the couple give their consent before a minimum of two witnesses
• The Nikah is read - where the bride and groom sign 3 copies to show that they have agreed to the marriage
• The contract also specifies the mahr - a payment made to the bride which is hers to keep and use as she wishes
• Readings from the Qu’ran ask for Allah’s blessings
• Prayers wish them wealth, long life and many children
• There may be a feast called a walimah, which declares the couple’s marriage publically
• Marriages in Islam are often arranged but these can only take place with the consent of both parties - if someone was forced to marry than the marriage would be invalid
• Marriage in Islam is vitally important and celibacy is discouraged because Muhammad stated not to delay marriage
• Marriage in Islam is considered the ideal for having a family and can act as a combat against sexual immorality

(celibacy = abstaining from marriage or sexual relations)

Question 18

Nature and purpose of marriage for Christianity and Islam

Answer 18

For Christians and Muslims, marriage is the basis of family life - it is regarded as God-given, a lifelong commitment and the best basis for creating an environment into which children should be born. It also creates a loving, spiritual bond between a man and a woman.

“But at the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his mother and father and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” - (Mark 10:6-8)

Question 19

Nature and purpose of marriage for Humanists

Answer 19

Humanists view marriage as a significant part of life and understand why a couple may want to have a special ceremony to show their commitment. A humanist ceremony would include no religious aspect, but would reflect the important nature of marriage and significance for the couple.