Relationships and families

Question 1

Christian beliefs about sex

Answer 1

• Only within marriage
• Against promiscuity
• Sex within marriage is more special
• More liberal Christians see this as outdated however sex within marriage is still ideal

Question 2

Christian views on homosexuality

Answer 2

• Wrong
• Mostly dependent on the interpretation of the scripture
• Wrong to act, not too feel so celibacy is practised

Question 3

Christian views on contraception

Answer 3

• Mostly accepted
• Some Christians disagree with methods of contraception that destroy a fertilised egg

Question 4

Catholic views on contraception

Answer 4

• Catholic church says that anything deliberately contraceptive is intrinsically wrong
• Many believers disagree with this stance due to the existence of STI’s
• Only allows natural contraception (Having sex when a woman is at a less fertile part of her menstrual cycle

Question 5

Christian views on marriage

Answer 5

• Reflects on the union of Jesus with his followers
• A covenant between two people to offer lover, support and commitment and to have children
• Many accept cohabitation, especially as preparation for marriage
• Faithfulness in marriage is important

Question 6

Christian views on divorce

Answer 6

• Traditionally bad but can be accepted in some cases
• Marriage is a sacrament so should be held sacred
• Roman Catholics say it is impossible to divorce but can be annulled if they have never had sex, a partner didn’t consent to the marriage or refused to have children
• Church of England says that divorce is possible if you can find a minister willing to perform it as some marriages fail

Question 7

Christian views on family

Answer 7

• Important as it helps build a stable society
• Important to have children and teach them about faith
• Festivals such as Christmas and Easter place emphasis on celebration with family

Question 8

Define reconstituted family

Answer 8

• When two adults, who may or may not be married, join together and have children from previous relationships

Question 9

Christian views on alternative family structures

Answer 9

• Many Christians try and welcome reconstituted families and single or same sex parents into churches