New
New
Year 11
AQA

Religious views about divorce and remarriage

I can explain Christian teachings and Christian views on divorce, remarriage and ethical arguments relating to them

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Religious views about divorce and remarriage

I can explain Christian teachings and Christian views on divorce, remarriage and ethical arguments relating to them

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The Bible teaches about divorce and remarriage however Christians interpret the text differently
  2. The Catholic Church does not allow divorce however in specific cases it does allow for an annulment or separation
  3. Other Churches have made statements on divorce saying it is not desirable but may be allowed in specific cases
  4. Some Christians view remarriage as adultery wheras others allow it in exceptional circumstances
  5. Christians respond differently to the ethical arguments of compassion, sanctity of marriage vows and situation ethics

Keywords

  • Annulment - a formal declaration that a marriage was not valid

  • Civil - non-religious, secular e.g. civil marriage

  • Divorce - the legal ending of a marriage

  • Remarriage - another marriage after a previous marriage has ended (following divorce or widowhood)

  • Sanctity - something that is holy or sacred

Common misconception

An annulment is the same as a divorce.

An annulment says the marriage was not valid, wheras a divorce ends a marriage.


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

Remind students that a civil marriage/divorce and a religious marriage/divorce are different things.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the term used for the legal ending of a marriage?

Annulment
Separation
Correct answer: Divorce

Q2.
What is one requirement for legally getting divorced in England and Wales?

You must have been married for over 5 years
Correct answer: Your relationship must have permanently broken down
You must have children under the age of 16

Q3.
What impact did World War II have on divorce rates?

Divorce rates decreased significantly after World War II
Divorce rates remained unchanged after World War II
Correct answer: Divorce rates increased after World War II

Q4.
Which of the following is an ethical argument against divorce?

Compassion for unhappy couples
Situation ethics
Correct answer: The sanctity of marriage vows

Q5.
What is the legal requirement for remarriage in the UK?

You must wait 5 years after divorce
Correct answer: You must have been legally divorced or widowed
You must receive approval from a religious leader

Q6.
What ethical argument might support divorce for unhappy couples?

The sanctity of marriage vows
Compassion for future spouses
Correct answer: Situation ethics

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In Mark 10:11-12, Jesus says, “Whoever divorces his wife and another commits adultery…”

Correct Answer: marries, Marries

Q2.
Which of the following is a belief held by the Catholic Church regarding divorce?

Divorce is acceptable in all situations
Correct answer: Divorce is a grave offence against natural law
Divorce is not mentioned in the Bible

Q3.
What does the Catholic Church teach about remarriage after divorce?

Correct answer: Remarriage is a sin, and considered adultery
Remarriage is allowed as long as both parties agree
Remarriage is only allowed after a civil annulment

Q4.
According to Jesus’ teaching in Mark 10, what should happen to a marriage once God has joined a couple?

The marriage should be publicly celebrated
The marriage should be annulled after a certain period
Correct answer: No one should separate them

Q5.
Which Christian denomination recognises that divorce may occur in exceptional circumstances and may allow remarriage in church?

Catholic Church
Correct answer: Church of England
Eastern Orthodox Church

Q6.
What is the Catholic Church’s view on separation in cases of marriage difficulties?

Separation is always sinful
Correct answer: Separation may be allowed, but remarriage is not allowed
Separation is permissible in some cases if civil divorce is not allowed.

Additional material

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