Welcome to Marriage and the Family!

In this section, we explore how Christians view the most personal parts of life: love, sex, marriage, and raising children. These topics are not just about personal feelings; for Christians, they are deeply connected to their faith and their relationship with God. We will look at traditional views, how different Christians disagree (divergent views), and how these ideas compare to non-religious perspectives like Humanism and Atheism.

Exam Tip: In your exam, remember that Paper 1 Question 2 will always be about this topic. You need to be ready to explain why Christians believe what they do, using the Bible as your "Source of Wisdom and Authority."

2.1 The Importance and Purpose of Marriage

For most Christians, marriage is a gift from God. It is seen as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman.

The Purpose of Marriage (often remembered by the acronym P.R.E.P):

  • Procreation: Having children and starting a family.
  • Relationship: Building a deep bond of love and companionship.
  • Education: Bringing up children in the Christian faith.
  • Protection: Providing a stable environment for the couple and children.

Divergent Views:

  • Catholic Christians see marriage as a sacrament (a holy ceremony where God’s grace is given). Because it is a sacrament, it cannot be ended by humans.
  • Other Christians (like many Anglicans) see it as a sacred bond but may focus more on the legal and social commitment made before God.
  • Non-religious views: Many Atheists and Humanists value marriage as a legal and social commitment based on love and equality, but they do not believe it has a spiritual or "God-given" dimension. Some may prefer cohabitation (living together without being married).

Source of Wisdom: Genesis 2:24 states that a man leaves his parents and is united to his wife, and they become "one flesh."

2.2 Sexual Relationships

Christianity generally teaches that sex is a gift from God intended for procreation and the expression of love within marriage.

  • Chastity: Many Christians believe in staying "chaste" (not having sex) until they are married.
  • Divergent views on Same-Sex Relationships: Some Christians believe that the Bible teaches that sexual activity should only be between a man and a woman. Other Christians believe that God loves all people equally and that committed same-sex relationships are a valid expression of love.
  • Non-religious views: Humanists generally believe that as long as sex is consensual and does not cause harm, it is a private matter. They do not believe sex must be restricted to marriage.

2.3 The Family in the 21st Century

The family is often called the "building block of society." In Christianity, the family is where children are first taught about God and Christian values.

Types of Family:

  • Nuclear Family: A mother, father, and children.
  • Extended Family: Includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.
  • Single-parent Family: One parent raising children.
  • Blended Family: Step-parents and step-children.
  • Same-sex Family: Two parents of the same gender.

Key Takeaway: While the "nuclear family" is often seen as the traditional Christian ideal, many modern churches work hard to support and welcome all types of families.

2.4 Support for the Family in the Local Community

How does the Church help families today? They don't just pray; they take action!

  • Family Worship: Services designed for children (like "Messy Church").
  • Rites of Passage: Celebrating Baptism and Confirmation to welcome children into the Church family.
  • Counseling: Offering marriage guidance and support during tough times.
  • Youth Groups: Providing a safe place for teenagers to socialize and learn about faith.

Quick Review: Why do they do this? To fulfill the command to "love your neighbor" and to ensure the next generation grows up with Christian support.

2.5 Family Planning and Contraception

This is a big area of divergence (disagreement) within Christianity.

  • Catholic View: The Catholic Church teaches that every sexual act should be "open to the transmission of life." Therefore, artificial contraception (like the pill or condoms) is not allowed. They permit "natural family planning" (rhythm method).
  • Protestant View (e.g., Church of England): Most Protestant denominations believe that contraception is sensible and responsible. It allows parents to ensure they can provide for the children they have.
  • Non-religious view: Humanists strongly support the use of contraception as it prevents unwanted pregnancies and allows people to plan their lives, improving the quality of life for everyone.

2.6 Divorce and Remarriage

What happens when a marriage fails? This is a sensitive topic with different Christian responses.

  • Catholicism: Does not recognize divorce. Marriage is for life. However, they may grant an annulment if they decide the marriage was never "valid" in the first place (e.g., if one person was forced into it). Remarriage is only possible after an annulment.
  • Other Christians: Many denominations allow divorce as a "lesser of two evils" in cases of adultery or abuse. They may allow remarriage in church, often at the discretion of the minister.
  • Non-religious views: Atheists and Humanists see divorce as a legal end to a marriage that is no longer working. They believe people should have the right to leave unhappy relationships and find happiness elsewhere.

Source of Wisdom: In the Gospels, Jesus says that anyone who divorces and remarries commits adultery (though some versions add "except for sexual immorality").

2.7 Equality of Men and Women in the Family

The Bible has different verses that have been interpreted in various ways over time.

  • Traditional View: Based on some readings of Ephesians 5, some believe the husband is the "head" of the household and the wife should "submit" to him. However, this verse also tells husbands to love their wives "as Christ loved the Church."
  • Modern View: Most Christians today believe in equality. They see marriage as a partnership where both parents share responsibilities equally.
  • Humanist View: Equality is a core principle. Men and women should have exactly the same rights and responsibilities in the home and in society.

2.8 Gender Prejudice and Discrimination

Prejudice is holding a biased opinion, while discrimination is acting on that prejudice. Christianity teaches that all people are created in the Imago Dei (Image of God).

  • The Principle of Equality: Galatians 3:28 says, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This is a key verse for Christians who fight against discrimination.
  • Divergent Practice: Despite the teaching of equality, there is still debate about roles. For example, the Catholic Church and some Orthodox churches do not ordain women as priests. The Church of England and many other Protestant churches do.
  • Non-religious views: Humanists and Atheists argue that gender should never be a barrier to any role or job. They see religious restrictions on women as a form of outdated discrimination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Don't mix up Catholic and Protestant views: Remember, Catholics are much stricter on things like divorce and artificial contraception. Protestant churches are often more flexible.

2. Don't just say "God says so": In the exam, use phrases like "Christians believe this because..." and refer to a specific concept like the Sanctity of Marriage or the Image of God.

3. Watch the Command Words:
- Outline: Give brief points (\(3\) marks = \(3\) simple sentences).
- Explain: Give reasons and "develop" them (e.g., "This is because...").
- Evaluate: This is the big \(12\)-mark essay. You must show two sides of an argument and reach a conclusion.