R.E - Relationships

• Roles

  Positions, status or functions of a person in society, as well as the characteristics and social behaviour expected of them
• Responsibilities


  Actions/duties individuals are expected to carry out
• Commitment


  A sense of dedication and obligation to someone or something
• Cohabitation


  To live together in a sexual relationship without being married or in a civil partnership
• Contraception


  Methods used to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant during or following sexual intercourse
• Adultery


  Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not their spouse (cheating)
• Divorce


  To legally end a marriage
• Gender Equality


  People of all genders enjoying the same rights and opportunities in all aspects of their lives
• Types of family


  • Nuclear Family
  • Extended Family
  • Reconstituted Family
  • Single-parent Family
  • Childless Family
• Family member responsibilities


  • Caring for the children
  • Caring for other family members, e.g. looking after elderly relatives
  • Maintaining the family home
  • Earning money to support the family
  • To love, comfort, protect and support each other
  • To teach the importance of rites of passage
• Some families are patriarchal (family/society controlled by men), others are matriarchal (family/society controlled by women)
• Christian view of marriage

  God-given, it is the best basis for creating an environment into which children should be born, it is a life long commitment
• Weddings are seen as an important rite of passage, it recognises the value and sacredness of a union of two individuals
• Christian belief about marriage

  Marriage is a gift given to humanity, ordained by God
• Bible (Exodus 20:14): 'You shall not commit adultery.'
• Bible (Mark 10:9): 'Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.'
• The bride wears white as it links with purity. It is a sign that she is a virgin.
• Weddings happen in a church to show that God is at the centre of the marriage.
• There will be Bible readings and Hymns sung
• The priest will give a sermon
• Rings/vows are exchange to show their eternal commitment and promise to each other (as well as to God).
• The impediment (reason for something not to happen), takes place to demonstrate that it is a free choice rather than being forced.
• Reception is to celebrate and a chance for the family and friends of the newly married couple to interact
• Legal requirement – to sign a register with register and witnesses, which makes the marriage ceremony legal
• Muslim view of marriage


  In Islam, marriage is not viewed as something which is scared. It is a declaration of their commitment to one another. It is called a Nikkah
• The Qur'an has a number of references to marriage, in encourages Muslims to get married, in order to gave companion
• Divorce is permitted as a last resort, but the ideal is that marriage is for life
• The weddings ceremony is led by the Imam and it can take place either in the mosque or at the Bride's home.
• Marriage is seen as a gift from God
• What happens in a Muslim wedding ceremony


  • The Wali or woman's guardian in marriage offers the bride to the groom
  • There must be 2 witnesses who have attained adulthood and are good Muslims
  • There is a payment of mahr (dowry or marriage gift) by the groom to the bride
  • A marriage contract is signed by the bride and groom and witnesses. For the Nikkah there must be the consent of both parties (cons views)
  • A sermon is given to bless the marriage
  • Ceremony ends with prayers for the newly weds
  • Civil ceremony will need to take place to legalise the marriage
• Qur'an 17:32: 'And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever immortality and is evil as a way.'
• Some Shi'a Muslims (known as Twelver Shi'a) practice Nikah Mut'ah which means temporary unannounced marriage.
• Historically this type of marriage was practiced during the time of Prophet Muhammad, this was for men who were travelling for periods of time, it allowed them to take a wife whilst they were away from home.
• In todays Shi'a practise, some Muslims may take part un temporary unannounced marriage because they want to date or social with the opposite sex which otherwise they are unable to do under Shari'ah law (Muslim religious law)
• Sunni Muslims believe that temporary unannounced marriage is completely wrong. They believe that this allows individuals to conduct in sex before marriage which is wrong
• Christian view on divorce - Conservative

  Conservative Christians such as Roman Catholics would oppose to the idea of divorce, stating that God has predestined individuals and he has sanctified their marriage. They believe that if individuals do get a divorce they are going against the will of God
• Bible (Matthew 19:8-9): 'Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce....commits adultery."'
• If an individual were to have divorced, according to more strict practising Christians they will not be able to participate in the Holy Communion (they will be able to still go to church)
• Annulment – this is when the marriage was not legal in the first place. The Catholic Church states that this is the only legal way marriage is dissolved. An annulment may be given if the couple have not consummated the marriage (not have sex) or if the marriage should not have taken place in the first place
• Christian view on divorce - Liberal

  Although divorce is frowned upon it is seen as a last resort. If partner has cheated that would permit the couple to get a divorce.