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1 Relationships and families (a) Give three roles of women in Christian communities - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 1
1 Relationships and families (a) Give three roles of women in Christian communities. 1. 2. 3. (b) Outline different Christian attitudes towards same-sex marria... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 Relationships and families (a) Give three roles of women in Christian communities - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Give three roles of women in Christian communities.
Answer
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Companionship: Women often serve as companions within family units, fostering strong relational bonds that support community ties.
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Leadership: Women can hold leadership roles in Christian communities, such as being pastors, teachers, or leaders in various church activities.
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Nurturing: Women traditionally take on nurturing roles, including providing pastoral care and counseling to congregation members.
Step 2
Outline different Christian attitudes towards same-sex marriage.
Answer
Christian attitudes towards same-sex marriage vary significantly:
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Traditional view: Many conservative Christians adhere to the belief that marriage is exclusively between a man and a woman, citing biblical texts to support this view.
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Progressive view: Conversely, some modern Christian groups accept same-sex marriages, arguing that love and commitment are the core values of marriage, regardless of gender.
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Middle ground: Some denominations may permit civil unions or partnerships while withholding the label of 'marriage' for same-sex couples.
Step 3
Explain how different Christian teachings may have supported gender discrimination.
Answer
Different Christian teachings have historically supported gender discrimination:
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Creation narratives: Certain interpretations of the creation story, such as Eve being created from Adam's rib, have been used to justify a subordinate role for women.
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Pauline Epistles: Passages in the letters of Paul advocate for traditional gender roles, suggesting that women should remain silent in churches and submit to their husbands.
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Historical context: Many teachings were also reflective of the patriarchal societies in which they were written, influencing church practices that marginalize women.
Step 4
‘Christians should never divorce.’ Discuss this statement.
Answer
The statement ‘Christians should never divorce’ can be discussed from various perspectives:
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Biblical reference: Many Christians refer to Jesus' teachings in the Gospels, where divorce is discouraged except in cases of infidelity, underscoring the sacred nature of marriage.
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Modern interpretations: Some modern Christians argue for a more compassionate understanding, recognizing that circumstances like abuse or irreconcilable differences may warrant divorce.
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Support systems: The importance of church support for individuals in difficult marriages can be pivotal, promoting healing rather than condemnation. Evaluating different viewpoints allows for a more nuanced understanding of divorce within the Christian context.