What are the roles of men and women in a Christian family? It’s all in the Family What are the roles of men and women in a Christian family?

Sexist? R:\Humanities\lesson_video_library\religious_education\ethics\Sexist ad.mpeg R:\Humanities\lesson_video_library\religious_education\ethics\Sexist Harry Enfield.mpeg R:\Humanities\lesson_video_library\religious_education\ethics\sexist tv program.mpeg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9fFOelpE_8

Sexist or a Product of their time? Are these posters offensive or harmless? Have we progressed from times like these? Are women better at these sorts of roles than men? Are their roles which men are more suited to than women and vice versa? DEBATE

The Garden of Eden Some people believe that men are the superior sex Eve was created from Adam’s rib to be his helper Eve led Adam astray in the Garden of Eden

The Weaker Vessel? Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3 v 7

Patriarchal Society Relating to or characteristic of a culture in which men are the most powerful members

Traditional Christian Values The man is the head of the Christian family In a Christian marriage ceremony the bride may make a vow to obey her husband: The Man says... The Woman says... I, [your groom's name] , take you, [your name] , to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow. I, [your name] , take you, [your groom's name] , to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow.

The Role of the Christian Mother Some Christian women particularly Catholics might look to Mary for inspiration She is the role-model of a quiet, loving mother and wife It is the wife’s duty to provide a loving home for her husband and children

The Role of the Christian Father The Father’s duty is to provide for his wife and children by earning the money He sets the rules and leads his family by setting a good example of how a Christian should behave

What does the Bible say? Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Saviour. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Ephesians 5 v 22 – 24 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies... He who loves his wife loves himself.... However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5 v 25 - 33

Alternative view of the Family Most modern Christians do not believe that men are superior to women In the creation story it says, “male and female he created them”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3002946.stm

Different but Equal Some Christians believe that men and women are different but equal The roles of men and women are different but equally as important Other Christians believe the roles are interchangeable such as providing for the family and child-care

What does the Bible say? There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3 v 28 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. 1 Corinthians 11 v 12

The Christian Family Traditional Alternative

The Church Family Christians think of the members of their religion and the members of their church as one big family where everyone has a distinct role to play

Church Leadership A Traditional View Jesus intended men to lead the church because he only had male disciples Out of the disciples he chose Peter to lead the church who then became the first Bishop of Rome (Pope) Every Pope since has been male Catholics don’t permit women to become priests

Church Leadership Alternative View Jesus showed women respect and permitted them to be his followers at a time when women had few rights in society After the resurrection the first people Jesus revealed himself to were women demonstrating that some of his closest friends were women Men and women can have equal roles in church leadership The Church of England (Anglican) has allowed female priests since 1994

Homework Explain traditional Christian teachings about church leadership (6) “A woman’s place is in the home” Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12)