New
New
Year 11
AQA

Different religious views about sex before marriage

I can explain Christian teachings and different Christian views on sex before marriage.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Different religious views about sex before marriage

I can explain Christian teachings and different Christian views on sex before marriage.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. There are different views on the purpose of sex in Christianity.
  2. Christian may use different sources of authority when considering views on sex before marriage.
  3. Most Christian denominations teach that sex before marriage is wrong.
  4. Survey data shows that Christian views on unmarried couples having sex does not match most Church teachings.
  5. Some Christians believe it is okay to have sex before marriage if the couple are in a committed relationship.

Keywords

  • Committed - a sense of dedication and obligation to someone or something

  • Promiscuity - having a lot of different sexual partners or sexual relationships; a person that does this is promiscuous

  • Sex before marriage - having sex with someone before you are married. Also known as sexual relationships before marriage or premarital sex

  • Sexual immorality - sexual acts that go against a law or are considered wrong

Common misconception

All Christians are against sex before marriage.

Some believe that it is okay if it is between a committed couple, i.e., engaged to marry.


To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about sex before marriage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Some students may be embarrassed or become silly when talking about sex. Using the keywords from the start gives them the language to help them discuss this topic.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.

Correct Answer:sex before marriage,having a sexual relationship before getting married

having a sexual relationship before getting married

Correct Answer:consensual sex,when both people freely agree to have sex

when both people freely agree to have sex

Correct Answer:promiscuity,having multiple sexual partners without commitment

having multiple sexual partners without commitment

Q2.
In England and Wales, it is legal to have sex before marriage as long as both people are or older.

Correct Answer: 16, sixteen

Q3.
Which of the following can influence a person’s view on sex before marriage?

cultural norms and laws
religious beliefs and teachings
the views of family and friends
Correct answer: all of the above

Q4.
Why do some non-religious people accept sex before marriage?

Correct answer: they believe marriage is unnecessary for a committed relationship
it is illegal in the UK
they believe sex should only be for procreation

Q5.
Which of the following is not a reason why adultery is considered wrong?

it breaks marriage vows
it can cause emotional distress
Correct answer: it is illegal in the UK

Q6.
Why do many countries where adultery is illegal have strict laws against it?

they are following Christian teachings
Correct answer: they are influenced by Islamic beliefs
they want to prevent overpopulation

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to the correct definitions.

Correct Answer:promiscuity,having many sexual partners or relationships

having many sexual partners or relationships

Correct Answer:sex before marriage,engaging in a sexual relationship before marriage

engaging in a sexual relationship before marriage

Correct Answer:committed,a sense of dedication and obligation to someone

a sense of dedication and obligation to someone

Correct Answer:sexual immorality,sexual acts that go against morals & religion

sexual acts that go against morals & religion

Q2.
Which of these is a source of authority that a Christian might look to in order to decide on their views about sex before marriage?

the Bible
Church leaders
their conscience
Correct answer: all of the above

Q3.
What does the Catholic Catechism teach about sex outside of marriage?

Correct answer: that it is always a grave sin
that it is only sinful if it involves multiple partners
the Catechism does not mention sex before marriage

Q4.
What does 1 Corinthians 6:18 teach about sexual immorality?

that all sins are the same
Correct answer: that sexual sin is sin against one’s own body
that only married people can sin sexually

Q5.
Which of these statements best describes the Church of England’s current stance on sex before marriage?

it strictly forbids it
Correct answer: sex should be reserved for marriage (but some members are more inclusive)
it teaches that sex is only for procreation

Q6.
Some Christians believe that sex before marriage is acceptable if the couple are in a relationship.

Correct Answer: committed, Committed