1. Year 11 Revision Paper 3: Philosophy & Ethics Relationships & Families in the 21st Century

2. Purpose/Importance of Catholics Marriage
S P E L
Catholic marriage is a Sacrament – a sacrament brings believers closer to God and helps them to get to know him better. It also brings God’s blessing on the relationship. This is seen for example in the marriage ceremony the couple declare their love before God and their family and friends.
2.Catholic marriage is Permanent – this means that catholic couples will promise that the marriage will last for ever and that they will not divorce. This supported in the vows for example where the couple say. ‘til death us do part’
3.Catholic marriage is Exclusive – this means that the couple will promise that the marriage will be between the couple only and that they will not have sex with anyone else. For example this can be seen when they exchange rings. ‘Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity (This means faithfulness and so they are promising to keep the marriage exclusive.)
4.Catholic marriage is Life-giving – this means that the couple will promise not only to have children, but also that they will help each other to grow in love, therefore giving “new life” to each other. This can be seen in the questions asked in the ceremony where the couple are asked their intentions. ‘ Will you accept children lovingly as a gift from God?’ This is when they make a promise of procreation.

3. Divorce and Remarriage
Attitudes to divorce changed between 1950 and Numbers increased. WHY? New laws making divorce cheaper and easier to obtain; Increased equality for women who were no longer prepared to put up with unequal treatment from men and; Changes in law so women were financially independent and could afford to live after a divorce.
However, NOW going down. Until 2000 most people who divorced couple remarried within ten years, but now remarriage is declining now as more divorced people choose to cohabit with a new partner now remarry.
Catholic teachings on divorce
The Catholic Church cannot allow religious divorce or remarriage as marriage is a sacrament and the exchange of vows means that the only way marriage can be dissolved religiously is by the death of one of the partners or if the marriage is annulled.
However, the Catholic Church do allow for the legal separation of the couple if they find it impossible to live together and even a civil divorce if that will ensure the proper care of children and the safety and security of a married partner. Neither of these routes, however, has ended the marriage: the couple are still married in the eyes of God and the Church so cannot
Sources of Wisdom & Authority – why do Catholics believe divorce is not acceptable.
The couple have made a covenant with God which “cannot be dissolved by any human power or for any reason other than death.” (COCC)
The Church teaches very clearly in the Catechism that a marriage cannot be dissolved “Thus the marriage bond has been established by God himself… can never be dissolved.” (COCC)
The Catechism teaches that divorce is immoral as it. “introduces disorder into family and society.” (COCC)
Jesus taught that divorce is wrong and marriage is for life “For this reason a man will leave his mother and father and be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate. (Mark)

4. Divorce and Remarriage Continued
Catholic teachings on annulment
Annulment is a legal declaration that the marriage was never a true marriage and so the partners are free to marry someone else. The Catholic Church allows annulment if it can be proven to the Church’s legal authorities that:
The marriage was never consummated
The marriage was not a true Christian marriage because one of the partners was not baptised
The marriage was not a true Christian marriage because one of the couple can be shown to have not been willing or able to fully participate in the marriage – eg not wanting to have children
The marriage was not a true Christian marriage because one of the couple was not fully aware of what marriage meant – eg if they were too young
One of the partners concealed important things such as they were infertile, they had a serious contagious disease, they had children from a previous relationship or they did not believe in God
Catholic teachings on remarriage
As there is no religious divorce, there can be no remarriage because this would be the same as bigamy and adultery which are very serious sins. Catholics who do remarry are therefore in a state of sin unless they end their new relationship. They cannot be absolved of sin unless they promise to stop sinning. As those with unabsolved sins should not take communion at Mass, it follows that remarried Catholics may be refused communion.
is responsible for the breakdown of family life in modern society. However, Pope Francis has indicated the Church should adopt a more loving attitude to Catholics who have divorced and remarried.

5. Non-Catholic attitudes to divorce and remarriage
Most non-Catholic Churches think divorce is wrong but allow it if the marriage has broken down because:
Jesus allowed divorce for adultery – showing divorce can be allowed if the reasons for it are severe.
In some cases divorce is ‘the lesser of two evils’. E.g abuse.
Christians is about forgiveness and a new chance if they confess their sins and are truly repentant. This belief should apply to divorce and remarriage as long as they are determined to make it work. Forgive 70X7
Love - better to divorce than to live in quarrel and hatred.
Atheist and Humanist attitudes to divorce and remarriage
Atheists do not believe in God and so they regard marriage as a purely human and legal institution. Some atheists do not believe in marriage and would cohabit and so would have no need to divorce. Many atheists have the same attitude to divorce and remarriage as Humanists. This attitude is:
All married couples should have the right to divorce if they feel like the marriage has failed as long as there is equal treatment and children are provided for.
Any divorced person should be treated as single and so should have the right to remarry if they wish.
Catholic response to non-Catholic attitudes on divorce and remarriage
The Catholic Church rejects non-Catholic criticism of the Catholic attitude and teaches that the non-Catholic attitude

6. Catholic attitude to contraception
Sex is a gift from God for a married husband and wife for the purpose of procreation. The Church teaches responsible parenthood (not having more children than you can afford) however still states that every sexual act should be open to the possibility of conception. For Catholics the way to do this is through Natural Family Planning (the rhythm method). This is when a women tracks her cycle and only has sex when she is unable to conceive.
Catholics are against any other type of contraception (artificial contraception) because:
Pope Paul VI said in 1968 in Humanea Vitae that the previous teachings from Pope Pius XI condemning all artificial contraception was still correct. He also stated that only natural family planning was acceptable as it did not separate the unitive and creative purposes of sex.
Artificial contraception separate the unitive and creative purpose of sex which is not what God intended
Some artificial contraception can act as a very early abortion so are against the teachings of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church regards artificial contraception a major cause of sexual promiscuity, broken families, the rise in divorce and the rise of sexually transmitted diseases.

7. Christians and artificial contraception
 Non-Catholic Christians and artificial methods of contraception
Almost all non-Catholic Christians believe that all forms of contraception are allowed to restrict the size of the family and not to stop having children all together. This is because:
Catechism of the Catholic Church The methods of birth regulation based on self-observation and the use of infertile periods…respect the bodies of the spouses, encourage tenderness between them… In contrast, "every action which, whether in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible" is intrinsically evil.
Christianity is about love and justice, and contraception improves women’s health and raises the standard of living of children as families are smaller.
God created sex for enjoyment and to cement the bonds of marriage, not just procreation.
There is nothing in the bible forbidding the use of contraception.
In 1930 the Lambeth Conference (Church of England) declared that it was legitimate for Christians to use contraception to limit family size. The major Protestant and Orthodox Churches followed this.
It is better to combat HIV/AIDS by using condoms than by expecting everyone to follow Christian rules about sex and marriage.
Atheist and Humanist attitudes to artificial contraception
They are in favour of artificial contraception because they assess the morality of a thing by looking at its consequences. They argue that contraception: Prevents unwanted children being born Improves families standard of living Prevents STI’s Results in “every child being a wanted child and in better, healthier lives for women”

8. The Purpose of families for Catholics
Children should care for their parents when they become old or infirm. The 10 Commandments say to “honour your father and mother.”
Catholic families teach moral values and what is right and wrong to their children so they become responsible citizens.
Family is where children grow up in the Catholic faith, through baptism, going to church, First Communion etc. The church continues to grow
The Purpose of families for Catholics
Family brings up children safely and securely. Parents have a duty to meet the physical needs and material needs of children.
Family was created by God as the basic unit of society and the place for children to be brought up. Without it, society would collapse.

9. Different types of family
Blended Family Parents living together with children that one or both of them had in previous relationships.
Nuclear family
Two parents, who may be married or unmarried and their children living together.
Same Sex family
Two same-sex parents and their children, who may be biologically related to either of the parents.
Different types of family
Single-parent Family
One parent living alone with their children; may be due to divorce, separation, death.
Extended family
Parents, children and other relations such as grandparents, aunts, cousins living close together.

10. Families provide financial support.
Catholic response to different types of family
S of W&A - Pope John Paul II’s ‘On the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World’ says…
Accepts nuclear and extended families as both fulfil the needs of a Catholic family and Catholic law.
Families with extra needs should be supported by the church, eg, single parent families.
Same-sex families are inferior to a family with a father and mother because marriage is only accepted between a man and woman. Homosexual couples can only have civil marriage so they can’t receive the Sacraments. (Pope John Paul II).
Divorce is not allowed so blended families are disapproved of unless they are the result of death. (Pope John Paul II).
Cohabitation is disapproved of. Pope John Paul II said governments should make it easier for cohabiting couples to marry.
The Church should help care for families where one parent isn’t a Christian.
Non-religious views
Most UK families are now non-religious, but family life remains important:
Many people still want to fall in love and have a family to continue their family line.
Children should still be brought up safely and securely until they can look after themselves.
Families still pass on moral values to children so they become responsible adults.
Families provide financial support.
Families support each other in hard times and celebrate together at important times.

11. How Catholic parishes help to keep families together.
Church primary and secondary schools.
They provide Christian teaching and worship. Teaches children right from wrong. Helps parents fulfil marriage vows. Teaches children about the Christian faith.
The Catechism says:
“Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God and the Parish supports the family to do this”.
Family friendly churches.
Family-friendly worship. Families can worship together. This units families. Children's liturgy provides age appropriate explanation of the Gospels.
Sacraments are provided by the parish. Lessons in the importance and meaning behind the sacraments is included. The parish gives advice to the congregation about their duties as parents.
Rites of Passage
Clergy
The parish clergy spend time reminding parents of the importance of family and keeping their marriage vows. Counselling is available for couples and families.
These are made up of the congregation to spend time together in low cost activities. This brings people of the parish together with a commitment to know, love and support each other.
Family Group Movement

12. Why do parishes try to help families?
They have a duty to help children baptised in the Church.
It is the responsibility of the parish to help fulfil the marriage vow of raising the children in a secure and loving Christian environment.
Why do parishes try to help families?
The parish has a duty to make sure the Church continues to grow. And the family is where the children first learn about the Church.
Family was created by God. The parish has a social and sacred duty to help parents with family life.
Why is the support from parishes important?
Attending church with children requires the church be family friendly.
Knowledge and expertise in the faith is needed, so RC schools are important.
Sacraments are essential part of Catholic life and the Church is needed for these.
Knowing the local parish is praying for a family will give them God’s strength.

13. How have attitudes to women changed?
Historic views of women in Britain
Women in the 21st century in Britain
Equal access to education and voting
Women were not allowed to vote until 1918
Fewer job opportunities
Equal share of running a household
A women’s place was at the home with children
The law protects women from being discriminated against

14. Why have attitudes to women/ gender roles changed?
2 World wars
Men went to fight and many died. Women had to take on jobs which men had done e.g. factory work and running farms
Changes in law
The Law makes it illegal to discriminate on people based on their gender.
Why have attitudes to women/ gender roles changed?
Political campaigns
Suffragettes
People challenged the norms and fought for equal rights for women. E.g. the right to vote
Introduction of the contraceptive pill
Gave women control over family size and whether to have children and when OR to have children
Technology
Allows women all over the world access to education and information.

15. Catholic attitudes to gender prejudice and discrimination
The Catholic Church teaches that men and women should have equal roles in life and equal rights in society because:
Genesis 1:27 says that God created men and women at the same time and in the image of God;
The Catechism teaches that men and women are equal.
However, women cannot become priests because:
The Catechism says that only men can become priests because Jesus was a man and all the apostles are men;
The Catechism teaches the .priest represents Jesus in the Mass
SOWA – Source of wisdom and authority
The Catholic Church is against gender prejudice and discrimination. Men and women should have equal roles in
life and society because Genesis teaches that God created everyone at the same time in the image of God.
The Catechism also teaches that men and women are equal: “There exist also sinful inequalities that affect millions of men and women. These are in open contradiction of the Gospel.” COCC
God gave us our bodies so the differences in them should be celebrated, not used as a means for prejudice and discrimination. The bible says: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 3:28)

16. Traditional Protestants
Some traditional/Evangelical Christians believe that men and women have separate and different roles so cannot have equal rights in religion. It is the role of women to bring up children and run the home and men to provide and lead. So women should not speak in Church and only men can be Church leaders. They believe this because:
St Paul taught that women should not teach or speak in church;
St Paul stressed that Adam was created first and it was Eve who led him astray;
Jesus only chose men as his apostles;
It has been the tradition of the Church only have men in leadership roles in the Church.
Traditional Protestants
Many liberal Protestant Churches/Christians accept that men and women have equal rights and allow women to become priests. They believe this because:
The creation story in Genesis 1 shows that God created man and woman equally;
St Paul taught that men and women have equal rights
Jesus treated women as his equals;
There is evidence of women priests in the early Church.