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1. Relationships and families (a) State three purposes of Christian marriage - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 1
1. Relationships and families (a) State three purposes of Christian marriage. (b) Describe different Christian attitudes towards divorce. (c) Explain how Christia... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. Relationships and families (a) State three purposes of Christian marriage - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
State three purposes of Christian marriage.
Answer
- Unity: Marriage serves to unite two individuals into one family unit, emphasizing companionship and support.
- Procreation: A significant purpose is to bring forth children and nurture them within a loving environment.
- Spiritual Growth: Marriage is intended to help partners grow closer to God, fostering a deeper relationship with Him through mutual support.
Step 2
Describe different Christian attitudes towards divorce.
Answer
Christian views on divorce vary widely:
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Traditionalist View: Many Christians believe divorce is generally unacceptable, citing Biblical texts such as Matthew 19:6, which states, 'What God has joined together, let no one separate.' This perspective encourages couples to work through challenges.
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Permissive View: Some denominations, however, accept divorce in cases of infidelity or abandonment, allowing for remarriage thereafter. This reflects more compassionate approaches towards broken relationships.
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Modern View: There are also progressive attitudes within certain Christian communities that emphasize personal happiness and emotional well-being, sometimes accepting divorce as a necessary step for individuals in unhealthy marriages.
Step 3
Explain how Christian teachings influence the roles of men and women in families.
Answer
Christian teachings often delineate specific roles for men and women:
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Leadership Role of Men: Traditionally, men are viewed as the head of the household, a notion based on verses like Ephesians 5:23 which states that 'the husband is the head of the wife.' This means they are expected to lead the family spiritually and provide materially.
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Supportive Role of Women: Women are often seen as nurturing figures responsible for homemaking and caring for children, reflecting Proverbs 31's depiction of a virtuous woman.
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Equality in Christ: However, many contemporary interpretations stress equality in Christ (Galatians 3:28), suggesting that both men and women are equally valuable and should share responsibilities within the family.
Step 4
‘Men and women can never be equal.’ 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 Christianity.
Answer
The statement 'Men and women can never be equal' can be evaluated from multiple perspectives:
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Traditional Christian Perspective: There are beliefs rooted in scripture that suggest distinct roles and responsibilities for men and women based on creation order. For example, passages indicating male authority can undermine claims of equality.
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Contemporary Understanding: On the other hand, many modern Christians argue that equality is inherent in the teachings of Jesus, who challenged societal norms. Instances such as his interactions with women reflect a paradigm shift towards mutual respect and roles.
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Social Practices: The practice of male leadership in the church has been debated, with some denominations allowing female clergy and leadership roles, supporting the view of equality in religious settings.
In conclusion, while traditional views may hold onto distinctions in roles, many Christians today advocate for equality based on mutual respect and shared duties, aligning themselves with the core message of love and respect found in Christianity.