Relationships and Families

GCSE Religious Studies · Themes

This theme examines how Christianity and Islam approach relationships, marriage, family, gender roles and sexual ethics.

Christianity:

Marriage is a sacred covenant before God between a man and a woman
Catholics view marriage as a sacrament — a channel of God's grace that cannot be broken ("What God has joined together, let no one separate" — Mark 10:9)
Marriage is for love, companionship, support and procreation (having children)
Genesis 2:24 — "A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh"

Islam:

Marriage (nikah) is a contract between two consenting adults — it is not a sacrament
It is considered highly recommended — the Prophet Muhammad said: "When a man marries, he has completed half of his faith"
The husband provides a mahr (dowry/gift) to the wife
Marriage is for love, stability and raising children in the faith
Polygamy — men may marry up to four wives, but only if they can treat them equally (Surah 4:3); most Muslim-majority countries restrict or prohibit this in practice

Christianity: Catholics believe marriage is permanent — divorce is not allowed, but annulment (declaring the marriage was never valid) is possible. Most Protestants accept divorce reluctantly as a last resort
Islam: Divorce (talaq) is permitted but discouraged — "The most hated of permissible things in the sight of Allah is divorce" (Hadith). There is a waiting period (iddah) for reconciliation

Both religions teach that sexual intercourse should take place only within marriage:

Sex before marriage (fornication) — condemned by both Christianity and Islam
Adultery — strongly condemned by both; one of the Ten Commandments and a major sin in Islam
Homosexuality — traditional teaching in both religions opposes homosexual acts (Leviticus 18:22; Surah 7:80-81), though many liberal Christians now support same-sex relationships and marriages
Contraception — Catholics oppose artificial contraception (only natural family planning); most Protestants and most Muslims accept it within marriage

Both religions see the family as the foundation of society
Parents have a duty to raise children in the faith — teaching morality, prayer and religious values
Children should respect and obey parents — "Honour your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12); "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents" (Surah 17:23)
Extended family plays a larger role in Islam; many Muslim families are multi-generational

Traditional views: men are providers and protectors; women are nurturers and homemakers — both roles are valued
Modern views: many Christians and Muslims argue for equal roles in the home and workplace
Christianity: some denominations (Catholic, Orthodox) do not allow women to be ordained as priests/bishops; others (Church of England, Methodist) do
Islam: men and women are spiritually equal before Allah (Surah 33:35) but have different roles and responsibilities; women are not required to attend the mosque but are welcome

Know both Christian and Islamic views on each issue
Present different perspectives within each religion (e.g. Catholic vs Protestant on divorce)
For AO2: Is marriage outdated? Should religions change their views on homosexuality? Are gender roles natural or cultural?
Use specific scripture from both religions

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