Relationships and Families

Question 1

Sexual Orientation

Answer 1

The Roman Catholic church teaches that sex
between people of the same gender is
‘disordered’
- They argue that homosexual relationships are
banned by the Bible.
- Liberal Christians teach that Jesus wanted people
to love each other and show mercy and that we
should be accepting of homosexuals.
- Gay marriage is banned in the Catholic Church
and Church of England.

Question 2

Adultery and Sex Outside Marriage

Answer 2

• Roman Catholics argue that all sex before marriage
  and after a divorce is unacceptable. Sex should only
  take place inside a marriage which is a lifelong, loving
  relationship.
• Adultery is sex with someone who is not your
  husband or wife.
• It is prohibited by the Bible and Christians argue it is
  wrong as it undermines marriage involves lies and
  secrecy.

Question 3

Artificial Contraception

Answer 3

• Artificial contraception means using something man-made to stop yourself from getting pregnant. This
  could be a condom, the pill or a device like the coil.
• The Rhythm Method means using the natural cycle of fertility which women go through to predict when a
  woman would be least fertile. It is much less effective than artificial contraception.
• God tells Adam and Eve (the first couple) to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:2) which encourages
  them to have children.
   The Catholic Church argues that all sexual acts inside marriage must be open to procreation (having
  babies) and that a baby is a gift from God.
   The Church of England argues that contraception should be allowed so that couples can take time and
  consider if they want to have children.

Question 4

Marriage and Divorce

Answer 4

Marriage is a religious and legal ceremony in which two people make vows (promises) in front of their
friends and family and (if in a church) in front of God.
- During the ceremony you agree to be together for life saying “til death do us part” (Marriage Ceremony).
- Divorce is the legal break-up of a marriage. It is legal in the UK and many marriages currently end in
divorce.
- Many Christians do not like it as it is seen to break the promises made in a marriage.
 The Catholic Church does not support divorce. They believe that sex after divorce is a form of adultery
and you cannot get remarried in a Catholic Church once you have been divorced. Jesus says “if a man
divorces his wife […] he involves her in adultery” (Matthew 5:32).
 The Church of England accepts divorce, especially if it is for reasons of abuse but you have to receive
special permission to get remarried in a church. They might see it as a merciful option

Question 5

Types of Family

Answer 5

• Nuclear Family is a family with a mother, father
  and children – some Christians argue this is the
  ideal.
• Extended Family is a family where grandparents
  and other relatives are involved.
• Single Parent Family this is a family where one
  parent brings up the child.

Question 6

Purposes of the Family

Answer 6

• Procreation – the family should be for the purpose
  of having and bringing up children.
• Stability – the family should be for providing a
  secure, stable environment for children.
• Faith – the family should be a way of bringing
  children up as good Christians.
  QUOTE - ‘Anyone who does not provide for their
  relatives, and especially for their own household,
  has denied the faith and is worse than an
  unbeliever’.
  QUOTE - ‘Honour your mother and father.’

Question 7

Gender

Answer 7

• Gender equality means that men and women should be equal and given the same rights and
  opportunities as each other.
• In the UK women can face gender prejudice and discrimination where they are not treated equality
• The Catholic Church argues that women have a special role as mothers and they do not allow women to
  be priests. The Church of England have allowed women priests since 1994.