Christianty Chapter 2
Specification Revision Guide
, 2.1 Marriage
● Marriage = legal union of man + woman/same sex couple
Marriage in Society: 3 UK Legal Requirements
1. Public commitment between 2 people 1. +16 (under 18 = parent consent)
2. Legal state/contact 2. Not already m (bigamy = illegal)
3. Loving relationship 3. Enter m freely, not under threat
4. Given great significance within most religions
5. Lifelong union ended by death, divorce, annulment ☆Same-sex m = legal UK 2014
Couples who are attracted to each other, who talk together and share interests, respect, value and
support each other, marriage is often seen as the culmination of that loving relationship.
Why is marriage important in society
1. It structures society into family groups which can form the basis of culture and community
2. Encourages stability
3. Provides secure environment for bringing up children
4. Provides legal protection for both partners and their children
5. Nurtures feelings of self-esteem and value
6. Has value both for religious and non-religious people
What do Christians believe about marriage?
1. In the Sanctity of marriage = idea that m has special significance as holy gift from God
2. Sacrament (catholics) = important Christian ceremony officially recognized by Church by Jesus
3. Faithfulness = not having sexual relationships with anyone other than partner
4. Bible teaches = m between man+woman (many Christians against same-sex m)
Quote from Mark’s Gospel Meaning
● ‘Male and female’ = God intended m+w
should marry
● ‘Leave his father and mother’ = m most
important relationship
● ‘One flesh’ = m is a unity, physical +
emotional
● ‘God has joined’ = couple joined by God
Cohabitation
● Living together in a sexual relationship but not married
For cohabitation Against cohabitation - many Christians
1. Enables couples to get to know each other 1. Encourages casual relationships
before m commitment 2. Break up easily - not talk through
2. Separate without divorce 3. Children best brought up in marriage -
3. Children brought up just as well stable home
4. Marriage lacks importance: a couple can 4. Bible supports lifelong marriage
make a loving personal commitment to each 5. Sex outside marriage is wrong
other without going through a legal ceremony
Specification Revision Guide
, 2.1 Marriage
● Marriage = legal union of man + woman/same sex couple
Marriage in Society: 3 UK Legal Requirements
1. Public commitment between 2 people 1. +16 (under 18 = parent consent)
2. Legal state/contact 2. Not already m (bigamy = illegal)
3. Loving relationship 3. Enter m freely, not under threat
4. Given great significance within most religions
5. Lifelong union ended by death, divorce, annulment ☆Same-sex m = legal UK 2014
Couples who are attracted to each other, who talk together and share interests, respect, value and
support each other, marriage is often seen as the culmination of that loving relationship.
Why is marriage important in society
1. It structures society into family groups which can form the basis of culture and community
2. Encourages stability
3. Provides secure environment for bringing up children
4. Provides legal protection for both partners and their children
5. Nurtures feelings of self-esteem and value
6. Has value both for religious and non-religious people
What do Christians believe about marriage?
1. In the Sanctity of marriage = idea that m has special significance as holy gift from God
2. Sacrament (catholics) = important Christian ceremony officially recognized by Church by Jesus
3. Faithfulness = not having sexual relationships with anyone other than partner
4. Bible teaches = m between man+woman (many Christians against same-sex m)
Quote from Mark’s Gospel Meaning
● ‘Male and female’ = God intended m+w
should marry
● ‘Leave his father and mother’ = m most
important relationship
● ‘One flesh’ = m is a unity, physical +
emotional
● ‘God has joined’ = couple joined by God
Cohabitation
● Living together in a sexual relationship but not married
For cohabitation Against cohabitation - many Christians
1. Enables couples to get to know each other 1. Encourages casual relationships
before m commitment 2. Break up easily - not talk through
2. Separate without divorce 3. Children best brought up in marriage -
3. Children brought up just as well stable home
4. Marriage lacks importance: a couple can 4. Bible supports lifelong marriage
make a loving personal commitment to each 5. Sex outside marriage is wrong
other without going through a legal ceremony
