New
New
Year 11
Eduqas

Divergent Christian views on divorce and marriage

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

New
New
Year 11
Eduqas

Divergent Christian views on divorce and marriage

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

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the legal age to have consensual sex in England and Wales?

Correct answer: 16
17
18

Q2.
What might influence someone’s view on sex before marriage?

Correct answer: Family and friends
Only the law
Only religion

Q3.
Why do some non-religious people object to sex before marriage?

They think it always leads to divorce
Correct answer: They think it could cause emotional harm
They think it is illegal

Q4.
Why do some people believe adultery is wrong?

Correct answer: It can break marriage vows
It is illegal in all countries
It always leads to marriage

Q5.
Adultery is not in the UK but is against the law in some other countries.

Correct Answer: illegal, Illegal

Q6.
Some people are concerned that sex before marriage could result in a being raised without married parents.

Correct Answer: baby

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Jesus said that what God has together should not be separated (Gospel of Mark).

Correct Answer: joined, Joined

Q2.
The marriage vows include the line ‘till do us part.’

Correct Answer: death, Death

Q3.
Which Christian denomination teaches that remarriage after divorce is adultery?

Church of England
Methodist Church
Correct answer: Catholic Church

Q4.
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

Q5.
Why do some Christians accept divorce in certain situations?

They believe divorce is always the easiest solution
Correct answer: They believe it can sometimes be the most loving response
They believe marriage vows are not important today

Q6.
Catholic Christians teach that divorce breaks the of the marriage vows.

Correct Answer: sanctity, Sanctity