Issues of Relationships

What you'll learn

This guide covers the essential content on Issues of Relationships from the WJEC GCSE Religious Education specification. You'll examine Christian and Islamic perspectives on marriage, divorce, sexual relationships, contraception, and gender equality. Understanding these viewpoints and the religious teachings that support them is crucial for scoring well in both short-answer and extended-response questions.

Key terms and definitions

Marriage — A legal and religious union between two people, recognised by law and (in religious contexts) by God or as a sacred covenant.

Divorce — The legal termination of a marriage, ending the legal duties and responsibilities between spouses.

Cohabitation — Living together in a sexual relationship without being married; sometimes called "living in sin" in traditional religious contexts.

Adultery — Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse; considered a serious sin in Christianity and Islam.

Contraception — Methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy from occurring as a result of sexual intercourse.

Homosexuality — Sexual attraction or sexual behaviour between people of the same sex.

Gender equality — The view that men and women should have equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities in all areas of life.

Annulment — A declaration that a marriage was never valid in the first place, as though it never existed in the eyes of the Church.

Core concepts

Purposes and nature of marriage

Christianity and Islam both view marriage as sacred and central to religious life, though they emphasise different aspects.

Christian perspectives:

• Marriage is a sacrament in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, a sacred gift from God that cannot be broken
• "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate" (Mark 10:9) — marriage as permanent union
• Purposes include procreation, companionship, and providing a stable environment for raising children
• The wedding ceremony includes vows made before God, emphasising lifelong commitment
• Some denominations (particularly Catholic) teach that marriage can only be between one man and one woman
• Protestant churches may have more flexibility in their interpretation

Islamic perspectives:

• Marriage is highly encouraged in Islam; the Prophet Muhammad said "Marriage is half of faith"
• Marriage is both a legal contract (nikah) and an act of worship
• Purposes include procreation, fulfilling natural desires in a halal (permitted) way, and strengthening the Muslim community (ummah)
• Polygamy is permitted (up to four wives), though many Muslims today practice monogamy
• Marriage provides clear rights and responsibilities for both husband and wife
• The Qur'an describes spouses as "garments for one another" (Surah 2:187), emphasising mutual protection and comfort

Sexual relationships and contraception

Religious teachings address when sexual relationships are appropriate and the use of contraception within marriage.

Christian views on sexual relationships:

• Most Christians teach that sex should only occur within marriage (heterosexual marriage in traditional teaching)
• Sex is a gift from God with purposes of unity between spouses and procreation
• Premarital sex (sex before marriage) and extramarital sex (sex outside marriage) are considered sinful
• "Flee from sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:18)
• Roman Catholic Church opposes all artificial contraception as it separates the unitive and procreative purposes of sex
• Protestant denominations generally accept contraception as responsible family planning
• Natural family planning methods are acceptable to Catholics

Islamic views on sexual relationships:

• Sex is permitted only within marriage; zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) is a major sin
• The Qur'an commands: "Do not go near to adultery. It is an indecency and an evil way" (Surah 17:32)
• Sex within marriage is viewed positively as fulfilling natural needs in a halal way
• Most Islamic scholars permit contraception within marriage if both spouses agree
• Methods that prevent fertilisation are generally acceptable; abortion is more controversial
• Family planning is seen as responsible, especially if it protects the mother's health

Same-sex relationships and homosexuality

This remains one of the most debated issues in contemporary religious ethics.

Traditional Christian views:

• Many Christians interpret biblical passages (Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27) as condemning homosexual acts
• Roman Catholic Church distinguishes between homosexual orientation (not sinful) and homosexual acts (sinful)
• "Love the sinner, hate the sin" approach common in traditional teaching
• Marriage is defined as between one man and one woman only
• Some Christians emphasise biblical passages about love and acceptance

Liberal Christian views:

• Some denominations (e.g., Quakers, some Anglican churches) accept and bless same-sex relationships
• Argue that biblical texts must be understood in historical context
• Emphasise Jesus's message of love and inclusion
• Support same-sex marriage as equal to heterosexual marriage
• Focus on committed, loving relationships rather than gender of partners

Islamic views:

• Traditional Islamic teaching prohibits same-sex sexual activity based on Qur'anic references to the people of Lut (Lot)
• Homosexual acts are considered major sins in all traditional schools of Islamic law
• Most Muslim scholars maintain that marriage can only be between a man and a woman
• Some progressive Muslims argue for more compassionate approaches while still maintaining traditional prohibitions

Divorce and remarriage

Religious traditions vary significantly in their acceptance of divorce.

Christian perspectives on divorce:

• Annulment is the only option in Roman Catholicism — a declaration that a valid marriage never existed
• Grounds for annulment include lack of consent, being under duress, or not intending to have children
• Protestant churches generally accept divorce in certain circumstances (adultery, abuse, abandonment)
• Jesus taught: "Anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9)
• Orthodox churches allow divorce and remarriage with penance
• Remarriage after divorce is not accepted in Catholic Church unless previous marriage was annulled
• Many Christians believe divorce should be a last resort after all attempts at reconciliation

Islamic perspectives on divorce:

• Divorce (talaq) is permitted but described as "the most hated of permissible things" in hadith
• Husband traditionally initiates talaq, though wife can request divorce (khul)
• Process includes waiting period (iddah) of three menstrual cycles to allow for reconciliation and confirm no pregnancy
• Men can pronounce talaq three times, with waiting periods between, giving time for reconsideration
• Women retain their mahr (dowry) in most forms of divorce
• Remarriage is permitted for both parties after divorce is finalised
• Shari'ah law provides detailed procedures to ensure fairness

Equality of men and women in religious life

Religious texts and traditions present varied perspectives on gender roles.

Christian views on gender equality:

• "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28) — suggests spiritual equality
• Debate centres on leadership roles: some churches ordain women as priests/ministers, others do not
• Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches reserve priesthood for men only
• Anglican Communion and many Protestant denominations ordain women
• Traditional interpretations of Paul's letters (1 Timothy 2:12) used to restrict women's teaching roles
• Many modern Christians emphasise equal partnership in marriage rather than male headship
• Growing recognition of women's contributions to Church history and theology

Islamic views on gender equality:

• Islam teaches spiritual equality: "Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer — those will enter Paradise" (Surah 4:124)
• Different roles in family life: men traditionally breadwinners, women traditionally focused on home
• Women's testimony worth half a man's in certain legal contexts (controversial interpretation)
• Most Islamic traditions do not permit women to lead mixed-gender prayers
• Women have independent legal identity, right to own property, work, and receive education
• Modern Muslim scholars debate whether traditional practices reflect Qur'anic principles or cultural customs
• Many Muslims distinguish between Islam's original egalitarian message and later cultural practices

Family life and parenting

Both religions place great emphasis on the family as the fundamental unit of society.

Christian family values:

• "Children are a heritage from the Lord" (Psalm 127:3) — children as blessing
• Parents responsible for raising children in Christian faith and teaching moral values
• "Honour your father and mother" (Fifth Commandment) — duty of children to parents
• Family provides love, security, stability and religious education
• Extended family important in many Christian communities, especially Caribbean and African traditions
• Churches often provide family support through baptism, confirmation, and pastoral care

Islamic family values:

• Strong emphasis on family structure with clearly defined rights and responsibilities
• Parents (especially mothers) highly honoured: "Paradise lies at the feet of your mother" (hadith)
• Children must show respect and care for parents, especially in old age
• Extended family networks important, especially in Muslim-majority cultures
• Religious education begins at home with parents teaching children about Islam
• Family provides framework for teaching children about halal and haram (permitted and forbidden)

Worked examples

Example 1: AO1 question (4 marks)

Question: Explain two Christian beliefs about the purpose of marriage. (4 marks)

Mark scheme approach:

• 2 marks per belief
• 1 mark for identifying the belief, 1 mark for development/explanation

Model answer: One Christian belief about marriage is that it provides a sacred context for procreation (1 mark). Christians believe God commanded humans to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28), so having children within marriage fulfils God's purpose and provides a stable family environment for raising children in the faith (1 mark for development).

Another Christian belief is that marriage creates a permanent union between husband and wife (1 mark). Jesus taught that "what God has joined together, let no one separate" (Mark 10:9), meaning marriage is a lifelong commitment that reflects God's faithful love for humanity and cannot be broken (1 mark for development).

Example 2: AO1 question (5 marks)

Question: Explain two Islamic teachings about sexual relationships. (5 marks)

Mark scheme approach:

• Detailed explanation with religious teachings/sources gets full marks
• Simple explanation gets fewer marks

Model answer: Islam teaches that sexual relationships are only permitted within marriage (1 mark). The Qur'an explicitly forbids zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) and states "Do not go near to adultery. It is an indecency and an evil way" (Surah 17:32) (1 mark). This is because Islam views marriage as the framework that makes sexual relationships halal (permissible), while sex outside marriage is haram (forbidden) and damages both individuals and society (1 mark).

Another teaching is that sexual relations within marriage are viewed positively as fulfilling natural desires in a way that pleases Allah (1 mark). The Prophet Muhammad encouraged married couples to enjoy physical intimacy, and sexual relations between spouses are even considered an act of worship when done with the right intention (1 mark).

Example 3: AO2 question (15 marks)

Question: "Religious people should not get divorced." Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) (15 marks)

Mark scheme approach:

• Level 4 (13-15 marks): Excellent analysis showing depth and breadth, with accurate religious knowledge and developed arguments on both sides
• Must include religious teachings and different viewpoints
• Conclusion should be supported by arguments presented

Model answer structure:

Arguments agreeing with the statement:

Many Christians, particularly Roman Catholics, would agree with this statement because they believe marriage is a sacrament that creates a permanent bond before God. Jesus taught that "what God has joined together, let no one separate" (Mark 10:9), which Catholics interpret as meaning marriage is indissoluble. The Catholic Church only permits annulment, not divorce, maintaining that a valid marriage cannot be ended. This view emphasises that married couples made sacred vows before God and their community, and should work through difficulties with prayer, counselling and forgiveness rather than divorcing.

Similarly, many Muslims would argue against divorce, as the Prophet Muhammad described it as "the most hated of permissible things." This suggests that while divorce is allowed in Islam, it should be avoided wherever possible. Muslims believe marriage strengthens the ummah (community) and provides the proper structure for raising children in the faith. Divorce can damage family stability and harm children, so reconciliation should always be attempted first.

Arguments disagreeing with the statement:

However, many Christians take a more compassionate view, particularly in cases of adultery, abuse, or abandonment. Protestant churches generally permit divorce in these circumstances, noting that Jesus himself allowed for divorce "except for sexual immorality" (Matthew 19:9). They argue that forcing people to remain in abusive or broken marriages causes more harm than allowing divorce. Some Christians emphasise that God is forgiving and that divorce may be the most loving option when a marriage has irretrievably broken down.

Islamic teaching also recognises that divorce may be necessary when reconciliation is impossible. The Qur'an provides detailed procedures for divorce (talaq) precisely because it acknowledges that some marriages cannot work. The waiting period (iddah) allows time for reconsideration, but if the couple cannot reconcile, divorce is permitted. This shows Islam's practical approach—maintaining that while marriage is ideal, individuals should not be trapped in miserable relationships.

Evaluation and conclusion:

In conclusion, while both Christianity and Islam place great value on marriage, most traditions recognise that divorce may sometimes be necessary. The key difference is that Catholic Christianity maintains marriage is absolutely indissoluble, while Protestant Christianity and Islam permit divorce in certain circumstances while still considering it a last resort. A balanced view might be that religious people should make every effort to preserve marriage through prayer, counselling and forgiveness, but that divorce should be available when a relationship becomes harmful or irretrievably damaged.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Confusing Christian denominations: Don't assume all Christians have identical views—specify whether you're discussing Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox perspectives, as they differ significantly on divorce, contraception, and women's ordination.

• Oversimplifying Islamic teachings: Avoid presenting Islam as monolithic; acknowledge diversity of interpretation among different schools of Islamic law (Sunni, Shi'a) and between traditional and progressive Muslims.

• Using only one religious reference: In 4-5 mark questions, always provide specific religious teachings, quotations or sources (Bible verses, Qur'an references, hadith) to support your points rather than making vague statements.

• Failing to develop both sides in evaluation questions: For 15-mark questions, you must present substantial arguments on both sides of the issue, not just a token opposing view followed by three paragraphs supporting your preferred position.

• Mixing up AO1 and AO2 skills: AO1 questions ask you to explain/describe religious beliefs—don't give your personal opinion. AO2 questions require evaluation and argument—don't just describe beliefs without analysing them.

• Ignoring contemporary issues: Make connections to modern contexts (e.g., same-sex marriage legislation, changing family structures) to show you understand how religious teachings apply to current debates.

Exam technique for "Issues of Relationships"

• Learn command words: "Explain" (AO1) requires you to show understanding by giving reasons/examples/development; "Discuss/Evaluate" (AO2) requires balanced arguments and judgement on different viewpoints.

• Time management for extended responses: Spend 18-20 minutes on 15-mark questions; plan for 1-2 minutes, write 4-5 paragraphs covering both sides, and always write a conclusion that links back to the question.

• Mark allocation guides content: For 4-mark questions, make two distinct points with development; for 5-mark questions, provide detailed explanations with religious sources; for 15-mark questions, aim for 4-5 developed paragraphs plus conclusion.

• Quote accurately: You don't need word-perfect Bible or Qur'an quotations, but reference them correctly (e.g., "Mark 10:9 teaches that...", "In Surah 2:187 the Qur'an describes...") to demonstrate specific knowledge rather than general awareness.

Quick revision summary

Marriage is considered sacred in Christianity and Islam, with purposes including procreation, companionship and social stability. Christians are divided on divorce (Catholics reject it, Protestants may permit it), while Muslims allow it as a last resort. Sexual relationships should occur only within marriage according to traditional teaching, though views on contraception vary. Same-sex relationships remain controversial, with traditional interpretations prohibiting them while some liberal Christians adopt affirming positions. Gender equality teachings emphasise spiritual equality but differ on practical roles in worship and family life. Family remains central to both faiths as the foundation for raising children and maintaining religious values.