Year 11 - Religious education
Divergent Christian views on divorce and marriage
Issues of Relationships
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
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
- Christian attitudes to adultery and cohabitation Study Guide
- Christian views on sex and contraception Study Guide
- Christianity and relationships in the 21st century Study Guide
- Christianity and same sex relationships Study Guide
- Nature and purpose of marriage Study Guide
- Roles of men and women in Christian worship Study Guide
- Roles of men and women within relationships Study Guide
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