New
New
Year 11
AQA

Religious attitudes to marriage

I can explain Christian teachings on marriage, Christian marriage ceremonies and different Christian views on marriage.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Religious attitudes to marriage

I can explain Christian teachings on marriage, Christian marriage ceremonies and different Christian views on marriage.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Marriage is an important sacrament in Christianity.
  2. The Bible teaches that the purpose of marriage includes two people joining into 'one flesh' and procreation.
  3. Church leaders have considered modern issues relating to marriage that aren't clear in the Bible.
  4. Christian marriage ceremonies vary depending on factors such as denomination, culture, timing.
  5. There are different views in Christianity on who can marry in a church.

Keywords

  • Cohabitation - living together as partners and having a sexual relationship without being married

  • Marriage - the legally and religiously recognised union of two people as partners in a personal relationship

  • Sacrament - an outward sign of an invisible and inward blessing by God; for example: Baptism, the Eucharist

  • Sanctity - something that is holy or sacred

  • Vow - a promise (made during a marriage ceremony)

Common misconception

All Christian weddings are the same.

Christian weddings will vary depending on denomination, cultural/family traditions, etc.


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

Find or ask students to find pictures of Christian weddings from around the world. What is similar about them? What is different?
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 following marriage-related terms to their meanings.

Correct Answer:polygamy,marriage to multiple spouses

marriage to multiple spouses

Correct Answer:monogamy,marriage to one person

marriage to one person

Correct Answer:cohabitation,living together without marriage

living together without marriage

Q2.
Which of these best describes civil marriage?

Correct answer: a marriage ceremony with no religious elements
a type of temporary marriage
a marriage only allowed for certain people

Q3.
Which of these is a legal requirement for marriage in England and Wales?

you must have a religious ceremony
Correct answer: you must be at least 18 years old
you must live in the same house before marriage

Q4.
Which of these statements about marriage laws worldwide is true?

all countries have the same marriage laws
Correct answer: some countries allow people to marry at a younger age than 18
polygamy is illegal in every country

Q5.
Which factor has contributed to the decline in marriage rates over the past 50 years?

Correct answer: the increased acceptance of cohabitation
more people being forced to marry
stricter marriage laws

Q6.
Some non-religious people believe marriage is important for legal and financial .

Correct Answer: security, Security

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is meant by the term ‘sacrament’ in Christianity?

a civil marriage ceremony
Correct answer: a religious ritual that brings an inward blessing from God
a legal contract between two people

Q2.
What does the Bible verse Mark 10:6-9 suggest about marriage?

Correct answer: that God intended for people to marry and stay together
that marriage should always be arranged by parents
that it is only for people who want children

Q3.
Why do some Christians oppose same-sex marriage?

they believe marriage is only for religious people
Correct answer: they interpret the Bible as saying marriage should be between a man and a woman
they believe marriage should not involve vows

Q4.
In what way do different Christian denominations vary in their views on marriage?

all Christian weddings follow the same format
some Christians do not believe in marriage at all
Correct answer: some Christians accept same-sex marriage, while others do not

Q5.
The Bible states that marriage helps to prevent sexual by providing a proper place for sexual relations.

Correct Answer: immorality, Immorality

Q6.
The exchange of in a Christian wedding ceremony represents the couple’s commitment before God.

Correct Answer: vows