Day 3
Marriage and the Family- the third section we will be learning and is all about sex before marriage, marriage, divorce and family life.
Sex before marriage – Today many more couples are living together before getting married, and are having sex before marriage which would have been regarded as a sin 50 years ago (1950’s). Much less people are getting married and more are divorcing. Some keywords you will have to learn are;
Cohabitation – Living together without being married.
Marriage – when a man and women are legally joined.
Faithfulness – Staying with your partner without committing adultery.
Pre-marital Sex – Sex before marriage.
Promiscuity – Having sex with numerous partners without wanting a relationship.
Adultery – A married person having sex with someone other than their partner.
Christian Views – Most Christians believe sex should only happen is marriage, because;
The bible teaches that it is wrong.
It is a sin.
Jesus taught that love is the most important thing.
Jewish Views – Judaism dose not allow pre-marital sex or adultery because;
Adultery is a sin, banned in the 10 commandments.
The Torah and Talmud teach that sex is only in marriage.
Sex if a gift used only in marriage.
Many Orthodox Jews separate boys and girls after the age of 13-14 to prevent sex before marriage.
Marriage in Christianity – The purposes of a Christian marriage is to be able to live together in love, have sex, have comfort towards one another, have children and bring up a Christian family. The main features of a Christian wedding are the exchanging of vows, the exchanging of rings, prayers and communion to unite the couple with Christ.
Marriage in Judaism – The purposes of a Jewish marriage to have children and bring up a Jewish family, to obey God’s commands and to love each other. The main features of a Jewish wedding are the huppah which symbolises a new home, the ring, the signing of the ketubah (marriage contract), the seven blessings, the win and smashing of the glass and a wedding feast.
Divorce in the UK – 1 in 3 marriages may end in divorce because it is easier to get a divorce, people live longer and women are less prepared to put up with bad treatment from their husbands.
Divorce in Christianity –
Roman Catholics Christians do not believe in divorce because Jesus banned divorce and when they marry the make a covenant with God that cannot be broken without his consent.
Most Protestants and Orthodox disapprove divorce but believe if the marriage goes wrong then they can get a divorce because God forgives sins if people are determined to live a new life and in St Matthews Jesus allows divorce for adultery.
Divorce in Judaism – Divorce is allowed in Judaism because marriage is an agreement not a sacrament and the Torah and Talmud have regulations about divorce. Instead the couples apply for a get. However very few Jews divorce because they are encouraged to stay together for the children.
Family life in the UK – Some keywords you will have to learn;
Extended Family – Grandparents, aunts, uncles living as a unit with mother father with children.
Nuclear Family – Mother, father and children.
Re-Constituted Family – Two sets of children become one family when their parents divorce and remarry.
Family life in Christianity – All Christians believe that children should be brought up in a family with a mother and father because
Parents should love each other and provide for their children.
Parents should set a good example for their children.
Children should obey and respect their parents.
Children should look after their parents if they can no longer look after themselves.
The family is important in Christianity because;
The bible teaches that it is.
It is in the marriage service.
The family was created by God.
Families are the basis of society.
How churches help with family life;
Most churches host infant baptism.
Some churches run schools.
Most churches run Sunday schools teaching right from wrong.
Family life in Judaism – Jews believe that family is at the heart of the religion. In Judaism;
Parents should care for their children.
Parents should teach their children Judaism.
Parents should set a good example for their children.
Children should respect their parents and be a comfort to them in old age.
The family is important in Judaism because;
It was created by God to keep the family together.
It is the only way God wanted children to be brought up.
It is the place where children learn Judaism.
It is one of the Mitzvahs which all Jews have to follow.
How the Synagogue helps family life;
Families are encouraged to worship together.
They provide youth clubs.
Help with running of Jewish Schools.
Hurrah! That is all for today. Only two more sections to do and 4 more days.
Link to day 4
Written by KingKong