Sex, marriage and divorce — AQA GCSE Religious Studies
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Sex, marriage and divorce explained
The Dhamma (Dharma) is a foundational concept in Buddhism, representing the universal truth, the Buddha's teachings, and the path to Enlightenment.
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It encompasses the nature of reality, the human condition, and the ethical framework required to end suffering.
What to demonstrate
- Definition and understanding of the concept of Dhamma (Dharma)
- Explanation of dependent arising (paticcasamupada)
- Identification and explanation of the Three Marks of Existence: anicca, anatta, and dukkha
Show all 6 objectives
- Comparison of the human personality in Theravada (Five Aggregates) and Mahayana (sunyata, Buddha-nature) traditions
- Distinction between human destiny ideals: Arhat vs Bodhisattva
- Understanding of Buddhahood and the Pure Land
Sex, marriage and divorce exam tips
Topic Overview
This topic explores religious perspectives on sex, marriage, and divorce, focusing on Christianity and Islam as required by the AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification. Students examine teachings from sacred texts (e.g., Bible, Qur'an), religious traditions, and modern ethical debates. Key areas include the purpose of sex (procreation, unity, expression of love), the nature and significance of marriage as a sacred covenant, and the moral and legal considerations around divorce and remarriage.
Understanding these views is crucial because they shape personal relationships, family structures, and societal norms. The topic also connects to broader themes like the sanctity of life, gender roles, and the role of religion in public life. By comparing different religious stances, students develop skills in analysis, evaluation, and empathy—essential for both exams and informed citizenship.
In the AQA exam, this topic appears in Paper 2 (Thematic Studies) under 'Relationships and Families'. Questions often require students to explain contrasting beliefs, evaluate arguments, and apply teachings to modern scenarios. Mastery of this content helps students tackle 12-mark 'evaluate' questions effectively.
Key Concepts
- →Sacredness of marriage: In Christianity, marriage is a lifelong covenant before God; in Islam, it is a solemn contract (nikah) with spiritual and legal dimensions.
- →Purpose of sex: Both religions typically teach that sex should occur within marriage, for procreation, unity, and mutual fulfilment. Adultery is forbidden.
- →Divorce: Christianity generally discourages divorce (Jesus taught against it), but some denominations allow it in cases of adultery or desertion. Islam permits divorce (talaq) but considers it a last resort.
- →Remarriage: Views vary—Catholicism forbids remarriage after divorce unless annulled; many Protestant churches allow it; Islam permits remarriage after iddah (waiting period).
- →Contraception: Most Christians accept artificial contraception (except Catholicism, which only permits natural methods). Islam generally allows contraception if both spouses agree.
Marking Points
- Definition and understanding of the concept of Dhamma (Dharma)
- Explanation of dependent arising (paticcasamupada)
- Identification and explanation of the Three Marks of Existence: anicca, anatta, and dukkha
- Comparison of the human personality in Theravada (Five Aggregates) and Mahayana (sunyata, Buddha-nature) traditions
- Distinction between human destiny ideals: Arhat vs Bodhisattva
- Understanding of Buddhahood and the Pure Land
Examiner Tips
- 💡Ensure you can clearly define the Three Marks of Existence and provide examples for each
- 💡Use precise terminology when discussing the Five Aggregates
- 💡Be prepared to compare and contrast Theravada and Mahayana views on the human personality and the ideal of the enlightened person
- 💡Link the concept of Dhamma to the broader Buddhist path to Enlightenment
- 💡Use precise scripture: For Christianity, quote Genesis 2:24 ('become one flesh') or Matthew 19:6 ('what God has joined together...'). For Islam, reference Qur'an 30:21 ('He created for you spouses...') or Hadith on marriage. This shows depth.
- 💡Compare and contrast: In 12-mark questions, explicitly compare Christian and Islamic views (e.g., on divorce or contraception). Use phrases like 'In contrast to Christianity, Islam...' to demonstrate evaluation.
- 💡Address modern issues: Link teachings to contemporary debates (e.g., same-sex marriage, cohabitation). Show awareness that religious views may differ from secular laws, but stay focused on religious perspectives.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the Theravada concept of the Five Aggregates with Mahayana concepts like sunyata
- Failing to distinguish between the Arhat and Bodhisattva ideals
- Misinterpreting the Three Marks of Existence as separate concepts rather than interconnected aspects of reality
- Overlooking the specific differences between Theravada and Mahayana perspectives on human personality and destiny
- Misconception: 'All Christians believe divorce is always wrong.' Correction: While Jesus taught against divorce, many Protestant denominations allow it in cases of adultery or desertion (e.g., Church of England). Catholicism holds that marriage is indissoluble, but annulment is possible.
- Misconception: 'Islam forces women to stay in unhappy marriages.' Correction: Islam permits women to initiate divorce (khul) and requires husbands to provide maintenance during iddah. Both genders have rights to end a marriage, though procedures differ.
- Misconception: 'Religious people never use contraception.' Correction: Most Christian and Muslim groups accept contraception for family planning, with exceptions (e.g., Catholicism's natural methods only).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Christianity teach about sex before marriage?
Most Christian denominations teach that sex should be reserved for marriage. This is based on biblical passages like 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, which says to 'flee from sexual immorality' and that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Sex is seen as a gift from God intended for the committed, loving relationship of marriage. However, some liberal Christians may accept sex before marriage if it is within a loving, committed relationship.
Is divorce allowed in Islam?
Yes, Islam permits divorce (talaq) but considers it the most disliked permissible act. The Qur'an provides guidelines for divorce, including a waiting period (iddah) to ensure the woman is not pregnant and to allow for reconciliation. Both men and women can initiate divorce, though the process differs. The emphasis is on trying to resolve conflicts first through mediation.
Why do Catholics not allow remarriage after divorce?
Catholicism teaches that marriage is a lifelong, indissoluble sacrament. Jesus' words in Matthew 19:6 ('what God has joined together, let no one separate') are taken literally. Therefore, a divorced Catholic is still considered married in the eyes of the Church. Remarriage without an annulment (a declaration that the first marriage was invalid) is seen as adultery. Annulment is not a 'Catholic divorce' but a ruling that the marriage never truly existed sacramentally.
What are the religious arguments for and against contraception?
For contraception: Many Christians and Muslims argue it allows responsible family planning, spacing children, and preventing disease. They cite the principle of stewardship and the well-being of the family. Against contraception: The Catholic Church teaches that each sexual act must be open to procreation (Humanae Vitae). Some conservative Christians and Muslims believe contraception interferes with God's will for procreation. Natural methods are often accepted as they work with the body's natural cycles.
How do Christians and Muslims view same-sex marriage?
Most traditional Christian and Muslim teachings hold that marriage is between a man and a woman. In Christianity, this is based on Genesis 1:27 and Jesus' affirmation of male-female marriage in Matthew 19:4-5. In Islam, marriage (nikah) is defined as a contract between a man and a woman. However, some liberal Christian denominations (e.g., some Anglican churches) now perform same-sex marriages. Islam generally does not recognize same-sex marriage, and homosexual acts are considered sinful in traditional interpretations.
What is the difference between a Christian marriage and an Islamic marriage ceremony?
A Christian marriage is typically a sacrament (in Catholicism and Orthodoxy) or a covenant (in Protestantism) conducted in a church by a priest or minister, involving vows and rings. It is often seen as a public declaration before God and the community. An Islamic marriage (nikah) is a civil contract, often held in a mosque or home, with an imam or scholar. It involves the offer and acceptance (ijab-o-qabul), a dowry (mahr) from the groom to the bride, and two witnesses. The ceremony is simpler and focuses on the legal and spiritual agreement.