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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 Jewish belief about contraception is that it can be permissible under certain circumstances. Many Jews believe that the use of contraception is acceptable when it is used to promote the health and well-being of the family. The decision may depend on the context of family planning, health concerns, and the potential impact on the mother and child.
Step 2
Outline Jewish beliefs about gender discrimination.
Answer
In Judaism, gender discrimination is generally viewed as contrary to the teachings of the Torah. Traditional Jewish texts advocate for the equal treatment of men and women in various aspects of life, including religious practice and community roles. However, interpretations can vary widely among different Jewish communities, with some more progressive denominations advocating for complete equality, while more orthodox groups may still retain gender roles in certain religious practices.
Step 3
Explain why there are different Jewish attitudes towards same-sex marriage.
Answer
Different Jewish attitudes towards same-sex marriage arise from varying interpretations of the Torah and religious texts. Some progressive Jewish communities support same-sex marriage, viewing it as an expression of love that aligns with core Jewish values of justice and respect. In contrast, more traditional sects may oppose it based on interpretations of Biblical laws. This divergence can be attributed to the role of cultural context, social change, and differing emphases on textual authority.
Step 4
‘There will always be prejudice in the world.’ Discuss this statement.
Answer
The statement reflects a pessimistic view of human nature and society. In Judaism, the understanding of human behavior includes the awareness of bias and prejudice stemming from ignorance and fear. Jewish teachings emphasize the importance of self-reflection, social justice, and combating discrimination.
From a Jewish perspective, individuals are encouraged to confront their own biases and work towards a more just society. This ties back to the values of compassion and empathy universal to Jewish teachings. While prejudice may always exist in some form, the responsibility lies with individuals and communities to strive for improvement.
In conclusion, while prejudice is a persistent reality, Judaism offers profound teachings on the importance of justice and equality, urging believers to combat prejudice actively.