Marriage and the Family
Revision
This is a revision guide only and sums
up the points you may need to make.
you should also refer to your course
booklets for more detail information
Attitudes to relationships in the UK
Arguments for cohabitation – write down 3
arguments then check your answers
• 1 in 3 married couples divorce
• There are nearly as many rights for couples
living together than married couples
• It is less commitment so less risky than marriage
financially
Arguments against cohabitation – write
down 3 arguments then check your answers
• There is no commitment to just living together, 1
partner can just walk out
• Marriage is the preferred way to live my many
people, religious or not. It is the basis for society
• When a couple are married, people’s rights are
likely to know where they stand e.g. with
inheritance and with family
The acceptance of
homosexuality means
that there are more single
sex parents
Cohabiting is very
popular yet it never
used to be accepted
due to religious ideas
on pre-marital sex
There is more divorce and
this has led to single
parent families and
reconstituted families
Reasons why family
has changed
Families are smaller due
to the promotion of
contraception
Women often have
to go out to work
meaning that
parents chose to
live near their
parents who can
be child minders =
extended families
Key words – write down the definitions
then check your answers.
•
•
Cohabitation –
living together without being married
•
•
Contraception Deliberately stopping pregnancy from happening
•
•
Pre-marital sex –
sex before marriage
•
•
Promiscuity –
having sex with a number of partners without commitment
•
•
Procreation Making a new life
Remember to
revise all the
keywords at
the front of
your booklet
Did you get them all right? If not try again as using definitions correctly
gets you more marks
Christian ideas about sex outside
of marriage.
Sex outside of marriage can refer to pre-marital sex AND
adultery. Be careful in the exam if this is asked
1.
ALL Christians think that adultery is wrong as it
breaks the marriage vows and the 10 Commandment
“Do not commit adultery.”
2.
Protestants think that a couple can have sex before
marriage but only if they know that they are going to
get married.
3.
Roman Catholics think that sex with anyone other
than a marriage partner is wrong. They class it as a
“grave sin” in their Catechism (statement of belief)
Adultery is a sin
because the Bible
forbids it, especially
the 10
Commandments “Do
not commit adultery”
Christians are
against promiscuity
as it can lead to
STIs which are
harmful to people
Adultery is wrong as it
breaks up families and
causes emotional upset,
and the family unit is
important to Christians
The reasons why some
Christians are against
sex outside of
marriage are:
Sex is thought of as
something special and so
should only be between
committed people, and so
should be in a marriage as
premarital sex is not always
between a stable couple
The Bible clearly
teaches that sex
is something that
should be
between married
people and so
this should be
followed as it is
the word of God
Christians are against premarital
sex because it can lead to
children outside of a marriage
which may mean that they are not
raised in a stable home as it would
be easier for parents to split up
Muslim Attitudes to Sex Outside of
Marriage
 This is always wrong whether it is adultery or
sex before marriage.
• Single people are not allowed to associate with
each other unless chaperoned in order to try to
prevent pre-marital sex.
• Muslims are taught not to encourage sexual
attention and so they dress modestly
(not show a lot of skin)
Adultery is a sin
because the Qur’an
and Shari’ah law
forbids it, and says
that it can be harshly
punished
Muslims are against
promiscuity as it can
lead to STIs which
are harmful to
people
Adultery is wrong as it
breaks up families and
causes emotional upset,
and the family unit is
important to Christians
The reasons why some
Muslims are against
sex outside of
marriage are:
Sex is thought of as
something special and so
should only be between
committed people, and so
should be in a marriage as
premarital sex is not always
between a stable couple
NOTE! The reasons are
very similar to Christian
ones
The Qur’an
clearly teaches
that sex is
something that
should be
between married
people and so
this should be
followed as it is
the word of God
Muslims are against premarital
sex because it can lead to
children outside of a marriage
which may mean that they are not
raised in a stable home as it would
be easier for parents to split up
Christianity and Divorce
ALL CHRISTIANS HATE DIVORCE
Attitudes 1: Some Christians e.g Roman Catholics never accept divorce even in extreme
cases. They believe if a couple want to part they may do so but not have a sexual
relationship with anyone else. Therefore they are not allowed to remarry.
Reasons:
1. vows are made in front of God and the couple promise to marry til death us do part
2. In the Bible Jesus appears to forbid divorce and says that those who remarry
commit adultery.
Attitude 2:Protestants also hate divorce HOWEVER they think that sometimes it may
be for the best in extreme cases e.g adultery, abuse.
Reasons:
1. Jesus always did the most loving thing
2. Jesus taught ‘Love thy neighbour’ e.g. if there is violence in a relationship.
3. The Bible said that that people can divorce for adultery
Christianity and Remarriage
Some Christians
do not allow
remarriage
because they
do not allow
divorce.
This is because:
vows are made ‘til
death us do
part’ and so are
for life. This
means it would
be adultery to
remarry
Although they allow
divorce, other
Christians will not
allow remarriage.
However, other
Christians will
allow remarriage
as they believe:
This is because:
a couple make their
vows in front of
God and so their
promises should
not be broken.
This vow is so
special is can not
be taken again.
1. That God will
forgive anyone
2. Jesus taught
that people
should be given
second chances
Islam and Divorce
• ALL Muslims think that divorce is wrong as this is what Allah and
the Prophet Muhammad said, but accept that sometimes it may be
necessary.
• If a couple want to divorce they should seek help from their parents
as they are wise and may be able to help them stay together
• The couple need to live together for 3 months as time can heel rifts,
but they can not have sex just in case the woman becomes
pregnant and then they split up
• Divorced Muslims are encouraged to remarry as Muslims think that
this is the best way to live as marriage looks after people.
Remember, in Islam marriage is about family security, it doesn’t
assume that the couple love each other
Some Muslims would
not divorce
because:
The Qur’an says that
Allah allows it but
it is detestable,
therefore some
Muslims will think
it should be for life
as it is hated even
if it is allowed
Different Muslim
ideas
about divorce
Other Muslims would allow divorce
because:
1. The Qur’an teaches that it is
allowed, especially if staying
together would cause unhappiness
2. A marriage is a contract, and like
business contracts, they can be
legally ended
True or False?
1.
•
2.
•
3.
•
4.
•
5.
•
The divorce rate in Britain is 1 in every 5 married couples?
False! The rate is 1 in every 3
In Islam the parents often choose their children’s marriage
partner?
True. They look for qualities which may make the marriage
successful based on how well they know their child.
Roman Catholics do not accept divorce?
True. The couple promise to God that they will keep their
vows until ‘death do us part’
Muslims accept divorce?
True, although they believe that Allah does not like it.
Muslims who divorce must not remarry?
False, Muslims are encouraged to remarry as they believe
that family is so very important to society and a way of caring
for everyone. This is different to Roman Catholics who
believe that divorced people should remain single.
Christianity and homosexuality
Some Christians, such as Roman
Catholics, believe that
homosexuality should not be
practiced because:
1. Some parts of the Bible teach
that it is wrong
2. The Roman Catholic
Catechism (statement of
belief) says that it is a sin
Other Christians believe that it is
acceptable as:
1. Jesus taught that love is what
matters
2. There are stories in the Bible which
talk of love between same sexes
such as David and Jonathan
(although these were not romantic)
3. Some Churches e,g the Quakers,
have issued statements saying that it
is love that is more important than
anything else
Muslims and homosexuality
All Muslims believe that homosexuality is totally
wrong and forbidden. This is because:
1. It is seen as adultery – remember, Muslims
believe that sex must only be between a
husband and wife
2. There are several references in the Qur’an
which say that it is wrong and that it should be
punished
3. It is forbidden by Shari’ah Law (religious law)
4. The prophet Muhammad taught that it is
wrong
Christian views on contraception
Some Christians believe that contraception should be used
because:
1. Sex is not just about procreation (creating a new life), it can
be about expressing love
2. It is a way for a couple to be responsible about the size of
their family
3. Some people need to avoid getting pregnant for medical
reasons
Some Christians think that the use of contraception is totally wrong.
This is because:
1. The Bible teaches that people should have “many children” and so
they should not be prevented
2. They believe that the purpose of sex is to have children, and nothing
else. This was God’s purpose for procreation.
3. It goes against the will of God as He decides when life should begin
Muslim views on contraception
Some Muslims agree with the use of contraception
because:
1.
Muhammad knew and approved of it
2.
It is responsible to limit a family size so all can be
cared for
3.
The health of the mother is important, and it can be
used to prevent a genetic illness being passed on
Other Muslims would disagree because:
1. Scriptures say that only Allah decides
when pregnancy happens and people
should not interfere with his plan
2. Limiting family size because of a fear of
how people will be looked after is wrong
as scriptures say that Allah will make
sure they are cared for
However, Muslims
are clear that
contraception
should not be used
to NEVER have
children. This
would be wrong
Family Keywords – join up the
words to the correct meanings
• Nuclear family
• Reconstituted family
• Civil partnership
• A legal ceremony where
gay couples are given the
same rights as a husband
and wife
• Mother, father and
children living together
• A couple and their
children from previous
relationships get married
and become a step family
Name the keyword which could be
associated with the picture
Marriage – the legal joining of 2 people for the
purpose of living together and having children
Nuclear family – parents and
children living together
Reconstituted family – 2 families joining together
through marriage and becoming one (step parents
and children)
Christian Attitude to the Family
“Honour your mother and your father”
(10 Commandments, Exodus)
• The family is important, both children and the elderly are looked
after.
• Elderly relatives should be looked after as in the Bible God instructs
that parents should be honoured and respected
• Children should be brought up as Christians, go to church and
Sunday school where they can learn Christian values. This includes
learning about the Christian faith through festivals, prayers, bible
study and maybe going to a faith school.
• 2 agencies which help in raising children and look after the elderly
are ‘The Children’s Society’ and ‘Methodist Homes for the Aged.’
Muslim Attitudes to the Family
• Like in Christianity family is extremely important.
• The family teaches young people how to behave and be
a good Muslim, with the help of the rest of the Muslim
community. This includes prayers and festivals.
• It teaches young Muslims about Allah
• The elderly are looked after. It goes against Allah’s
wishes to not care for elderly parents e.g. put them in an
old people’s home
• Muslims live in extended families in order for young
children to be cared for, and then elderly relatives.
Test yourself
Learn about daily
things to do with
their faith e.g.
Muslims will
learn how to pray
Raised to be
good Christians
or Muslims
Learn about their
religion through
going to Sunday
school or the
madrasah
How do religious people
raise children?
Learn how to
follow Bible or
Qur’an teaching
e.g. look after
and respect their
family
Go to a faith school where
they will learn about their
religion as well as normal
school things
Learn about the
significance and
meaning of their
religious festivals
Family is important to religious
people because:
Family is important to
keep society working
properly
It ensures that the
faith grows
The Bible and
Qur’an teach that it
is important
All members of
the family are
cared for
Jesus and
Muhammad
are recorded
of being
close to the
members of
their families
It is a place
where
children learn
right from
wrong
50:50
Welcome to
Who Wants to
be a Marriage
and the Family
Millionaire
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
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£100
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
Which key word means
‘a man and woman
living together without
being married?’
50:50
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7
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5
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3
2
1
A: Marriage
Cohabitation
C: Polygamy
D: Monogamy
£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
Which is the odd one
out?
50:50
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2
1
A: Promiscuity
B: Premarital sex
C: Cohabiting
D: Marriage
£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
What is a reconstituted
family?
50:50
A: When a man and a woman who have
children from a previous relationship get
married and become 1 family
C: When a cohabiting
couple have children
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
B: A civil
partnership
D: A single parent
family
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
What does ‘procreation’
mean
50:50
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
A: To make a new life
B: To marry someone
of the same sex
C: To use a
condom
D: To have a step
family
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
What is the Muslim
view on homosexuality?
50:50
A: It is allowed
C: It is always
wrong
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3
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1
£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
B: It is only allowed if people
have a civil partnership
D: People can be gay if
they are over 16 years old
the £1,000
Milestone!
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
What does the Bible
teach about
contraception?
50:50
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
A: That condoms can
be used
B: Nothing, but it does say that
people should have many
children
C: That people can use it as
long as they will have
children at some point
D: That it is wrong
to use it
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
What do Roman
Catholics think about
divorce?
50:50
A: It is ok if there is abuse
in the relationship
C: It is acceptable – people
can make their own choice
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
B: It is only allowed if a
partner has committed
adultery
D: It is never
acceptable as vows
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
Which type of family
does a Muslim
traditionally live in?
50:50
A: An extended family
C: A reconstituted
family
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
B: As a couple
D: A nuclear family
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
Why do Muslim
families prefer to live in
extended families?
50:50
A: Because it’s
cheaper
C: So that all members
of the family can be cared
for
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
B: To have free
babysitters
D: So that children can
keep an eye on parents
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1
£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
What does God instruct
people to do for their
family in the 10
Commandments?
50:50
A: Put elderly parents in an old
people’s home to have specialist
care
C: Keep an eye on
them
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
B: Live with them
D: Honour/respect
them
the £32,000
Milestone!
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
What is polygamy?
50:50
A: A maths shape
C: Part of the Muslim
marriage ceremony
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
B: Being able to marry more
than 1 person
D: A vow Christians
make
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
Up to how many wives
can a Muslim man
marry if he is able to
treat them equally?
50:50
A: 2
B: 3
C: 4
D: 5
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£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
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1
£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
What is the most
important thing
Muslims teach their
children?
50:50
A: How to pray
C: How to look after
their family
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1
£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
B: What to do at
festivals
D: To love Allah and
behave like a good
Muslim
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1
£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
What is the mosque school
called where Muslims learn
more about their religion (the
Islam version of Sunday
School)
50:50
A: Madrasah
B: Mandir
C: Muhammad
D: Mosque
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
What is the Christian charity
called which helps some families
in times of need such as when
they have emotional or financial
problems?
50:50
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
£1 Million
£500,000
£250,000
£125,000
£64,000
£32,000
£16,000
£8,000
£4,000
£2,000
£1,000
£500
£300
£200
£100
A: Save the Children
B: The Children’s Society
C: Christian Aid
D: The Red Cross
WOULD YOU WIN
£1 MILLION?