Key words on Human Relationships In teams, write down as many key words and meanings as you can think of!

Revision – Human Relationships

Roles of Men and Women in a Christian family Christians have a variety of views about the roles that men and women should play in the family. Many Christians base their opinions on Genesis two. In Genesis 2, Adam was made first and then Eve later. This may be argued that this shows Eve was Adam’s helper. Eve was also considered to be responsible for the fall and gave into temptation before, which led some Christians to believe women were weaker than men. However today many Christians believe these views belong to the past. Genesis one says that we were all made in ‘the image of God’ therefore men and women should have equal roles.

Why do people get married? In UK Law, a married couple have different rights to a unmarried couple e.g. husband and wife will inherit each other's property as they legally become each other’s next of kin. A Christian marriage is civil contract as well as a covenant between the couple and God to: Provide each other with help and support in good and bad times. Enjoy a sexual relationship. Have children and bring up a family.

What happens in a marriage ceremony? In a Christian marriage, the couple make vows (promises) to each other in front of everyone and before God. It is a sacrament. ‘I ______ take you _____, to have and to hold, form this day forward: for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, til death do us part, according to God’s holy law, in the presence of God I make this vow’ Rings are exchanged, the circle symbolising that marriage is never ending.

Christian views on divorce Roman Catholics do not allow divorce although couples are allowed to live apart if that is what they want to do. Catholics believe that marriage is a sacrament (something holy done by God), which cannot be undone. Catholics cannot marry a new partner if their husband or wife is still alive. They see this as adultery. The Pope condemns divorce for any reason whatsoever. Under very exceptional circumstances a Roman Catholic marriage can be annulled. Some Anglicans agree with divorce in certain circumstances. E.g. if there is abuse in the marriage or if one partner has committed adultery. Some C of E churches will allow a divorced person to marry again in a church. Some vicars might agree to marry divorced people if they are the innocent victim of adultery or if a person had been abandoned by their spouse.

Christian views on pre-marital sex God gave sex in order for procreation. So it should take place in marriage. In genesis 1, sex is linked to procreation. So Christians believe it solely be between a man and a women. The Bible sees this and promiscuity as being sinful. Some Liberal Christians accept that couples live together before getting married. They expect them to marry before starting a family. Only allow sex in a committed and long term relationship. Jesus taught that: Jesus taught that love is the most important thing.

Christianity and contraception 1) Catholics are against all forms of artificial contraception. It goes against God’s intentions because… Sex is for marriage in order to create new life. 2) Non-Catholics allow contraception because… Raises standard of living and education for children as there are fewer. God created sex for enjoyment to cement bonds of marriage – not just for children. Lambeth Conference (1930) allows CofE to limit family size by using contraception.

Homosexuality in Christianity The Roman Catholic Church, still condemns homosexual acts as sinful, but accepts gay people as long as they stay celibate.   Others, including Anglican churches, accept same-sex relationships. Changes in attitudes, which have led to an increasing number of gay people coming out, have encouraged some clergy to become open about their own sexuality. Many churches now accept homosexual orientation among their clergy but believe that they should abstain from sexual acts. There is no direct teaching from Jesus about homosexuality. Other Christians believe that there can be stable same-sex relationships based on love and commitment but that promiscuity in all relationships should still be condemned.

Religion and human relationships Roles of men and women in a Christian family Marriage and marriage ceremonies Divorce and remarriage Roles of men and women in the church Religion and human relationships Sexual relationships Treatment of criminals Civil partnerships Contraception War is wrong

Exam practice!  A01 Explain the views of one religion towards: (6 marks) Use the planning sheets to help you plan at least one part D and E question. Equality Racism Roles of women Forgiveness and reconciliation Other religions A02 Discussion (12 marks) ‘True equality can never exist’ ‘All people must be treated equally’ ‘Women have the most important role in Christian society’ ‘If Christianity is right, all other religions must be wrong’  

What do you think to each others plans? Read their plan and give it two stars and a wish. Two things good about it and a target to help them improve.