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| Well, where does one begin? Most Theists would say with marriage! Others say sex should come first, as you need to be sure you are sexually compatible with your partner before commiting to life-long marriage. In this module we consider sex first; but that is not necessarily a reflection of our 'position', rather it is considered best to get it out of the way before we get to the really important issues. Remember that sexual intimacy only makes up 5% of the relationship called marriage, while all of it is based upon trust and friendship. The links below should be used to develop your 'objective' knowledge and understanding of these areas. I have included the questions you will be expected to research possible responses to, during this module. Don't forget to check out TV dramas, documentaries and movies about all three areas, as you can refer to them when discussing these issues, for all our modules are inter-related! |
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| Module Questions |
| When considering possible responses to these questions, don't limit your exploation to our local area, widen your fields of study and look at what happens nationally, and globally. What may be acceptable here may not be elsewhere. Look at how the laws of other lands have been influenced by the majority faith beliefs of the people of that land. Further, consider how you might be treated/deemed if you did something to 'offend' others by behaving in a way that abuses their spiritual beliefs. Remember that old addage - when in Rome! What does sacred texts tell us about how people should behave, in all the following instances? Find some quotes that you could use to support your understanding; it is always a good idea to have some evidence to support your claims. Choose one faith position and consider what they might say about: sex outside marriage - sex before marriage and adultery. How can a man or woman maintain their self-respect if they are promiscus? Should homosexuals/transexuals/intersexuals be allowed to marry, sentenced to death? Should people of faith use contraceptives, not just to stop unwanted pregnancies, but to hinder the spread of HIV and AIDS? What is the difference between marriage, common-law marriage and cohabitation? What evidence is there that marriage is not as popular as it used to be, here in England. What evidence is there that more people are getting divorced, around the world? Consider three negatives to divorced. Consider reasons why people of faith may not want to get divorced. Look at Islam and Christianity in the first two instances, then try to compare with possible Humanist responses. Now consider reasons as to why divorce the best optionm in some instances. Do you agree with divorce? Consider how you might help a family member/friend who came to you for help; how could you help them objectively, if what they want to do, goes against your beliefs? Consider reasons why a religious marriage ceremony might help a marriage work and reasons why it might make no difference at all. Consider why Christians and Muslims think family life is very important. What religious teaching might guide them on how to bring up their families - find some evidence/quotes. How does religion help keep a family together? Can there be happy secular families? We will be discussing these questions and more during our lessons and you will be required to sit a 20min. exam at the end of the module, dates to be confirmed. As normal I am sure you will all have a lot to say; what we will be looking for though is depth of knowledge and understanding and your ability to present your considerations in a fair and objective manner. Don't forget to sign the guestbook so that your efforts can be noted. If you find any sites you think we should include, let us know. |
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| Sex, Marriage and Family Life |
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