Unit 8 - Relationships and Families Flashcards
1
Q
What are Christian attitudes towards Human Sexuality
A
- In the past many Churches taught that the only valid place for a sexual relationship is within marriage.
- Christians argue that sex should only take place between a man and a woman in marriage because in the Bible it says to be ‘fruitful and increase in number’.
- Those who oppose homosexuality may base their views on Leviticus 18:22 ‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.’
- The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual people are not sinful, but they should remain chaste
- The C of E welcomes homosexual Christians who live in faithful relationships, but it does not allow them to marry in church.
2
Q
What are Muslim views on human sexuality
A
- Muslims believe that sexuality is part of being human. They agree sex is for pleasure as well as to procreate
- It is expected that Muslims will marry and have a family. A sexual relationship between husband and wife is considered a blessing from God
- Same sex relationships are forbidden, as it goes against the natural law created by God. Taught in both the Qur’an and the hadith.
- Some Muslims countries punish people for homosexual actions; to be convicted they must confess in front of four eyewitnesses.
3
Q
What are Christian attitudes to Sex outside of marriage
A
- Sex expresses a deep, loving, lifelong union that first requires the commitment of marriage.
- It is important to be sexually pure (chaste) before marriage because having sex is part of the loving, trusting relationship that should be developed within a marriage not just casual/temporary between 2 people.
- Some (liberal) Christians accept sex before marriage as it expresses love between 2 people.
- Adultery is wrong as it involves lies, secrecy and betrayal. For Christians it also breaks the marriage promises of forsaking all others and being faithful. Exodus “You shall not commit adultery.”
- Jesus taught lust is wrong as it can lead to adultery.
- Jesus forgave a woman who was caught in adultery, but ordered her to leave her life of sin.
4
Q
What are Muslim attitudes towards Sex outside of marriage
A
- Casual sex is wrong and detracts from the dignity of those involved.
- Casual sex leads to promiscuity and other evils such as rape and adultery/deception
- The Qur’an forbids it.
- Islamic law considers it is considered the same as adultery and rape.
- Punishment for some Islamic countries = stoning
- The Hadith teaches that a Muslim man should not be alone with a woman unless they are related
- Qur’an 17:32 “Do not go anywhere near adultery: it is an outrage, and an evil path.”
5
Q
What are Christian Ideas on the family
A
- Christians are commanded to love one another.
- Exodus 20:12 states we should “Honour thy father and mother”, particularly when parents are elderly and need of support.
- Christian parents are expected to ensure their children receive religious instruction, attend religious schools, participate in rites of passage ceremonies, e.g. christening or attend church.
- God started the family in the book of Genesis, so therefore as Adam and Eve showed importance of family so should we. Jesus was also raised in a family.
- Parents have a duty to marry.
- Children are a gift from God and should be cared for properly and taught about God.
- “The family is the community in which, from childhood, one can learn moral values, begin to honour God, and make good use of freedom (Catechism of the Catholic Church.)
6
Q
What is the Muslim ideas on the family
A
- Muslims put high importance on the extended family – grandparents and other relatives all living together, they feel this to be part of God’s plan for humans. Children care for elderly relatives as they grow older just as they were cared for as a child.
- The family shapes moral values and character of children.
- Islam allows for a man to have more than one wife at a time. The original origins for this practice come from the idea to protect women, particularly widows who were unable to support themselves. However now it is believed that polygamy should only happen if the man can love, support and treat all wives equally.
- Traditional expectations are that men are expected to work and be the providers. Women have an important role in the home – raising children and making decisions about the household.
- Muslims are expected to set a good example for their children and bring them up in the Islamic faith. They may support their child by teaching them how to pray, keep halal food laws and support them in finding a suitable marriage partner.
- Muslims do not approve same-sex partners because the ideal is for children to be brought up with a male and female role model as parents.
7
Q
What are Christian beliefs about gender equality
A
- Christians believe that all people have been created as equals in the image of God.
- Jesus treated women with respect, welcomed them as disciples.
- Galatians 3:28- “There is neither … male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.
- Roman Catholic Christians believe that men and women have equal roles in the eyes of God.
- Some traditional Christians (Evangelical Christians) believe that men are the head of the family and that women should mainly stay at home and care for children.
8
Q
What are Muslim beliefs about gender equality
A
- The Qur’an teaches that men and women were created from a single soul and have the same spiritual human nature.
- Muhammad worked to unite the tribes in Medina into one community (ummah) under God, with equality and justice for all.
- Men and women have the same religious and moral responsibilities. Muhammad taught that “anyone, man or woman, who does a good deed for God’s sake will be rewarded”
- Islamic law recognises the full property rights of women before and after marriage.
- The Qur’an states that “The male shall have the equal of the portion of two females” stating that men are entitled to more inheritance than the females in their families. Secondly, the Qur’an seems to state
that men are more valued than women- “And call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses. And if two men be not found then a man and two women.”
9
Q
What are Christian Ideas on Contraception
A
- Catholics believe sex (only between married partners) should be for the purpose of creating children
- Fornication (sex before marriage) is a sin so no need for contraception. Masturbation, contraception and homosexual sex don’t allow children to be made so therefore they are forbidden for some.
- Some accept sex before marriage as it’s an expression of love
- Some also accept it as you shouldn’t have more children than you can care for
- Some believe contraception interferes with God’s plans
- The Bible teaches “Thou shall not kill”
10
Q
What are Muslim Ideas on Contraception
A
- Only considered in the context of marriage
- There is an expectation that Muslim couples will have children, however contraception can help them plan when they want them
- Artificial methods are able to be used to – space out pregnancies or avoid serious financial difficulty. “God wishes to lighten your burden”
- Some believe contraception interferes with God’s plans. “Do not kill your children for fear of poverty – we shall provide for them and you – killing them is a great sin.”
11
Q
Why do people marry
A
- Love
- Family expectation
- Religious duty
- Sex
- Legitimise a child and/or relationship
12
Q
What are Christian views on weddings
A
- Marriage is a sacrament in some Christian traditions; it brings a blessing from God.
- The couple will come to church to be united in marriage by the priest.
- The couple make their vows to each other.
- The priest declares they have agreed to marry before God and accepts their decision. It is at this point he says: What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.
- The rings are blessed and exchanged. A ring is a symbol of eternity because of its circular shape therefore the love never ends.
- Marriage is important in Christianity as it provides support and companionship, to have children (procreate), to announce their love to others and it reflects God’s idea of monogamy.
- Marriage for Christians, such as Catholics, as it is the right place for a couple to enjoy a loving sexual relationship.
13
Q
What are Muslim views on Weddings
A
Key terms:
Nikah: a contract signed by the husband and wife to acknowledge each other’s rights
Mahr: Money or property given by the husband to the wife as a gift.
Walima: A feast which takes place some days after the marriage ceremony.
- Muslims consider marriage to be the foundation of family life.
- According to the Hadith Islam teaches that a man completes half his religious responsibilities when he marries.
Muslim marriage is an important commitment because: - It is a faithful lifelong partnership where both take full responsibility for children.
- It is a social contract which brings two families and the community together.
- It is the best way for people to have a stable relationship and experience sexual fulfilment.
- It helps them to develop spiritually and adds value to theirs acts of worship.
- ‘There is no institution in Islam more beloved and dearer top God than marriage’ (Hadith)
14
Q
What are Christian views on Divorce
A
- Roman Church = Does not allow
divorce (Jesus said it was wrong (anyone who divorces his wife… and marries another commits adultery)) - Catholic Church = Allows annulment (An annulment would require special permission The couple must prove (one of the following):
They did not understand
Forced into marriage
Marriage not consummated (not had sex)
One was not baptised) - Protestant = Divorce OK in some circumstances + Allows remarriage in church (Jesus allowed divorce for adultery) + (C of E sees marriages a lifelong commitment but understands that some circumstances happen that need divorce to be an option)
15
Q
What are Muslim attitudes about divorce
A
Divorce is allowed in Islam, although it is regarded as a last resort. Muslims accept that sometimes marriages break down. As a legal contract between two people it can be ended. This is done if the marriage brings unhappiness to the couple and to their children and relatives.
A man cannot seek a divorce from his wife until it is certain that she is not pregnant, as he might then change his mind. During a period of three months (called iddah) reconciliation should be attempted. If reconciliation doesn’t work then divorce can take place.
A woman can also obtain a divorce, either by an agreement with her husband or because of his treatment of her.
