Unit 10: Ethics (Family Life) Flashcards
The importance/purpose of marriage for Catholics
- Catholics believe it was created by God.
- It is 1 of the 7 sacraments.
- Way for Catholics to have children and build a family.
- Only acceptable way to have a sexual relationship.
- Disagree with gay marriage.
- Jesus taught that marriage was created by God at the beginning of the world (Mark 10).
Non-religious attitudes to marriage
- Marriage was not created by God.
- Sex before marriage is acceptable.
- A couple can choose whether to marry or just cohabitate (live together).
- Support gay marriage.
Catholic attitudes towards sexual relationships
- It is a gift from God to be enjoyed within marriage (unitive) between a man and a woman.
- Sex was also given to create new life (procreation).
- The Catechism teaches sex is a gift from God and should not be used outside of marriage.
Non-religious attitudes towards sexual relationships
- Many atheists support same-sex relationships.
- Many believe that sex does not have to be open to life.
- Pre-marital sex (sex before marriage) is widely accepted.
Other Christian attitudes towards sexual relationships
- Pre-marital sex can be a step towards marriage and so can be acceptable.
- Sex is also about unity not just procreation and so can be acceptable.
Catholic attitudes towards family life
- One of the main purposes of marriage is to have a family.
- The Catechism teaches that God created the family unit to be the basic unit of society.
- The family is where children first learn about their faith and the difference between right and wrong.
Non-religious attitudes towards family life
- Many families in the UK are now non-religious.
- Atheists do not think the family was created by God.
- Having children is not necessarily important in marriage.
How does the parish try to help families?
- By praying for married couples and families during mass.
- By offering financial support to families struggling.
- Running youth groups to help children learn about their faith.
- Marriage counseling.
Why do parishes try to help families?
(See 10.3:1. Catholic attitudes towards family life answers)
Non-religious attitudes towards contraception
- Most are in favour of artificial contraception (e.g. condom, pill, etc.) because they argue that:
- Contraception ‘lowers the risk of STDs).
- Prevents or aborts unwanted babies.
- Allows a couple to experience enjoyment without the responsibility of a child.
Catholic views on artificial contraception
- The Catechism states that using contraception is a serious/grave sin.
- Many forms of artificial contraception cause early stage abortions.
What is natural family planning?
(Incorrectly referred to as ‘natural contraception’ in the books)
- An alternative to contraception that Catholics support.
- Helps Catholic couples space out children by abstaining from sex during times in the month when the woman is likely to conceive / get pregnant.
- Also used to help couples conceive if they are finding it difficult by having sex on the days the woman is fertile.
- Catechism states NFP is a good thing as by using it a couple are open to life.
Other Christian attitudes towards contraception
- Contraception is acceptable as God created sex for enjoyment (unity) as well as procreation.
- There is nothing in the Bible that forbids contraception.
Catholic teachings on divorce
- Catholic Church does not allow divorce.
- A couple, once married, will always be married in the eyes of God.
- Jesus taught that marriage is unbreakable in the Bible.
- The Catechism teaches that marriage cannot be dissolved.
- Annulments are allowed but this only if a marriage was never valid when it took place.
Non-religious attitudes to divorce
- Believe that all married couples have the right to divorce.
- Can be most loving thing to do.
