Sexual relationships (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
Sexual relationships
Understanding sexual relationships
Sexual relationships encompass different types of intimate connections between people. These can be understood as heterosexual, where a person is sexually attracted to someone of the opposite sex, or homosexual, where a person is attracted to someone of the same sex as them.
Many Christians view sexual intimacy as a precious gift from God that should only take place between a man and woman who are married to each other. This belief shapes much of Christian teaching about sexual relationships and family life.
Traditional Christian teachings on relationships
Historically, the Christian Church has supported heterosexual relationships as part of God's plan for humanity. This teaching is rooted in biblical scripture, particularly the creation account in Genesis:
"A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)"
This passage suggests that God designed marriage to be a union between one man and one woman, creating a fundamental building block for family life. Many Christians also find guidance in the commandment to "Love your neighbour as yourself. (Matthew 22:39)", which influences how they approach relationships with others.
Traditional Church teachings indicate that many Christians opposed homosexual relationships. However, as society has evolved, some Christian attitudes have also developed, leading to a variety of viewpoints within the faith community.
Christian attitudes to homosexuality
Christian perspectives on homosexuality vary considerably, reflecting different interpretations of scripture and theology. The main viewpoints include:
Traditional conservative view: Some Christians maintain that God intended marriage to be exclusively between one man and one woman. They believe that same-sex partners cannot naturally have children, which they see as going against the purpose of marriage as designed by God. From this perspective, homosexuality undermines the traditional family unit.
Progressive Christian view: Other Christians hold different beliefs, arguing that:
- Homosexuality is a natural part of human diversity
- All humans were created in God's image, regardless of sexual orientation
- Love between all people, including same-sex couples, should be celebrated
- The Bible teaches respect for everyone
These Christians emphasise that "the Bible teaches us to respect everyone" and focus on the overarching message of love and acceptance in Christian teaching.
Sex before marriage
Christian teaching on sexual relationships before marriage centres on the concept of chastity and waiting until marriage for sexual intimacy.
Biblical foundation: Saint Paul taught that sexual relationships before marriage (particularly premarital sex) are wrong according to Christian doctrine. This teaching encourages believers to maintain sexual purity until they enter into the covenant of marriage.
Different Christian approaches:
- Some Christians take a vow of chastity, promising not to have sex until after marriage
- Christians believe procreation (having children) represents a key purpose of marriage, and that marriage provides stability and a proper family unit for raising children
- This perspective sees marriage as the appropriate context for both sexual intimacy and family formation
Sex outside marriage (adultery)
Christians universally teach that adultery is always wrong. This teaching is firmly grounded in biblical commandments and scripture.
Biblical teaching: The Ten Commandments explicitly state: "You shall not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14)"
Additionally, the New Testament reinforces this teaching: "Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (Hebrews 13:4)"
Christian perspective: The Bible teaches that married couples should remain faithful to each other, as promised in their marriage vows. Adultery is seen as a betrayal of these sacred promises and a violation of the trust that forms the foundation of Christian marriage. This teaching emphasises the importance of commitment, faithfulness, and honour within marriage relationships.
Non-religious attitudes
People who do not follow religious teachings often hold different views about sexual relationships:
Secular perspective:
- Consenting adults should be allowed to share a sexual relationship, provided it does not harm anyone else
- Sex outside of marriage may be considered acceptable between willing partners
- Many non-religious believers accept the full range of human sexuality, including homosexuality
- The focus tends to be on consent, mutual respect, and avoiding harm rather than adhering to religious guidelines
These perspectives prioritise individual choice and personal freedom in sexual relationships, rather than following specific religious teachings about marriage and sexuality.
Key Points to Remember:
- Christians view sexual relationships as a gift from God, traditionally meant for marriage between one man and woman
- Christian attitudes to homosexuality vary - some hold traditional views while others emphasise God's love for all people
- Biblical teaching consistently prohibits adultery and emphasises faithfulness within marriage
- Many Christians believe sex should wait until marriage, though views on this vary among different Christian communities
- Non-religious perspectives tend to focus on consent and mutual respect rather than religious guidelines