Theme A: Relationships and Familiesin Religious Studies explores how... Show more
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21 Jan 2026
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GCSE RS Relationships and Families: Revision, Past Papers, and Quotes
Jamie Garthwaite
@jam_iegarthwaite
Relationships, Sexuality, and Marriage
This section of Theme A: Relationships and Families revision covers complex topics like adultery, polygamy, divorce, and human sexuality.
Adultery is viewed as a serious sin in both religions: • In Christianity, it breaks one of the Ten Commandments • In Islam, it is considered haram (forbidden), with some interpretations of Sharia law suggesting severe punishments
Polygamy: • Christians completely disagree with polygamy • Islam allows men to have up to four wives, historically to provide for widows after wars
Divorce and remarriage: • Views vary among Christian denominations, with Catholics generally opposing divorce • Islam permits divorce but considers it undesirable
Definition: Polygamy - the practice of having more than one spouse at a time
Human sexuality: • Both religions generally view sex outside of marriage as sinful • Christianity traditionally disagrees with same-sex relationships, seeing them as against God's plan for procreation • Islam generally accepts that homosexual feelings exist but prohibits acting on them
Highlight: Civil partnerships (2004) and same-sex marriage (2013) have challenged traditional religious views in the UK
Marriage: • In Christianity, marriage is seen as a contract between the couple and God • In Islam, marriage is a commitment but not a contract with Allah
Example: The Catholic Church's stance on divorce has been a topic of debate within Christianity
Understanding these diverse perspectives is crucial for answering GCSE RE relationships and families questions and preparing for Relationships and Families RE GCSE AQA past papers.
Nature and Purpose of Family
Christianity and Islam have distinct views on family structure and purpose, which are important topics in Theme A: Relationships and Families AQA.
Christians generally favor the nuclear family model, seeing it as God's plan. Marriage is viewed as the foundation for procreation and raising children in a loving, supportive environment. The family is considered crucial for instilling Christian values and providing a stable upbringing.
In contrast, Islam often emphasizes extended families, where younger members are expected to respect and care for elders. This is seen as repayment for the care received in childhood. The family is considered the heart of the ummah (Muslim community) and should follow the example of Prophet Muhammad.
Highlight: Both religions stress the importance of family in religious upbringing and social stability.
Example: In Christianity, Jesus' sacrificial love on the cross is seen as a model for family love.
Parental responsibilities are similar in both faiths, including:
- Caring for children properly
- Teaching respect for authority
- Providing religious education
- Performing religious rituals (e.g., baptism in Christianity)
Vocabulary: Ummah - the worldwide community of Muslims
Views on contraception differ: • Some Christians, especially Catholics, see sex primarily for procreation and oppose contraception • Islam generally accepts contraception for family planning purposes
Quote: "Children should be brought up in a loving and supporting family grounded on marriage." - Christian perspective
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Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE RS Relationships and Families: Revision, Past Papers, and Quotes
Jamie Garthwaite
@jam_iegarthwaite
Theme A: Relationships and Families in Religious Studies explores how Christianity and Islam view family structures, roles, and responsibilities. This topic covers key aspects of GCSE RE relationships and families revision, including the nature and purpose of families, parental... Show more
Relationships, Sexuality, and Marriage
This section of Theme A: Relationships and Families revision covers complex topics like adultery, polygamy, divorce, and human sexuality.
Adultery is viewed as a serious sin in both religions: • In Christianity, it breaks one of the Ten Commandments • In Islam, it is considered haram (forbidden), with some interpretations of Sharia law suggesting severe punishments
Polygamy: • Christians completely disagree with polygamy • Islam allows men to have up to four wives, historically to provide for widows after wars
Divorce and remarriage: • Views vary among Christian denominations, with Catholics generally opposing divorce • Islam permits divorce but considers it undesirable
Definition: Polygamy - the practice of having more than one spouse at a time
Human sexuality: • Both religions generally view sex outside of marriage as sinful • Christianity traditionally disagrees with same-sex relationships, seeing them as against God's plan for procreation • Islam generally accepts that homosexual feelings exist but prohibits acting on them
Highlight: Civil partnerships (2004) and same-sex marriage (2013) have challenged traditional religious views in the UK
Marriage: • In Christianity, marriage is seen as a contract between the couple and God • In Islam, marriage is a commitment but not a contract with Allah
Example: The Catholic Church's stance on divorce has been a topic of debate within Christianity
Understanding these diverse perspectives is crucial for answering GCSE RE relationships and families questions and preparing for Relationships and Families RE GCSE AQA past papers.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Nature and Purpose of Family
Christianity and Islam have distinct views on family structure and purpose, which are important topics in Theme A: Relationships and Families AQA.
Christians generally favor the nuclear family model, seeing it as God's plan. Marriage is viewed as the foundation for procreation and raising children in a loving, supportive environment. The family is considered crucial for instilling Christian values and providing a stable upbringing.
In contrast, Islam often emphasizes extended families, where younger members are expected to respect and care for elders. This is seen as repayment for the care received in childhood. The family is considered the heart of the ummah (Muslim community) and should follow the example of Prophet Muhammad.
Highlight: Both religions stress the importance of family in religious upbringing and social stability.
Example: In Christianity, Jesus' sacrificial love on the cross is seen as a model for family love.
Parental responsibilities are similar in both faiths, including:
- Caring for children properly
- Teaching respect for authority
- Providing religious education
- Performing religious rituals (e.g., baptism in Christianity)
Vocabulary: Ummah - the worldwide community of Muslims
Views on contraception differ: • Some Christians, especially Catholics, see sex primarily for procreation and oppose contraception • Islam generally accepts contraception for family planning purposes
Quote: "Children should be brought up in a loving and supporting family grounded on marriage." - Christian perspective
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Christianity
Most popular content in Religious Studies
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user