AQA Religious Studies - Theme A

• Commitment


  This is an agreement with someone; a promise or pledge. In the case of relationships, it is usually based on being faithful and supportive.
• Responsibility


  With any commitment comes responsibilities. These are things we have to do as part of the agreement we have made.
• Contract


  These are binding agreements. Marriage vows and a marriage certificate are evidence of the contract made when two people marry.
• Covenant


  The meaning of the Old Testament word is bond; a covenant refers to two or more parties bound together, usually with God as a witness.
• Chastity


  This is the idea of being sexually pure within a relationship. Most religious groups believe that sex is only appropriate within marriage, so to be chaste is important.
• Human Sexuality


  How people express themselves as sexual beings.
• Heterosexual


  To be sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex.
• Homosexual


  To be sexually attracted to members of the same sex.
• Adultery

  Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse (husband or wife).
• Contraception


  The methods used to prevent a pregnancy from taking place.
• Family Planning


  Controlling how many children couples have and when they have them.
• Celibacy


  Abstaining from having sex. Usually a vow is taken e.g. a priest/nun.
• Polygamy


  The practice or custom of having more than one wife at the same time.
• Marriage


  A legal union between a man and a woman (or in some countries such as the UK between two people of the same sex).
• Civil Partnership


  Legal union of same-sex couples.
• Same-sex marriage


  Legal union of same-sex couples.
• Cohabitation


  A couple living together and having a sexual relationship without being married to one another.
• Divorce


  The legal ending of a marriage.
• Annulment


  A Catholic Church ruling that a marriage was never valid.
• Bigamy


  The offence of marrying someone who is already married to another person.
• Nuclear Family


  A couple and their children regarded as a basic social unit.
• Extended Family


  A family that extends beyond just parents and their children by including grandparents and other relatives as well.
• Procreation


  Bringing babies into the world; producing offspring.
• Stability

  Safety and security; a stable society is one in which people's rights are protected and they are able to live peaceful, productive lives without continuous and rapid change.