Philosophy and ethics: Religious teachings on relationships and families in the 21st century Flashcards
What is the Catholic importance of marriage
On of the seven sacraments so no earthly matter can dissolve it - “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate”
Only acceptable way to have a sexual relationship as the church doesn’t allow sex outside of marriage
Marriage is God given - “The vocation to marriage is written in the very nature of man and women” (CCC)
What are the purposes of marriage
Sacrament - God’s grace
Permanent - divorce isn’t recognised
Exclusive - loyalty and faith
Lifegiving - have children
What are divergent views towards marriage
Humanist - sex and marriage are matters for individual decisions; decide to live together or have a civil wedding; expect relationships to be based on trust and respect; should be exclusive
Atheist - similar views to humanists and they would accept people having multiple sex partners
What are the types of sexual relationships and which ones aren’t compatible with Catholic Teaching
Premarital sex - sex before marriage
Extramarital sex - sex outside of a marriage (affair)
Procreative sex - sex that is open to life being created
Premarital and extramarital sex aren’t compatible with Catholic Teaching
What is the Catholic importance for sexual relationships
It is a gift from God
A way to fulfil marriage vows so that they can keep that promise - “transmission of life” (CCC)
What are divergent views towards sexual relationships
Atheists and humanists views are:
Sex must be between people ‘of age’. Paedophilia is regarded as wrong regardless of religious teaching
Sex ought to be safe; given the risk of disease and pregnancy, barrier methods of contraception should be used
Sex should involve a degree of stability; high levels of promiscuity are frowned upon
What are divergent views towards same sex couples and what are Catholics response to it
Atheists and humanists views are:
The changes in laws on homosexuality have made it easier to be an open homosexual and made society more aware and accepting of homosexuality
Civil partnerships now allow same sex couples to have their relationship legally recognised
Stonewall is a group that campaigns for the equality of people in the LGBT groups
Christian homosexuals should refrain from sex and that same sex marriages should not be legal
What are the types of families and which ones aren’t compatible with Catholic Teaching
Nuclear - typical family (married husband and wife with kids
Extended - living with relatives
Blended - joining of two families through remarriage
Same sex - both parents are of the same gender
Blended and same sex families aren’t compatible with Catholic Teaching
What is the purpose of families for Catholics
Ensure the physical needs and material needs of the child are met
Bring up children in the Catholic faith and do the best to ensure that the children become Catholic adults - “Domestic Church” (CCC)
Give moral values to their children so that they become good responsible citizens
How do parishes help families
Linked with catholic schools - schools support parishes with charity and parish priest visits schools for mass
Family friendly worship - children liturgy so children could learn about religion and have family friendly mass times
Sacraments
Counselling and support - Marriage and leaflets in different languages as Jesus was once a refugee
Why do parishes try to help families
Brings up children in a secure Catholic environment - “education in the faith by parents should begin in the child’s earliest years” (CCC)
Parish has a duty to make sure that the Church continues to grow
Baptism will allow the child to enter the “door to the Catholic faith” (CCC)
What are the types of contraception and which ones does the Church disagree with
Natural:
Abstinence - refraining from sex
Natural Family Planning - fertility awareness
Artificial:
Barriers - condoms
Hormonal methods - pills
IUDs
The Church disagrees with artificial methods as it allows people to have multiple sex partners without being married
What are the divergent views towards contraception
Catholics - they are against it as it stops procreation - “To render procreation impossible is evil” (CCC)
Protestants - allow the use of contraception as they are sola scriptura and nothing in the bible say that they can’t use it
Atheists - artificial contraception should be used by people indulging in casual sex for protection
What is the Catholic view on divorce and remarriage
Don’t recognise divorce as marriage is a sacrament - “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not break”
A marriage can only be dissolved by an annulment (didn’t freely consent, no intent to be faithful, not open to children)
Don’t allow remarriage as divorce isn’t recognised as it is considered as adultery
What are divergent views about marriage and divorce
Atheists - don’t believe in marriage so there is no need for divorce
Humanists - all married couples have the right to divorce if they feel that the marriage has failed
