GCSE AQA RS Short Course Study Guide

Types of Contraception

Contraception is basically any method used to prevent pregnancy, and Christians have varying views on what's acceptable. There are three main types you need to know about.

Artificial methods include physical devices like condoms (which create a barrier), the pill (hormones that stop egg release), and coils/IUDs (small devices placed in the womb). Natural methods involve tracking a woman's fertility cycle to avoid sex during fertile periods - though this isn't foolproof.

Permanent methods like sterilisation involve blocking fallopian tubes through surgery and can't be reversed. Many Christians debate whether certain contraceptives violate the sanctity of life - if a method allows fertilisation but then destroys the embryo, some consider this equivalent to taking a life.

Key Point: The morning-after pill is particularly controversial because it may work after fertilisation has occurred.

Christian Attitudes to Sex and Family

Christianity has pretty clear-cut views on sexual behaviour that might seem strict by today's standards. Fornication (sex before marriage) is considered wrong, and adultery (cheating on your spouse) breaks the 7th Commandment directly.

Christians believe God designed sex for marriage because it provides a stable environment for raising children. St Paul called the body "a temple for the Holy Spirit," meaning it should be treated with respect. Lust is actually one of the seven deadly sins.

When it comes to family structures, there are several types: nuclear families (two parents plus kids), single-parent families, reconstituted families (with step-relatives), and extended families (multiple generations together). Christian families are expected to teach religious values, provide examples of agape (unconditional love), and care for both young and elderly members.

Key Point: Exodus 20:12 commands children to "honour your father and mother," making family respect a religious duty.

Raising Children in Faith and Marriage Purpose

Christian parents take their role seriously when it comes to religious education. They're expected to say grace before meals, celebrate religious festivals, pray together as a family, and ensure kids attend Sunday school and prepare for baptism or confirmation.

The purpose of marriage can be remembered with the acronym PURPOSE: Procreation (having children), Union (loving partnership), Rearing children (providing security), Pattern for society (teaching values), One flesh (sexual intimacy), Sacred (blessed by God), and Endless (lifelong commitment).

Jesus himself taught that marriage creates "one flesh" and that "what God has joined together, let no one separate." This forms the biblical foundation for viewing marriage as permanent and sacred.

Key Point: Marriage isn't just a legal contract in Christianity - it's considered a gift from God that creates a spiritual bond.

Christian Marriage Ceremonies and Types

A Christian marriage ceremony has specific elements that make it sacred rather than just legal. Hymns focus everyone's attention on God, while the declaration asks if anyone objects to the marriage. The vows include promises "for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health."

Rings symbolise unbroken love and devotion, whilst the proclamation officially declares the couple married. Prayers ask for God's blessing, and signing the register makes it legally binding. The ceremony often ends with worship and celebration.

There are different types of marriage today: civil marriages (non-religious ceremonies), civil partnerships (available to same-sex and heterosexual couples since 2005), and polygamy (illegal in Britain but mentioned in the Bible). Cohabitation means living together without marriage - couples behave as if married but lack legal protections.

Key Point: The kiss during the proclamation represents the first physical union and "seals the bargain" spiritually.

Christian Views on Homosexual Relationships

Christian attitudes towards homosexual relationships vary dramatically between denominations. Some churches are becoming more accepting - the Methodist Church allows same-sex services if congregations agree, and the Church of England began blessing same-sex couples after civil marriages in October 2023.

Roman Catholics consider homosexuality sinful and believe gay people should remain celibate (not have sexual relationships). Anglicans are deeply divided - some accept homosexuality whilst others don't, leading to Gay Christian movements within the church.

Quakers fully accept homosexual relationships, focusing on "the quality and depth of feeling between two people" rather than gender. They argue that Genesis says all people are created in God's image, and Jesus taught us to "love your neighbour as you love yourself."

Key Point: Jesus never actually spoke about homosexuality directly, which some progressive Christians use to support acceptance.

Arguments Against Homosexuality and Divorce

Traditional Christians quote Leviticus: "No man is to have sexual relationships with another man; that is what God hates." They also point to Genesis - "Go forth and multiply" - arguing only heterosexual couples can naturally have children.

Divorce faces strong opposition from many Christians. The Old Testament says "God hates divorce," and Jesus taught "let no man separate what God has joined." Roman Catholics are particularly strict because they view marriage as a sacrament - a sacred act only God can undo.

Catholics accept annulment (declaring a marriage never legally existed) but only in specific circumstances: if someone can't fulfil marital duties, didn't understand what marriage meant, or if the marriage wasn't consummated (completed through sexual intercourse). The Pope must approve annulments.

Key Point: For Catholics, marriage isn't complete until sexual union occurs - they take "becoming one flesh" literally.

Arguments for Divorce and Gender Equality

Some Christians support divorce in extreme circumstances. The Old Testament allows divorce for adultery, and modern churches may permit it when marriages completely break down due to abuse. They see divorce as a "necessary evil" but insist it should be a last resort after counselling.

Remarriage divides Christians. Supporters argue everyone makes mistakes, Jesus taught forgiveness, and innocent partners (especially abuse victims) deserve happiness. Opponents maintain marriage vows were made before God and shouldn't be broken - remarrying while your first spouse lives constitutes adultery.

Gender equality remains controversial. Women in the UK still earn about £5,000 less annually than men for identical work, and around 30,000 women lose jobs yearly due to pregnancy. Progressive Christians quote Galatians: "Neither male nor female, we are all one in Christ."

Key Point: Traditional Christians counter with "Women should be silent in church and obey their husbands" - showing how biblical interpretation varies.

Women in Church Leadership

The role of women in church creates major denominational splits. Catholics forbid female priests because Jesus's twelve apostles were men, priests represent Christ during mass, and they believe women are "weaker" since Eve sinned first. However, Catholic women can arrange flowers, sing in choirs, and participate in other ways.

Protestants generally support gender equality in church leadership. They point out Jesus had female followers, appeared first to Mary Magdalene after resurrection, and St Paul declared everyone equal before God. Anglican churches now allow women to become bishops.

The key biblical quote supporting equality comes from Galatians: "There is no longer male or female: for all you are one in Christ Jesus." This directly contradicts more traditional interpretations about women's roles.

Key Point: Catholics honour Mary, Jesus's mother, showing they don't completely diminish women's spiritual importance despite restricting priesthood.

Peace, Justice and Terrorism

Peace means more than just absence of war - it includes feelings of happiness and harmony. Justice involves bringing about fairness and making up for wrongs committed. Both concepts are central to Christian and Islamic teachings.

Christianity looks forward to God establishing ultimate justice between nations. The prophet Isaiah predicted a time when "nation will not take sword upon nation." Christians believe they should always aim to maintain peace.

Islam emphasises peace so strongly that the word literally means "peace" in Arabic. "The Just" is one of Allah's 99 names, and Muslims believe God's laws help bring justice to Earth. The Quran teaches believers to "reply with words of peace" when confronted by aggressive people.

Terrorism represents a serious form of violence where people use threats against innocents to promote their cause, believing this will make authorities give in to their demands.

Key Point: Both Christianity and Islam promote peace as a core value, making religious terrorism particularly controversial.

The Nature of God and Problem of Evil

God has three key attributes you need to understand. Omnipotence means God is all-powerful - demonstrated in Genesis where God creates everything "ex nihilo" (from nothing). Omnibenevolence means God is all-loving, shown in John's gospel: "God so loved the world He gave His only Son."

The Problem of Evil challenges these beliefs. Mackie's Inconsistent Triad argues that an all-powerful, all-loving God couldn't allow evil and suffering to exist. Atheist Stephen Fry famously asked "How dare you create a world with such suffering?"

Christians offer several explanations: free will means humans choose evil, the Book of Job suggests suffering tests faith, and Romans teaches we live in a "broken world" damaged by human sin. Some argue God allows bad things as punishment or to strengthen character.

Key Point: This theological puzzle has challenged Christianity for centuries - if God is perfect, why does evil exist?