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1 Relationships and families (a) Describe one purpose of marriage according to Buddhism - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 1
1 Relationships and families (a) Describe one purpose of marriage according to Buddhism. (b) Describe how Buddhist teachings could be applied to the issue of con... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 Relationships and families (a) Describe one purpose of marriage according to Buddhism - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe one purpose of marriage according to Buddhism.
Answer
One purpose of marriage in Buddhism is to create a supportive environment for raising children. This aligns with the Buddhist emphasis on family values and the importance of community. Marriage can provide a stable and nurturing atmosphere where children can grow up in a loving and cooperative environment, which is essential for their development and wellbeing.
Step 2
Describe how Buddhist teachings could be applied to the issue of contraception.
Answer
Buddhist teachings can be applied to contraception through the lens of the First Precept, which encourages the avoidance of harm. Buddhists may view contraception as a means of preventing unintended suffering for both parents and children. It allows couples to plan their families responsibly, ensuring they have the resources and emotional readiness to raise children. Additionally, the concept of Right Intention promotes responsible decision-making regarding sexual relationships, where using contraception can be seen as a way to channel desires positively.
Step 3
Explain why Buddhists might have different attitudes towards questions of sexual misconduct.
Answer
Different interpretations of Buddhist texts and cultural backgrounds can lead to varying attitudes toward sexual misconduct. For instance, some Buddhists may adhere strictly to traditional views, considering any form of sexual activity outside marriage as misconduct. In contrast, others may interpret sexual misconduct more broadly, emphasizing the importance of consent and respecting the feelings of all parties involved. This divergence reflects the dynamic nature of Buddhist teachings as they adapt to modern contexts and cultural practices.
Step 4
‘Marriage is nothing to do with religion for Buddhists.’ Discuss this statement.
Answer
While marriage can be viewed as a social contract rather than a strictly religious institution in Buddhism, it still holds significant spiritual importance for many practitioners. Buddhists often celebrate marriage ceremonies that incorporate traditional rituals and blessings from monks. These practices highlight the interplay between personal commitment and spiritual acknowledgment. However, the emphasis on individual choice and personal happiness in some Buddhist contexts suggests that marriage can transcend religious boundaries, aligning with the view that personal relationships may be disconnected from formal religious frameworks.