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Year 10 - Religious education

Divorce and remarriage in Christianity

Marriage and the family

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will examine issues around sexuality, the family and relationships. They will study how Christians and other worldviews understand ideas of family and marriage and address how these affect views on issues such as divorce.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain Christian teachings and Christian views on divorce, remarriage and ethical arguments relating to them.

Key Notes

  • The Bible teaches about divorce and remarriage however Christians interpret the text differently
  • The Catholic Church does not allow divorce however in specific cases it does allow for an annulment or separation
  • Other Churches have made statements on divorce saying it is not desirable but may be allowed in specific cases
  • Some Christians view remarriage as adultery wheras others allow it in exceptional circumstances
  • Christians respond differently to the ethical arguments of compassion, sanctity of marriage vows and situation ethics

Vocabulary To Learn

  • annulment: a formal declaration that a marriage was not valid
  • civil: non-religious, secular e.g. civil marriage
  • divorce: the legal ending of a marriage
  • remarriage: another marriage after a previous marriage has ended (following divorce or widowhood)
  • sanctity: something that is holy or sacred

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • An annulment is the same as a divorce

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

The Bible teaches about divorce and remarriage however Christians interpret the text differently. The Catholic Church does not allow divorce however in specific cases it does allow for an annulment or separation.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'annulment'

a formal declaration that a marriage was not valid.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: An annulment is the same as a divorce. Correction: An annulment says the marriage was not valid, wheras a divorce ends a marriage.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Religious education guide library.