Religious Studies

FUNDAMENTALIST - believes that people should wait until they are married to have sex and promote abstinence in young people. Believe it is a sin to live together before marriage. 'The sexual act must take place exclusivly inside a marriage' 

LIBERAL PROTESTANTS - believe that it is aceptable for couples to live together before marriage as it shows a monogamous way of life. 'Recognising that for many this is a step along the way to marriage'

ALL CHRISTIANS THINK THAT ADULTERY IS A SIN 

'But amongst you there must not be any hint of sexual immorality'

'You shall not commit adultery'

Some Christians feel that homosexual relationships are wrong. 'You shall not lie with a man like you would with a woman'. But others are more accepting, suggesting that homosexual feelings are acceptable but must remain celibate. 

Quakers accept homosexual relationships who are sexually active.

Roman Catholics feel that contraceptives such as condoms and the pill should not be used as it interfers with what sex is for - to concieve. 'Everyone is made in Gods image', 'God has a plan for everyone', 'Be fruitful and multiply'. Strict Catholics allow the rhythm method as there is still the possibility of concieving.

MOST other churches feel it is important to plan how many children to have and to use contraception. This helps give the child a decent standard of living and protects the mothers' health. 

Most Christians today believe that sex is part of a healthy relationship NOT just for procreation.

PURPOSE OF A CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE:

• A man and a woman can share companionship
• To have a sexual relationship
• To have children
• To bring up children in the Christian Church
• A man and woman can show their love for each other

THE MAIN FEATURES OF A CHRISTIAN WEDDING:

• Exchange rings to show marriage is for life
• The congregation are asked if there is a reason why a marriage cannot go ahead. This shows that the marriage is legally binding.
• The priest asks the couple if they want to marry each other. This shows both are entering the marriage by their own free will.
• Vows are said infront of a congregationa and God to show that this is sacred.
• Prayers are said to bless the couple