Different religious views about sex before marriage
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain Christian teachings and different Christian views on sex before marriage.
Key learning points
- There are different views on the purpose of sex in Christianity.
- Christian may use different sources of authority when considering views on sex before marriage.
- Most Christian denominations teach that sex before marriage is wrong.
- Survey data shows that Christian views on unmarried couples having sex does not match most Church teachings.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
having a sexual relationship before getting married
when both people freely agree to have sex
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.
Q3.Which of the following can influence a person’s view on sex before marriage?
Q4.Why do some non-religious people accept sex before marriage?
Q5.Which of the following is not a reason why adultery is considered wrong?
Q6.Why do many countries where adultery is illegal have strict laws against it?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to the correct definitions.
having many sexual partners or relationships
engaging in a sexual relationship before marriage
a sense of dedication and obligation to someone
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?
Q3.What does the Catholic Catechism teach about sex outside of marriage?
Q4.What does 1 Corinthians 6:18 teach about sexual immorality?
Q5.Which of these statements best describes the Church of England’s current stance on sex before marriage?
Q6.Some Christians believe that sex before marriage is acceptable if the couple are in a relationship.
To help you plan your 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...
To help you plan your 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.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Relationships and families unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.