Divergent Christian views on divorce and marriage
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.What is the legal age to have consensual sex in England and Wales?
Q2.What might influence someone’s view on sex before marriage?
Q3.Why do some non-religious people object to sex before marriage?
Q4.Why do some people believe adultery is wrong?
Q5.Adultery is not in the UK but is against the law in some other countries.
Q6.Some people are concerned that sex before marriage could result in a being raised without married parents.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Jesus said that what God has together should not be separated (Gospel of Mark).
Q2.The marriage vows include the line ‘till do us part.’
Q3.Which Christian denomination teaches that remarriage after divorce is adultery?
Q4.An annulment is the same as a divorce.
Q5.Why do some Christians accept divorce in certain situations?
Q6.Catholic Christians teach that divorce breaks the of the marriage vows.
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Divergent Christian views on divorce and marriage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Divergent Christian views on divorce and marriage, 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.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Issues of Relationships unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.