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1. Relationships and families (a) State three purposes of Christian marriage - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 1
1. Relationships and families (a) State three purposes of Christian marriage. (b) Describe different Christian attitudes towards divorce. (c) Explain how Christia... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. Relationships and families (a) State three purposes of Christian marriage - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
State three purposes of Christian marriage.
Answer
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Companionship: Christian marriage is viewed as a union where individuals provide each other with emotional and spiritual support.
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Procreation: It serves the purpose of raising children within a stable family environment, whereby children are taught Christian values and beliefs.
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Mutual Love: The marriage covenant emphasizes love and fidelity between partners, mirroring the love between Christ and the Church.
Step 2
Describe different Christian attitudes towards divorce.
Answer
Christian attitudes towards divorce vary among denominations:
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Catholic Perspective: The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a sacrament and indissoluble. Divorce is not recognized as valid, and individuals are expected to work through their issues, with annulment being the only solution under specific circumstances.
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Protestant Views: Many Protestant denominations accept divorce as a possibility under certain conditions, such as adultery or abandonment. They believe in God's grace and the possibility of remarriage. Views can vary widely, even within the same denomination.
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Liberal Perspectives: Some liberal Christians may adopt a more modern approach, emphasizing love and personal happiness over strict adherence to tradition, suggesting that divorce can be a legitimate choice in unhealthy or unfulfilling partnerships.
Step 3
Explain how Christian teachings influence the roles of men and women in families.
Answer
Christian teachings often emphasize distinct roles for men and women:
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Complementarianism: Many traditional teachings endorse the idea that men and women have complementary roles; men as providers and leaders, and women as nurturers and homemakers. This is often supported by verses like Ephesians 5:22-33, which discusses marital roles.
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Egalitarianism: Other Christians advocate for equality in marriage, supporting shared responsibilities and partnership. This perspective is often backed by Galatians 3:28, indicating that all are one in Christ, which promotes equal value of both genders.
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Wisdom and Authority: Sources such as Scripture and church doctrine play significant roles in shaping attitudes towards parental authority and responsibilities, often guiding families to uphold values of love, respect, and mutual support while navigating gender roles.
Step 4
‘Men and women can never be equal.’ Discuss this statement.
Answer
In discussing the statement, various points of view within Christianity should be evaluated:
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Traditional Viewpoint: Some argue that spiritual and scriptural teachings denote different roles for men and women, which may support the notion of inequality.
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Modern Perspective: Others advocate for equality, highlighting that both genders share equal worth in God's eyes and emphasizing partnership in faith and family life.
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Evaluation of Importance: It is crucial to consider how these beliefs impact familial relationships and the broader community. Balancing scriptural adherence with contemporary understanding fosters healthier dynamics in modern Christian families. Both viewpoints provide valuable insights that contribute to discussions about gender roles in Christianity.