Unit 1: Attitudes towards the Importance and Purpose of Marriage

Question 1

What Churches teach that marriage should only take place between a man and woman?

Answer 1

• The majority of Churches like the Anglican and Catholic churches
• Same-sex marriage is excluded here

Question 2

How is spiritual unity involved in marriage?

Answer 2

Christianity teaches that the outward act of marriage is evidence of the spiritual unity that occurs as a couple become united.

Question 3

What are the meaning of vows in a Christian couple?

Answer 3

• The vows made during a Christian marriage service aren’t just between the man and the woman getting married; they are believed to be between the couple and God as well.
• God’s blessing is asked for through prayer and His presence in the marriage relationship is believed to make it stronger

Question 4

What are the three strands of the cord in marriage?

Answer 4

The two people getting married and God.
‘a cord of three strands is not easily broken.’ Ecclesiastes

Question 5

What do Christians believe about the promises made during the wedding service?

Answer 5

They shouldn’t be broken because the binding nature of marriage is reinforced by Jesus, who says that once a couple are married: ‘man must not separate what God has joined together.’ Mark 10:9

Question 6

What do the COE believe about marriage?

Answer 6

• The COE teaches that through marriage, a couple learn to love one another over the course of their lives together.
• Marriage is a commitment to ‘live and grow in love’
• The COE teaches that a Christian marriage should reflect Christ’s love for the Church
• Christ is committed to the Church, just like married couples should be towards one another
• A married couple should love each other by not being selfish
• Patience and forgiveness can be learned, which can be offered to wider society

Question 7

What 3 blessings do the COE believe marriage brings?

Answer 7

• The creation (procreation) and the nurture of children
• The correct place for sexual relations
• Help and comfort during all aspects of life

Question 8

What does the Catholic Church believe about marriage?

Answer 8

• The C Church teaches that the act of marriage creates a unique and unbreakable bond between the couple and it can’t be dissolved.
• The couple’s permanent and faithful commitment to one another expresses Christ’s commitment to his people
• Marriage reveals God’s unconditional love
• SACRAMENT
• God’s grace through this sacrament is given to help the couple stay faithful to one another
• Christ’s presence in the marriage helps to sustain the couple’s promises and keep harmony