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1 Relationships and families (a) Describe one Christian teaching about equality - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 1
1 Relationships and families (a) Describe one Christian teaching about equality. (b) Outline different Christian attitudes to women priests. (c) Explain how Chris... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 Relationships and families (a) Describe one Christian teaching about equality - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe one Christian teaching about equality.
Answer
One Christian teaching about equality is rooted in the belief that all people are created in the image of God. This concept is derived from Genesis 1:27, which states, 'So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.' This scripture underlines the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, promoting the view that gender, race, or social status should not determine one's value in society.
Step 2
Outline different Christian attitudes to women priests.
Answer
Different Christian denominations have varied attitudes towards women priests. For example, the Roman Catholic Church holds a traditional view and does not allow women to be ordained as priests, believing that Jesus selected male apostles and that this model should be followed. In contrast, many Protestant denominations, such as the Anglican Church, support the ordination of women, arguing that spiritual gifts aren’t gender-specific and that women can fulfill these roles effectively.
Step 3
Explain how Christian beliefs about marriage are reflected in the ceremony.
Answer
Christian beliefs about marriage emphasize its sacredness and divine purpose. Ceremonies often include readings from scripture that highlight the importance of love, commitment, and the covenant between the couple and God. For instance, Ephesians 5:25-33 teaches that marriage symbolizes the relationship between Christ and the Church, illustrating love and sacrifice. Furthermore, many churches include vows that reflect commitment to fidelity and support, manifesting the belief that marriage is a sacred bond blessed by God.
Step 4
'The only acceptable place for a sexual relationship is within marriage.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
This statement is often supported by traditional Christian teachings that view marriage as the appropriate and sacred context for sexual relationships. Christianity teaches that sex should be an expression of love and commitment found within marriage, as per Genesis 2:24, which states that a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they shall become one flesh. However, some contemporary Christians argue for a more nuanced understanding of relationships and sexuality, suggesting that mutual consent and respect can exist outside the bounds of marriage. This calls into question traditional views and emphasizes the importance of different perspectives in understanding sexuality.