1. R.S REVISION
Religion and Human Relationship

2. Roles of men and women in
the Christian and Church
family
Main Facts
First creation in Genesis it says, “So God created man in his own
image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he
created them.”
Second creation story in Genesis man was created first then woman as
a companion and helpmate to the man.
In the Old Testament women are seen as strong and important people
and rulers.
Jesus‟ in the gospel accounts treats women as equals to men.
In the New Testament there are examples of women such as Priscilla
and Lydia who appear to be in positions of authority within the early
Church.
The free churches have women ministers as do the Anglican Church,
whereas the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Churches do not. This
Religion and Human Relationship
is because they follow Jesus who only had men disciples.

3. Key texts
The two creation stories.
Jesus heals the woman who has been bleeding for
12 years. She is healed through faith.
Paul taught that everyone was equal in Christ.
Religion and Human Relationship

4. Marriage and Marriage
ceremonies
Main Facts
Marriage is seen as a gift from God and is part of God‟s bigger plan for
creation.
The importance of marriage is stressed by Jesus, “Therefore what God has
joined together, let man not separate”.
The words and vows stated in a marriage ceremony stress the promises the
bride and groom are made before God.
The priest reminds the couples of the seriousness of marriage and that‟s it
symbolizes the relationship between Christ and the Church and that a
marriage was the occasion of Jesus‟ first miracle.
VOWS!!!!!!
Exchanging of the rings represents eternity and their never ending love for
each other.
It is considered a sacrament (an outward visible sign of an Human Relationship
Religion and inward spiritual
grace).

5. Key texts
Jesus states that divorce is wrong
The first miracle: Jesus changes water into wine at
the wedding of Cana
Religion and Human Relationship

6. Christian responses to civil
partnerships
Main Facts
Civil Partnership services are formal ceremonies between same-sex
couples in which they make promises to each other and which gives them
the same legal status as married heterosexual couples
Civil Partnership ceremonies, by law, do not have any religious content in
them.
The Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England are opposed to
civil partnerships because they teach that marriage is the proper place for
sexual activity to occur and that one of the main purposes of sex should
be to create a new life which homosexual sex cannot do.
Roman Catholic Church dislike homosexual sex as they view it as
masturbation which is in there eyes a sin of Onan.
The Methodist Church are open for discussion but still state: “it does not
consider homosexual sex acceptable”. This means they accept someone
can be homosexual but not when the act up on that instinct. They do not
bless civil partnerships.
Religion and Human Relationship
Only Quakers full support homosexual couples in their meetings.

7. Key texts
The story of the destruction of Sodom and
Gomorrah
The sin of Onan
Homosexuality is condemned
Paul condemns homosexuality
Religion and Human Relationship

8. Christian beliefs about
divorce and remarriage
Main Facts
Divorce in the Old Testament is not welcomed.
Jesus said on the mount that divorce was wrong.
Jesus allows divorce on the grounds of adultery.
The Church of England and Orthodox Church both allow divorce and
remarriage.
The Roman Catholic allow divorce but still see the couple married due
to the marriage being a sacrament between them and God which can
not be broken. If they get remarried or have a relationship with someone
else then they cannot receive communion as what they are doing is a
sin.
The Pope can allow annulments but only for certain circumstances, for
example: if the couple were not mentally fit to understand the
seriousness of marriage. Once annulled the couple are free to marry
Religion and Human Relationship
again in the Church.

9. Key texts
Jesus‟ teaching on divorce in the sermon on the
mount.
Religion and Human Relationship

10. Christian beliefs about
sexual relationships
Main Facts
Christianity teaches that sex should take place within marriage. In
Genesis 2:24 men and women are told to „become one flesh‟. Outside of
marriage sex always constitutes a grave sin.
St Paul remained thought that the ideal was for everyone to remain
celibate. Some believe this was because it distracted people from loving
and serving God.
Agape – a non-sexual love which is completely selfless and spiritual is
shown in the teachings of the New Testament. For example, when Jesus‟
sacrifice on the cross. It is given to everyone no matter who they are,
what they have done or whether they return that love.
The Christian Churches are all opposed to adultery, fornication and, with
few exceptions, homosexuality. They view all these as going against the
purpose of sex within marriage. Some Churches are prepared to all
cohabiting couple into their congregations but the majority will not.
Religion and Human Relationship

11. Key texts
Jesus says that adultery is wrong but thinking
lustfully about someone is just as bad
Paul says that casual sex is wrong because the
body is a temple for the Holy Spirit
Paul says that it is better to get married than indulge
in casual sex
This letter outlines Christian love
Religion and Human Relationship

12. Christian beliefs about
contraception
Main Facts
Christians believe that life is a gift from God and sacred and therefore
many of them feel that contraception or birth control is preventing a new life
which God wished to be born and its therefore a sin.
Many others believe that the bible should be interpreted for the modern
age we live in. They believe that yes life is sacred but due to the problems
of overpopulation and poverty they think contraception should be allowed.
The Roman Catholic Church considers that contraception is wrong as it
goes against Gods command to Adam and Eve “Be fruitful and increase in
numbers”.
The only form of contraception allowed by the RC is the „rhythm method‟ as
there is still a chance of conception.
The Anglican Church teaches that the parents decision on how many
children they want and want them is due to God‟s influence on them.
The orthodox Churches do not have a single view about contraception
Religion and Human Relationship
except that abortifacients such as the morning-after pill are not permitted.

13. Key texts
God made humans in his own image
Religion and Human Relationship