Relationships (Unit 1)

Relationships (Unit 1)

1. The New Testaments has four words for love

   • Philia
   • Eros
   • Agape
   • Storge

2. Sexual relationships

   • Sex is a natural and a gift from God
   • CHRISTIANS and MUSLIMS believed that marriage is the best time for sex to take place
   • Sex is there to show love, commitment and procreation

3. Contraception

   • Catholic Christians
     • They will not allow contraception except the natural rhythm method.
     • Artificial methods are not allowed (e.g. condoms)
     • Sex should be open to create new life
   • Protestant Christians
     • Contraception is allowed if acceptable to both couple
       • Sex MUST be within marriage
   • Muslims
     • Allow couples to use contraception, only within marriage but not for promiscuity
       • Artificial methods are allowed
       • Vasectomy are not allowed because it cannot be reversed

4. Marriage & Cohabitation

   • Christian wedding ceremony
     • Vicar speaks about the purpose of marriage
       • Legal statements (reasons why they cannot get marry)
         • Readings --> hymns --> prayers
           • Promises (vows) - to have, hold, love and cherish
             • Exchange of rings to symbolise eternity
               • Sign the register
   • Christians ideas about marriage
     • Marriage is a gift from God, a sacrament
       • Marriage should be heterosexual
       • Marriage is for life
         • "'Till death do us apart"
           • This vow is to each other, to God and the Christian community
     • The perfect situation for the children to be brought up in; it gives a loving, stable and secure enviroment
   • Muslim wedding ceremony
     • Couples will have their marriage arranged
       • A dowry called a 'mahr' is exchanged - either in the form of money or goods
         • The ceremony is called 'Nikah' and can be taken place in large halls, at home or at Mosque
           • Imam is needed
             • The bride does not need to be in the wedding - but this is rare nowadays
               • Verses (ayat) from Quran are read out
                 • The 'mahr' (dowry) is agreed
                   • Vows are ecxchanged
                     • Couple sign the wedding contract
     • Muslims PROHIBIT cohabitation