Theme A - Family, Religion and Relationships

• Explain two biblical teachings about human beings as male and female

  - One biblical teaching would be that men and women are made in the image of God and blessed by him. This emphasises the idea of equality in their partnership.

  
  

  Evidence is "in the image of God he created them; male and female" (Genesis 1)

  
  

  - Another teaching would be that sexual love is important as it expresses and deepens the couple's love for each other. This is because they believe that the couple can find fulfilment in each other as it is a sign of them entering a new phase of life as a couple.

  
  

  Evidence is "and the two shall become one flesh" (Mark 10:8)
• Give two biblical teachings that show men and women as equals


  - "Image and likeness of God he created them" (Genesis 1) → God made men and women in the image and likeness. This shows that they have the same qualities as each other and so aren't more important than one another.

  - "I will make him a helper as his partner" (Genesis 2) → he made men and women as equal helpmates. This shows how they were made to assist each other in their needs and not one to be subservient to another.
• Explain two reasons why the Catholics Church views men and women as equals

  - Male and female were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)

  - God takes Adam (humanity) and splits him into two complementary parts (Genesis 2)

  - Male and female may have different roles but they are of equal value to God
• Explain two Catholic beliefs about the unitive nature of sex

  - One belief is that sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not their spouse - adultery is forbidden. This is because it destroys the unity of the married couple.

  - Another belief is that sexual intercourse shows the couple is unitive through the action of physical union. This is because sexual love expresses and deepens the couple's love for each other through the physical union of it. Evidence is "... the two shall become one flesh" (Mark)
• Explain two Catholic beliefs about the marital nature of sex

  - One belief is that the sacrament of marriage enables two people in love to commit themselves publicly and exclusively to each other. They make a promise before God of committing to each other together for life.

  - Another belief is that commitment the couple made at the marriage ceremony is consummated by the physical union of sex. Sexual intercourse takes place for the marriage to be valid. Evidence is "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh"- Genesis 2 which symbolises the deep unity and intimacy that is formed when two individuals come together in a sexual relationship within the sacred covenant of marriage.
• Explain two Catholic beliefs about the procreative nature of sex


  - One belief is that the couple is shown as procreative as they become open to the action of sexual intercourse. This is because through sex God creates new life. The couple can find much more intensity in their self-giving.

  - Another belief is that the catholic marriage ceremony contains the commitment to accept children lovingly from God. This encourages the couple to be open to creation.

  Evidence is "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it" - Genesis 1
• Explain two Catholic beliefs about the nature and purpose of sex

  - One Catholic belief would be that it is unitive. This is because sexual love expresses and deepens the couple's love for each other through the physical union of it.

  - Another belief is that it is procreative. The Church believes a couple that allow sex to be open to new life find there is much more intensity in their self-giving.
• Give examples of Pope John Paul II's teachings and explain why you think he made these points


  - God loves every human being

  - both sexes have dignity and value

  - the full meaning of the body and person can only be appreciated within a deep relationship with the opposite sex

  - in marriage both partners give themselves to each other completely

  - extramarital sex damages relationships

  - sex should be open to creating new life

  - Pope John Paul II wanted to clarify the Catholic's position on the body and relationship

  - show the value and importance of respect and mutual love in marriage.
• Give two teachings about the human body from Pope John Paul II's 'Theology of the Body'


  - One reason is because he believes that the full meaning of the Body and the person can only be appreciated when there is a deep relationship with a member of the opposite sex. This is was he called "The nuptial meaning of the Body" (John Paul)

  - that the human body is a sacred gift from God. He taught that the body has a sacramental nature, meaning it has the capacity to reveal the invisible reality of God's love. This emphasises the importance of respecting and honouring the body as a vessel of God's presence.
• Explain two reasons why John Paul II teaches that sex should be reserved for marriage in "Theology of the Body"

  - One reason is because he believes that the full meaning of the Body and the person can only be appreciated when there is a deep relationship with a member of the opposite sex. This is was he called "The nuptial meaning of the Body" (John Paul)

  - Another reason is because through sex, they believe that the man and woman can give themselves to each other completely. This is because they can discover who they are both as individuals and as a united example through this self-giving.
• Explain two reasons why John Paul II is against extramarital sex (sex outside of marriage) in "Theology of the Body"

  - One reason is because it is considered as breaking a promise . So that it becomes an issue of justice rather than just of sexual morality.

  - Another reason would be that extramarital sex is considered to stop sex from being a sign of total commitment and love, and sex becomes a form of exploitation for personal pleasure.

  
  

  Evidence is "The Body pleasure and erotic joy enjoy a high status" (Youcat 417)
• Explain two beliefs that John Paul II holds in relation to the use of contraceptives & family planning in "Theology of the Body"

  - One belief is that responsible parenthood and not having more children than the couple can lovingly provide for is considered as mutual love. This sort of family planning is considered more loving to express fondness.

  - Another belief is that people have to remain in control of their thoughts, meaning they should not reduce other people to sex objects. This shows the importance of valuing partners as individuals who have great personal dignity and value.

  
  

  Evidence is "The Body can never be reduced to mere matter" (John Paul II, letter to families)
• Explain two views in society that contrast with John Paul II's teaching about sex & the human body


  - One view would be that some people are willing to have casual sex with many different partners. This contrasts John Paul's teaching about sex having a great meaning such as the sex causing an unreplaceable connection between the two.

  - Another view would be that some people don't consider sex as the gate to the creation of new life. They put more focus on the use of contraception as a responsible way of preventing sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies.
• Catholic Church teachings about sex before marriage

  - Sex involves the total commitment of a man to a woman. It is an exclusive act that should only happen with the person you intend to spend your life with.

  - Sex before marriage devalues the sexual act. The Catholics Church believes that you should preserve your virginity for your lifelong partner in marriage
• Contrasting views about sex before marriage

  - Many British people do have sex before marriage. Casual sex is socially acceptable

  - Many people marry in their 30's or later in life. They chose not to wait until them to express their love for their partner
• Catholic Church teachings about adultery

  - Breaks the commitment that is made in the marriage vows. The vows state that marriage should be a lifelong exclusive commitment.

  - Betrays trust and causes tension in a relationship. This could lead to the break up of a marriage.

  Because God commands that marriage is exclusive.

  
  

  This is seen in the Ten Commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery"
• Contrasting views on adultery

  - Some see adultery as being acceptable in certain situations. For example, if there is an unhappy marriage, it could be seen to resolve the situation.

  - Polyamorous relationships become increasingly more acceptable if consent is involved.
• Catholic Church teachings about homosexuality

  - Purpose of sex is procreation. Because this is not possible, the Church does not agree with homosexual relationships.

  - Homosexuals should be celibate. This means that one should abstain from having sex for life.

  - The Bible promotes heterosexual relationships, and not homosexual relationships. Adam is told to "leave father and mother and cling to his wife".
• Contrasting views on homosexuality

  - CofE supports same sex civil partnerships

  - Same sex marriage was legalised in the UK in 2014

  - Some reform churches perform same sex marriage
• Explain two reasons why the Catholic Church is against sex before marriage

  - Sex is usually not unitive if outside of marriage

  - Sex before marriage devalues or trivialises it
• Give reasons why the Catholic Church teaches that it is wrong to have sex before marriage

  - Sex should be saved for marriage as it should be an exclusive act shared only with the person you have pledged to spend your life with

  - It is the final step of joining husband and wife together

  - Sex before marriage trivialises it

  - If both partners wait until marriage there is no chance of sexually transmitted disease
• Explain two contrasting views in British society about sex before marriage


  - One view is that other christian denominations generally share the catholic church's view that sex should be saved until marriage. This is for the couple to find someone they love before having sex.

  - Another view is considered by many non-Catholics which is that casual sex is fine, providing it doesn't cause any emotional harm. The use of contraception has allowed sex before marriage and casual sex to become more common.
• Explain two reasons why the Catholic Church is against adultery

  - It is an act of betrayal

  - It breaks one of the 10 commandments
• Explain two contrasting views in British society about adultery

  - One view is that adultery could be forgiven under certain circumstances. An unhappy marriage where it seems to be the only way to change or improve the situation. This is because personal happiness is often valued more.

  - Another view is that adultery is wrong. This is because they believe that if two people make a commitment to each other, then the commitment should be honoured, and that adultery has the potential to cause great harm to those involved.
• Give two reasons why the Catholic Church will not marry same-sex couples

  - Because they cannot procreate

  - Sex between same sex couples is regarded a sin

  - The Catholic Church believes that a marriage should be between a man and a woman
• Explain two reasons why the Catholic Church is against homosexuality

  - One reason would be because the church teaches that sex should be open to the possibility of new life. This means that physical homosexual relations are not acceptable to the Church.

  - Genesis states that God's intention is for a man and a woman to be joined as one. The Bible teaches that homosexual relations are not God's intention.

  
  

  Evidence is "Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error." (Romans 1:26-28)
• Explain two contrasting views in British society about homosexuality

  - One view is that homosexual couples should have the same rights as anyone else, including the entitlement to marry and the right to have sexual relationships. Civil partnerships give homosexual couples similar legal rights to those married couples.

  - Another view is that Purpose of sex is procreation. Because this is not possible, the Church does not agree with homosexual relationships.
• Explain two requirements for a valid marriage in the Catholic Church

  - One requirement is CONSENT. If consent is lacking there is no valid marriage. Evidence is "This consent that binds the spouses to each other" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1627)

  - Another requirement is that they are getting married through their own FREE WILL. If there is any pressure on the couple to get married, the marriage might be declared Null and Void. Evidence is "Have you come here to enter marriage without coercion?" (Tradition)
• The Consent is the most important element of a Catholic Marriage. Give reasons why this is important

  - The consent binds the spouses to each other

  - 'Till death do us part'

  - It finds its fulfilment ion the two becoming one flesh

  - Important part of a valid marriage which if fulfilled cannot be annulled
• Explain two reasons why the Church is against same sex marriage

  - One reason is because the church considers marriage to be a sacrament, a sacred covenant between a man and a woman that mirrors the union of Christ and the Church. The procreative aspect of marriage involves the potential for the creation of new life is a great sacrament which same-sex couples cannot engage.

  - Another reason is because same sex couples are unable to engage in procreative acts and are seen as unable to fulfil the natural complementarity and intended purpose of marriage. This is because the couple must engage in the physical, emotional, and spiritual union through marriage which is meant to reflect the inherent complementarity between the sexes.

  
  

  Evidence is "to become one flesh" (catechism)
• Explain two reasons why same sex marriage should be allowed

  - One reason is because same sex marriage is based on principles of equality and human rights. Legalising same-sex marriage can promote inclusivity, respect the autonomy of individuals and acknowledges the love and commitment found in same-sex relationships. This has been recognised by UK law since 2014 where procreation is not an essential part of marriage in the eyes of the law.

  - Another reason is because love is love regardless of gender and couples want their union blessed by God and recognised by their Church community. The Church of Scotland allows it.
• Explain two contrasting views in British society about same sex marriage

  - One view is the Catholic belief that being open to having children naturally is considered to be an essential part of marriage. This is because marriage is a sacrament between a man and woman and the same sex couple can not meet the requirements for a valid marriage as they cannot promise to accept children lovingly from God.

  - Another view of many people in contemporary British society is that homosexuals should be entitled to exactly the same rights as heterosexuals, including the rights of marriage. They do not see the importance of union through marriage and rather focus on equality of all human beings.
• Features of Marriage


  SLEP:

  
  

  S - sacrament

  L - life giving (procreation)

  E - exclusive

  P - permanent
• Sacrament in SLEP


  - This is referring to 'sacrament' in the widest sense of the word. It means that a marriage must be a 'sign' to others - a sign that God is a part of their marriage and their love for one another. For this reason, the witnesses and congregation at a Christian wedding play an important part in recognising this sign.

  
  

  Disagree: It is not important for many who aren't Catholics, the sacramental nature of marriage does not come into play
• Life giving (procreation) in SLEP


  - Christian marriages are expected to be 'life-giving'. This means two things. One; that the couple must be open to the possibility of children and of raising a family as part of their marriage. Two; it also refers to the couple enhancing the quality of each others lives - their lives are renewed through sharing them with one another

  
  

  Disagree: even the Catholic Church understand that not all couples can have children → those who are older, for example the question said at the marriage can be emitted
• Exclusive in SLEP


  This means that the marriage is a partnership between two people only. The couple promise to be faithful "forsaking all others". This clearly shows that adultery is forbidden (goes against 10 commandments), but many take this a stage further to refer also to the loyalty a couple need to show one another, putting each other first in their lives
• Permanent in SLEP


  - All Christian marriages are expected to be permanent. This is clearly shown in the vows (it shows commitment. It is made in God's house, the Church, so this promise can't be broken) which are binding "till death do us part" - meaning that the couple make their promises with the intention that they will last until one of them dies.

  
  

  Disagree: If a partner is abusive
• Explain two beliefs of the Catholic Church about the nature of marriage

  - One belief would be that the nature of marriage should be permanent. This is shown in their vows where they make their promises with the intentions of staying together until one of them dies.

  - Another belief would be that marriage is Exclusive. This means that the marriage is a partnership between two people where they promise to be faithful to each other.

  
  

  Evidence is "forsaking all others" (Tradition)
• Explain two marriage promises at a Catholic wedding

  - One marriage promise is to accept that marriage is a leap into the unknown. The couple must accept that they will accept any changes in life including the financial or physical or mental changes and work through those changes together.

  - Another marriage promise is that only death will be the cause to the end of a couple's marriage. They need to commit to each other and love and care for each other until the end.

  
  

  Evidence is "till death do us apart..."
• Explain two reasons why the marriage promises in a Catholic ceremony are important

  - One reason is because marriage promises can give strength and hope to the couple. An example of this is when they accept any changes in life including the financial or physical or mental changes for each other and work through those changes together.

  - Another reason is because the couple make marriage promises in public which is an action of asking for the community's acceptance and support of the marriage. As both the husband and wife declare their love in front of other people, they can be assured that the declaration of love is genuine.

  
  

  Evidence is "present to witness that I, take you to be my lawful wedded husband/ wife"