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      Christian responses to gender equality

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain different Christian teachings and views on the roles of men and women.

      Key learning points

      1. The roles of men and women in the home have changed over time.
      2. Many tasks in the home are now split equally between men and women.
      3. There are diffrent Christian teachings which could support different roles for men and women in the home
      4. These teachings can be interpreted differently by different Christians.

      Keywords

      • Equality - belief that everyone is equal in value and worth

      • Helper - translation of a Hebrew term ‘ezer’ meaning someone who supports others

      • Roles - the different jobs, responsibilities, or expectations that men and women may have in the family, home, or society

      Common misconception

      That Jesus said that men are the 'head' of the household.

      This is recorded in the Bible as being the words of St Paul, not Jesus.

      Teacher tip

      Students can look at the views of a broader range of Christian denominations such as the Plymouth Brethren to further explore the variety of views on the roles of men and women in the home within Christianity.

      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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      In Christianity, marriage is seen as a , an outward sign of God’s blessing.

      Correct Answer: sacrament

      Q2.
      Some Christians believe that contraception should not be used because couples should be open to .

      Correct Answer: procreation

      Q3.
      Which of these is an example of a blended family?

      A grandparent, parents, and children living together.
      A couple without children living together.
      Correct answer: A couple with children from previous relationships.

      Q4.
      Which of the following is a reason why churches support families?

      Correct answer: To help with spiritual and practical needs.
      To improve attendance numbers.
      To control how families live.

      Q5.
      What is situation ethics?

      Correct answer: Making the most loving choice in each case.
      Always following religious rules.
      Ignoring all ethical guidelines.

      Q6.
      The Catholic Church allows divorce in most cases.

      True – divorce is encouraged after problems.
      Correct answer: False – divorce is not allowed but annulments may be.
      True – divorce is always permitted.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What does the Bible verse in Genesis 2:18 say about the creation of woman?

      Woman was made to serve man.
      Woman was created as a punishment.
      Correct answer: Woman was made to be a suitable helper for man.

      Q2.
      Jesus said that men are the head of the household.

      Correct answer: False – this was written by St Paul, not Jesus.
      False – no religious text says this at all.
      True – Jesus taught that men should lead the family.

      Q3.
      How do Christians differ in their interpretation of teachings about gender roles?

      All Christians agree that men should lead.
      Correct answer: Christians may interpret the same teaching in different ways.
      Only older Christians support gender equality.

      Q4.
      How do many Christians today interpret Paul’s instruction for women to be quiet?

      as a permanent rule for all women
      Correct answer: as a teaching from a different cultural context
      as a command only for married women

      Q5.
      What did PEW research find about views on women in the workforce?

      Correct answer: Most saw it as a change for the better.
      Most religious people disagreed with it.
      Only non-religious people supported it.

      Q6.
      What does the Equal Pay Act do?

      Correct answer: requires equal wages for the same work
      guarantees jobs for all women
      Allows women to retire earlier

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Christian responses to gender equality, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...