Theme A (Relationships & Families)

Question 1

Christian views on “straight” relationships

Answer 1

• allowed to marry
• part of God’s plan

“A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife…they become one flesh.” - Genesis 2:24

Question 2

Muslim views on “straight” relationships

Answer 2

• expected to marry

“Marry those who are single among you for Allah will develop their moral traits” - Hadith

Question 3

Christian views on homosexual relationships

Answer 3

“You shall not lie with a man as you would with a woman; it is an abomination.” - Leviticus

Paul taught “men who have sex with men will not inherit the Kingdom of God”

• against natural law
• cannot “be fruitful and multiply”
• Catholic Church teaches that homosexuals are not sinful but should remain chaste.

“Hate the sin, not the sinner”

Question 4

Muslim views on homosexual relationships

Answer 4

• Homosexuality is forbidden
• they should control their actions

“Must you, lust after males and abandon the wives that Allah has created for you? You are exceeding all bounds” - Qur’an

Question 5

Christian views on sexual relations before marriage

Answer 5

• Liberal Christians say sex before marriage can be valid, if both are intending to marry

Paul says “Whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know your body is a temple?“

Question 6

Muslim views on sexual relations before marriage

Answer 6

• Forbidden

“The only way to protect all within society is to maintain a society where only a man and his wife share the act of sex” - Abdul Wahid

Question 7

Christian views on sexual relations outside of marriage

Answer 7

• breaks vows made before God

“Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” - Matthew

Question 8

Muslim views on sexual relations outside of marriage

Answer 8

“Do not go anywhere near adultery. It is an outrage and an evil path“ - Qur’an

“A man should not stay with a woman in seclusion, unless he is a relative” - Hadith

Question 9

3 types of contraception

Answer 9

• artificial e.g. condoms, pills
• natural e.g. rhythm method
• permanent e.g. sterilisation

Question 10

Contraception advantages

Answer 10

• Family planning (accepted by both religions)
• Preventing unwanted pregnancies
• Reducing over population
• Prevent spread of STDs

Question 11

Christian attitudes towards contraception

Answer 11

• artificial contraception goes against the natural law

“every sexual act should have the possibility of creating new life“ - Humane Vitae (1968)

Question 12

Muslim attitudes towards contraception

Answer 12

• not for unmarried couples
• allowed to avoid risk of wife’s health
• NO permanent/abortive forms

FOR : “God wishes to lighten your burden” - Qur’an

AGAINST : “Do not kill your children for fear of poverty. Killing them is a great sin” - Qur’an

Question 13

Christian beliefs about marriage

Answer 13

• one of the 7 sacraments
• an agreement before God
• spiritual bond

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife…they become one flesh” - Genesis

Question 14

Muslim beliefs about marriage

Answer 14

• a lifelong, equal partnership under God
• brings two families together
• avoids sexual sin
• can be arranged, but not forced

“There is no institution in Islam more beloved to Allah than marriage” - Hadith

Question 15

Christian teachings about divorce/remarriage

Answer 15

• counselling is preferred
• vows must be kept
• Catholics don’t believe in civil divorce and remarriage whilst partner is still alive is unacceptable

“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her” (vice versa) - Mark

Question 16

Muslim teachings about divorce/remarriage

Answer 16

• divorce is “hateful to Allah” - Hadith
• Qur’an encourages reconciliation
• must be verbally declared by husband
• 3 month waiting period (Iddah) to see if wife is pregnant
• ^ if so, divorce is postponed till birth
• allowed to remarry

Question 17

Role of parents

Answer 17

Christians:
- raise children in Christianity
- teach them morals

Muslims:
- raise children in the Islam
- teach them how to pray, read Qur’an in Arabic and halal food laws

Question 18

Nature of families

Answer 18

Christians:
- children should learn to love one another
“Honour your father and mother” - Exodus

Muslims:
- extended family is part of God’s plan
- family shapes children’s characters
- care for elderly parents with respect

Question 19

Polygamy and same-sex parents

Answer 19

• Christians are against polygamy

Muslims:
- polygamy is allowed with first wife’s consent
- husband must be able to equally support/love other wives
- 4 wives maximum
- against same-sex parents
- not a good example for children

Question 20

Purpose of families

Answer 20

Christians:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” - Ephesians

Muslims:
“He who is good to his parents, blessings upon him” - Hadith

Question 21

Christian beliefs about children in families

Answer 21

“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old“ - Proverbs

“Fathers, do not embitter your children, for they will be discouraged.” - Colossians

Question 22

Muslim believes about children in families

Answer 22

“Say Lord have mercy on them because they cared for me when I was little”

“Honour your children and their perfect manners” - Hadith

Question 23

Christian beliefs about gender equality

Answer 23

• all people are created equal in the God’s image (Genesis 1:27)
• Jesus welcomed women as his disciples
• Literal Christians believe husbands should “rule over” their wives (Genesis 3:16)

Question 24

Muslim beliefs about gender equality

Answer 24

• Allah created all from a single soul
• Muhammad united tribes in Madinah
• men and woman have the same religious responsibilities
• wives can keep last names and properties (according to Shari’ah Law)