Ethics or Family

Question 1

Catholic Church teaching on Marriage

Answer 1

Catholics believe that marriage comes as a gift from God. Marriage is based on the Bible as God created man and woman for each other.

The purposes of sacramental marriage are included in external signs like the vows.

Question 2

Legality of Marriage

Answer 2

In all marriages that take place, the spouses make a legal contract with one another by signing the register. This means they are married by law.

In addition to this during a Catholic wedding, the couple enter into a covenant where their love is sealed and strengthened by God’s ove.

The legal contract can be dissolved but the commitment made between two people in the eyes of God cannot be broken.

Question 3

Non - Catholic Unions

Answer 3

Cohabitation – living together in a (sexual) relationship

Civil partnership – homosexual legal union since 2005

Same-sex marriage – since 2014 (Marriage Act 2013)

Question 4

Catholic Church teaching on sexual relationships

Answer 4

The Catholic Church teaches that sexual relations bring together a man and woman who are married for the purpose of having children and live as a nuclear family.

Question 5

What does the bible teach about fornication

Answer 5

The Bible says that fornication is sinful. The word ‘fornication’ is used in religion for both premarital sex and promiscuity.

Question 6

Bible quotes on Fornication

Answer 6

Exodus 20:14 - You shall not commit adultery.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 - For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from
sexual immorality;

Question 7

What are the only limits in which premarital sex is allowed

Answer 7

Sex needs to be consensual

Age of consent needs to be respected

Sex should not take place between family members

Adultery is not acceptable – it leads to broken families

Sex should not be for sale/paid for

Promiscuity is not moral

Safe sex should be practiced – unsafe sex leads to unwanted pregnancies and STIs.

Question 8

Homosexuality and the Law

Answer 8

In Britain, homosexuality between males was a crime up until 1967. It has now been legalised and the age of consent was lowered from 21 to 16 years of age.

In December 2005, the first legal same-sex civil ceremonies were allowed.

In 2014 the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act enabled same sex couples to marry in civil ceremonies.

Question 9

Catholic Attitudes to same-sex relationships

Answer 9

The Bible teaches that everyone has been created in the image of God; being a homosexual is not a sin but a homosexual sexual relationship is a sin (the Bible condemns homosexual sexual activity).

Sexual Activity should be creative as well as unitive: The Teachings of the Catholic Church on premarital sex apply to everyone, marriage is between a man and a woman to join as one and to raise a family.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that people cannot help their sexual orientation, but they can control their sexual activity.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that homophobia is a sin.

The Church asks homosexuals to practice abstinence (to live without any sexual activity) and remain

celibate (not to get married). It believes that the sacraments of the Church will help them do this.

Question 10

Atheist and humanist attitudes to same-sex relationships

Answer 10

Attitude of society to same-sex relationships has changed greatly.

The majority of adults in society accept homosexual relationships.

Scientific research suggests that homosexuality may be genetic, not a choice.

Prominent members of society (celebrities, politicians etc.) have ‘come out’.

Perhaps as a result of these changes, Humanists and the vast majority of atheists see no problems with same-sex sexual relationships as Christian arguments are all based on religion. Without religion all the reasons for disapproving of homosexuality disappear.

They regard people’s sexuality as their own concern unless it interferes with other people’s human rights.

Question 11

Catholic Church Teaching on Family

Answer 11

Family life is seen as a vocation for lay Catholics.

Catholics believe the family was created by God as the basic unit of society and as such is the place where children should be brought up.

The Christian family is the principal place for the education of children in morals, learning right from wrong.

Parents should raise their children with loving discipline based on Christian principles.

Children should respect their parents and care for them in their old age.

Question 12

Purpose of family

Answer 12

Lifelong (love and faithfulness)

Support and comfort

Procreate

Bring up as Christian family (Sacraments)

Be a sign of Christ’s love in the world.

Question 13

Atheist and Humanist views on the Purpose of Family

Answer 13

The goals reflect the Catholic views: love, kindness, mutual support, sacrifice, welfare of the children…

However, there are two key differences:

Catholics take their beliefs from the teachings of God; and the Church teaches that families should be formed as a consequence of marriage between a man and a woman.

Catholics are called to seek marriage counselling in order to reconcile their own relationship for the benefit of their children.

Question 14

Different types of family

Answer 14

The Church recognizes that different family types exist in society, but it believes the nuclear family is still the best type in which to raise a faithful family.

Question 15

John Paul ll quote about family difficulties

Answer 15

Every family can face difficulties and the Catholic Church recognizes that every family needs support whatever its type

Question 16

Why does the Church view its support to the family as significant

Answer 16

family are a core part of society Families are a core part of the larger Church family.

The local Catholic Church or parish sees it as important to support the family because of the difficulties faced by many families in a changed society and life in general

Question 17

How does the Church support families

Answer 17

Sacraments

Parishes may offer classes, groups for children, and counselling for the community. These will often help families overcome their problems (e.g. Rainbows, marriage support and bereavement).

Churches often run youth groups (e.g. brownies, girl guides and scouts) which provide a moral and safe social environment.

Question 18

Catholic Church teaching on family planning

Answer 18

Sexual intercourse is a gift from God. It is a source of joy and pleasure to married couples (the unitive purpose) as well as a means of creating a family (the procreative purpose). These two purposes cannot be separated.

Christians should practice responsible parenthood. This means deciding on the number of children to have and when to have them.

Responsible spacing of births is encouraged, using the natural method of family planning. They do not involve any drugs or any risk of promoting an early abortion.

Question 19

Contraceptions

Answer 19

All forms of artificial contraception are wrong as it is going against God’s intentions. Contraception is regarded as a major cause of sexual promiscuity, broken families, the rise in the divorce rates and sexually transmitted diseases

Question 20

Divergent attitudes to family planning

Answer 20

Abortifacient methods: Conception may take place, however the contraceptive causes an abortion to take place, e.g. the coil, an IUD.

Barrier methods: Conception does not take place, because egg and sperm do not meet.

Question 21

British Humanist association on contracpetion

Answer 21

If contraception results in every child being a wanted child, and in a better healthier lives for women, it must be a good thing.

Question 22

Atheist and Humanist emphasis on the consequences of NOT using contraception

Answer 22

. Unwanted pregnancies
. STD’s and aids
. Passing on genetic diseases

Question 23

Mark quote on divorce

Answer 23

’ A man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one. No human being must separate what God has joined together’ Mark 10 : 7-9

Question 24

Catechism quote on divorce

Answer 24

’ Divorce is immoral because it introduces disorder into the family and into society’ CCC - 2385

Question 25

UK divorce

Answer 25

In the UK, a divorce is the legal ending of a marriage by a court.

However, a Catholic sacramental marriage is a lifelong commitment because of the vows, promises made before God, until one of the partners dies. The Church does allow for the legal separation and even civil divorce if this will

ensure the proper care of the children and the safety and security of the married partner. However, this does not end the marriage and remarriage is not allowed.

Question 26

Catholic teaching on remarriage

Answer 26

Catholics who remarry are in a state of sin unless they end their new relationship. Remarried Catholics may be refused communion at Mass unless they end their new relationship.

Question 27

Catholic teachings on annulments

Answer 27

Different Christian attitudes. All Christians believe that marriage is for life and is traditionally the best place for children. However, non-Catholics often allow divorce in the cases of adultery and abuse. It may be the most loving thing to do (Situation Ethics) or the lesser of two evils (Anglican Church). God is a forgiving God and in some cases it will be better for the wellbeing of the children. Most allow divorced people to remarry.

Question 28

Atheist and human attitudes to divorce

Answer 28

Married couples should have the right to divorce if they feel the marriage has failed, and do not object to remarriage. Some do not believe in marriage and would cohabit, so there would be no need to divorce.

Question 29

Catholic teaching on equality

Answer 29

Men and women should have equal roles in life and equal rights in society. The Catechism emphasises the equality of men and women in the family. Both husband and wife are called upon to commit towards making the marriage work and to create children. The emphasis is on partnership.

Question 30

Men and women qualities

Answer 30

Men and women are of equal status but have different qualities.

Domestic work can be done by either man or woman but women have a crucial role in family life.

● They have the biological capacity to bring new life into the world

● They have the caring capacity needed to bring up a Christian family

● There is dignity in the work within the home; it should be valued, not stigmatised or penalized.

● They can perform many lay roles in the Church but cannot be ordained.

Question 31

Church of England view on eqaulity

Answer 31

Some Christian denominations (e.g. Church of England) use the Bible to support female clergy. Many Evangelicals base their teachings on St Paul and teach that men and women have separate and different roles both in the family and the church.

Question 32

Atheist and Humanist attitudes to eqaulity

Answer 32

Some Christian denominations (e.g. Church of England) use the Bible to support female clergy. Many Evangelicals base their teachings on St Paul and teach that men and women have separate and different roles both in the family and the church.

Question 33

Catholic opposition to prejudice and discrimination

Answer 33

In the New Testament references can be found that can support both gender equality as well as inequality.

● Jesus does not make any declarations about the role of women, he just treats them with respect and as individuals.

● Jesus combats prejudice and discrimination (adulterous woman).

● The Catechism teaches that sexual discrimination is ‘sinful’ and contradicts the teaching of the Gospels.

● Pope John Paul II considers men and women as equal, complementary partners for one another.

● With changes, especially from the Second Vatican Council women have much more of a role in the Church today.

Question 34

Women in the Anglican Church

Answer 34

Women can be ordained. Their authority comes from the Bible:

· God created men and women equally.

· Jesus had female followers.

· St Paul teaches ‘men and women are equal in Christ’. o Some Anglicans disagreed and left the Anglican Church for the Catholic Church.

Question 35

Women in the Evangelical Church

Answer 35

Usually their Churches is led by Elders, all of which are male. Their authority comes from the Bible:

· which in parts advocates that men should be the leaders of the Church.

· St Paul teaches: “I do not allow [women] to teach or have authority over men: they must keep quiet.” (1 Timothy).

Question 36

Catholic Church Response to Female Ordination

Answer 36

The Catholic Church traditionally does not allow women to be priests.

· Jesus chose twelve male apostles.

· Jesus was a man and at Mass the priest represents Jesus; this is not considered discriminatory; women cannot stand in the place of a man. Sexuality is not interchangeable.

· Pope John Paul II confirmed that the Church has no authority to ordain women.

Question 37

Atheist and Humanist Attitudes to Women in the Church

Answer 37

Most believe that all men and women are equal and should have equal rights, e.g. equal pay. Humanists believe that gender discrimination in religions should be banned and that the Catholic Church’s refusal to ordain women or have women leaders should be made illegal because it denies equal rights.