Religious Education Topic
Marriage, Divorce, Contraception, and Abortion
- Read notes
- Flashcards
- Quiz
- Confident
Study focus - 3 things
- Religious and ethical views on marriage, divorce, contraception, and abortion can differ
- Marriage is often linked to commitment, family, love, and responsibility
- Exam answers should explain reasons respectfully, not mock beliefs
Section 1Marriage
Marriage is usually understood as a committed union between partners, often recognised by religion, law, family, or community. Many religions connect marriage with love, faithfulness, family life, and responsibility.
Section 2Divorce
Divorce is the legal ending of a marriage. Some religious groups discourage divorce because they value lifelong commitment, while others may allow it in difficult situations such as abuse, abandonment, or serious breakdown. Easy to mix up - divorce and separation are not always the same legal thing.
Section 3Contraception
Contraception means methods used to prevent pregnancy. Views differ: some support it for responsible family planning, while others oppose some or all methods because of beliefs about life, sexuality, and marriage.
Section 4Abortion
Abortion means ending a pregnancy. Religious and ethical views are strongly different. Some focus on the sanctity of life before birth, while others also consider the mother's health, circumstances, and moral agency. Watch out: exam answers should show both sides fairly if asked.
Examples
A question asks why some religions value marriage. Give one reason.
One reason is that marriage can be seen as a committed relationship for love, family, faithfulness, and responsibility.
An exam asks for two views on contraception. How should the answer be written?
Give both views respectfully, such as support for responsible family planning and opposition based on beliefs about sexuality or openness to life.
Now let's water it
Session runs notes to flashcards to quiz back-to-back.