New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

Divorce and remarriage in Christianity

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

New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

Divorce and remarriage in Christianity

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.


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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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the key term to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:Contraception,Precautions taken to prevent pregnancy

Precautions taken to prevent pregnancy

Correct Answer:Absolutist,Belief that some actions are always right or always wrong

Belief that some actions are always right or always wrong

Correct Answer:Situation Ethics,An ethical theory focused on the most loving action

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.

Correct Answer: Pope, pope

Q3.
What does Humanae Vitae say about artificial contraception?

It is allowed if church leaders agree
It is required for family planning
Correct answer: It is never allowed

Q4.
Which method can be used in social science to find out views on contraception?

Correct answer: Surveys and interviews
Bible readings and sermons
Prayers and rituals

Q5.
What does family planning mean?

Correct answer: Planning when to have children and how many
Avoiding marriage and family life
Deciding not to follow any Christian teachings

Q6.
Do all Christians in a denomination follow all teachings exactly?

Correct answer: No, they may use their conscience to decide
Yes, they must all follow the same rules
Yes, Christians always have the same beliefs

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
The Catholic Church teaches that remarriage after divorce is a .

Correct Answer: sin, Sin

Q2.
The marriage ‘till death do us part’ shows the belief that marriage is for life.

Correct Answer: vow, Vow

Q3.
Jesus said that anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits .

Correct Answer: adultery, Adultery

Q4.
What does the Church of England say about remarriage?

It is never allowed
Correct answer: It may be allowed in exceptional cases
It is allowed for everyone without restriction

Q5.
An annulment is the same as a divorce.

Correct answer: No, an annulment says the marriage was never valid
Yes, both completely end a marriage
Yes, both allow remarriage without question

Q6.
Why do some Christians allow divorce?

They believe divorce is always the easiest choice
Correct answer: They believe it can be the most loving action in some cases
They believe vows do not matter in modern life