Religious Attitudes to Marriage (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: C120
Christian attitudes to marriage
Christians believe that marriage was one of God’s gifts at creation
In the Bible, it is described as natural for a man and a woman to leave their parents and become “one flesh” through which they bring new life into the world (procreation)
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24)
Some Christians, including those from the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, see marriage as a sacrament
This means it is a lifelong union between a man and woman, blessed by God
The love of the couple reflects the love of Jesus Christ for the Church
The couple should love each other
“as Christ loved the Church” (Ephesians 5:25)
Marriage is a covenant (agreement) the couple make before God that they will remain faithful to each other until death
They state this in the vows (promises) they make during the marriage ceremony
“Till death us do part” (vows from an Anglican wedding ceremony)
The exchange of rings during a marriage ceremony represents eternal love
Marriage is a spiritual bond of trust between two people
There are many purposes of marriage for Christians who believe it is:
The proper place to enjoy a sexual relationship
The proper place for procreation and to raise children within a religious faith
A place for love, friendship and support for life through good and bad times
Muslim attitudes to marriage
Islam teaches that marriage is important to God. The Hadith says:
“There is no institution in Islam more beloved and dearer [to God] than marriage” (Hadith)
Marriage is seen as a gift from Allah. The Qur’an describes that Allah created a soulmate for humans to find comfort
“one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them” (Qur’an 30:21)
Muslims see marriage as a faithful, lifelong commitment
Adults are expected to marry, as it is a normal part of life
Husband and wife have an equal partnership under God
Marriage was intended by God for the sharing of love and companionship
The Qur’an says that husbands and wives are like garments for each other (Qur’an 2:187), meaning that they should support and care for one another
Marriage prevents Muslims from sinning sexually
It helps people develop spiritually, which adds value to worship
Marriage is a social contract that brings two families together and, therefore, has an impact on the wider community
In Islam, marriage is the foundation for family life
It is the proper place to raise a family and to teach children Muslim values and traditions
In Islam, marriages can be arranged (parents help to find a suitable partner) but not forced
The Hadith teaches that young people have the right to refuse
“If a man gives his daughter in marriage while she is averse to it, then such marriage is invalid” (Hadith)
An Islamic marriage ceremony, or nikkah, takes place in a mosque or the bride’s home to show that it is valid under Islamic law
In England and Wales, the couple must also go through a civil ceremony so that the marriage is legal under UK law
It is believed that a Muslim woman must marry a Muslim
A Muslim man can marry a Muslim, Christian or Jew
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Make sure you can link key terms to teachings. For 2-mark questions, knowing short definitions such as sacrament, covenant or nikkah is enough, but for higher-mark questions (8 or 15 marks), you’ll need to support your points with religious evidence.
Try to memorise one Bible verse, e.g. “the two will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24), and one Qur’an verse, e.g. “He created for you spouses so that you may find comfort in them” (Qur’an 30:21). These will be helpful as evidence for answering 8-mark or 15-mark questions.
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