Divorce and remarriage in Christianity
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain Christian teachings and Christian views on divorce, remarriage and ethical arguments relating to them
Key learning points
- The Bible teaches about divorce and remarriage however Christians interpret the text differently
- The Catholic Church does not allow divorce however in specific cases it does allow for an annulment or separation
- Other Churches have made statements on divorce saying it is not desirable but may be allowed in specific cases
- Some Christians view remarriage as adultery wheras others allow it in exceptional circumstances
- 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.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the key term to the correct definition.
Precautions taken to prevent pregnancy
Belief that some actions are always right or always wrong
An ethical theory focused on the most loving action
Q2.Some Christians follow the document called Humanae Vitae, which was issued by Paul VI in 1968.
Q3.What does Humanae Vitae say about artificial contraception?
Q4.Which method can be used in social science to find out views on contraception?
Q5.What does family planning mean?
Q6.Do all Christians in a denomination follow all teachings exactly?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The Catholic Church teaches that remarriage after divorce is a .
Q2.The marriage ‘till death do us part’ shows the belief that marriage is for life.
Q3.Jesus said that anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits .
Q4.What does the Church of England say about remarriage?
Q5.An annulment is the same as a divorce.
Q6.Why do some Christians allow divorce?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Divorce and remarriage in Christianity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Divorce and remarriage in Christianity, 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 Marriage and the family unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.