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1 Relationships and families - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 1
1 Relationships and families. (a) Describe one Jewish belief about contraception. (b) Outline Jewish beliefs about gender discrimination. (c) Explain why there ar... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 Relationships and families - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe one Jewish belief about contraception.
Answer
One key Jewish belief about contraception is that it is generally acceptable for married couples to use it in order to plan their family and ensure that they can provide adequately for their children. This stems from the understanding that Judaism values the well-being of the family unit. However, it should be noted that the decision to use contraception is often informed by individual beliefs, community practices, and interpretations of Jewish law.
Step 2
Outline Jewish beliefs about gender discrimination.
Answer
Jewish beliefs about gender discrimination emphasize the importance of equality between genders. Traditional Jewish texts highlight the equal creation of men and women in the image of God. However, interpretations of these teachings can vary. For instance, while many reform movements advocate for gender equality in religious practices, more orthodox branches may maintain traditional roles. Thus, the perspective on gender discrimination is influenced heavily by the particular Jewish denomination and its teachings.
Step 3
Explain why there are different Jewish attitudes towards same-sex marriage.
Answer
Different Jewish attitudes towards same-sex marriage arise primarily from varying interpretations of Jewish texts. Some denominations, like Reform Judaism, support same-sex marriage, arguing that love and commitment are central to Jewish values. In contrast, more traditional groups, such as Orthodox Judaism, often oppose it, citing scriptures that they interpret as prohibitive. Additionally, attitudes can vary based on cultural contexts and the authority of communal teachings.
Step 4
‘There will always be prejudice in the world.’ Discuss this statement. In your answer, you should draw on your learning from across your course of study, including reference to beliefs, teachings and practices within Judaism.
Answer
The statement that 'there will always be prejudice in the world' can be examined through various Jewish teachings. Judaism recognizes the existence of human bias and encourages self-reflection to combat prejudicial attitudes. For instance, the concept of 'Tikkun Olam,' or repairing the world, underscores the Jewish responsibility to improve society and counteract injustice. Moreover, teachings from the Torah emphasize the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of background. However, the effectiveness of combating prejudice can vary based on societal changes and internal community dynamics, illustrating that while the desire for equality is vital, challenges remain.