Importance of Sexual Relationships (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: C120
Traditional views on sexual relationships
Sex is a powerful human instinct and drive
It is how procreation happens, and for much of human history, sex has been linked with having children
In more recent history, successful methods of contraception have been developed and are widely available (e.g. the contraceptive pill)
This allows people to have sex without the prospect of becoming pregnant, which means that attitudes towards sexual activity have changed significantly
Now, the act of sex does not have to be seen as an act of procreation
Traditional views about fidelity have also changed among some people
Traditionally, fidelity was seen as very important because of the raising of children by two parents
Attitudes towards fidelity are changing because sex is not so closely associated with having children
Promiscuity has traditionally been seen as always wrong
In modern society, promiscuity is not condemned as it traditionally was because of the availability of contraception and changing attitudes to sex
Religions still consider promiscuity to be wrong because sex should only be part of a committed relationship between two people
All religions:
View sexual relationships as an important part of being human
Regard sex as a gift from God and part of God’s creation
Think that sex should only be part of a committed relationship between two people who have deep feelings for each other
Recognise that sex allows for the continuation of the human race
See sex as a physical way for people to express love for one another
View promiscuity as wrong or a sin
Chastity & celibacy
Chastity
Chastity is the state of not having sexual relationships until marriage
In the traditional teachings of Christianity and Islam, people are expected to remain chaste before marriage
Sex is seen as something sacred that should only take place within marriage
In the USA, the “Silver Ring Thing” movement encouraged young Christians to wear a silver ring on their wedding finger to show their commitment to stay chaste until marriage
When they marry, the silver ring is replaced by a wedding ring
Celibacy
Celibacy is when a person decides never to have a sexual relationship or marry
This is not always for religious reasons, but within some religions and religious groups, there is a tradition of celibacy as an act of dedication to God
In the Catholic Church, monks, nuns and priests take a vow (promise) of celibacy
This means they make a positive choice to remain unmarried in order to devote their lives fully to God’s service without distraction
This practice is based on Saint Paul’s teachings
“I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord; but the married man is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided.” (1 Corinthians 7:32)
In contrast, Islam teaches that adults should marry and have companionship in life
They believe celibacy is unnecessary because marriage provides support, love and a proper context for sexual relationships
Christian views on sexual relationships
Christians believe that sex is a gift from God and is both sacred and life-giving, allowing for the continuation of humanity through procreation
It is important for many Christians that sexual relationships take place within marriage
This is because Christians believe that sex is an important way for a man and a woman to show commitment to each other
It is part of the lifelong union between husband and wife
This influences the views of some Christians on issues such as sex outside of marriage
This is supported by one of the Ten Commandments in Exodus
“You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14)
Christians believe this commandment shows that God wants people to exercise sexual fidelity within marriage and chastity before marriage
Casual sex, or promiscuity, is viewed as devaluing people and sex itself and is therefore unacceptable
Many Christians are concerned about any children that may be born outside of a stable home environment
The Bible and sexual relationships
The starting point for a Christian understanding of human sexuality is the belief that all humans are made in the image of God
“God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27)
Genesis also teaches that men and women were created to unite and become one
“Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:21–24)
These passages suggest that men and women complete each other through their union in marriage
Christians believe that they have a responsibility to honour God with their bodies, and Saint Paul reminds Christians of this
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:18–20)
This teaches that sex should be treated with respect and self-control, as the body belongs to God
Saint Paul also warns against sexual immorality
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18–20)
Other Bible teachings reinforce the idea that sex should be pure, faithful, treated with respect and open to new life
“Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure.” (Hebrews 13:4)
‘“Be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:28)
Alternative Christian views on sexual relationships
Some Christians believe that some traditional views about sexual relationships are now outdated
They believe that love should be celebrated in all forms and that sex should form part of every normal loving relationship
Some more liberal Christians say that it is acceptable for non-married couples who are cohabiting to have sexual relationships, as long as this is within committed and faithful relationships
They interpret Biblical texts to reflect these beliefs
For example, Saint Paul’s teaching that “you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:1–20) can be interpreted as teaching that sexual relationships are a way of honouring the body and glorifying God, who gave sex as a gift to humans
Muslim views on sexual relationships
Muslims believe that sexual relationships are a gift from Allah and should only take place within marriage
Sex is viewed as sacred, special and an act of worship that strengthens the bond between husband and wife
The Qur’an teaches that marriage allows people to live together in peace and harmony
“He created spouses from among yourselves for you to live in tranquillity” (Qur’an 31:21)
Islam teaches that sex within marriage fulfils three main needs
Physical: Sexual desire is natural and best fulfilled within marriage
Emotional: Sex helps a couple to form a deep and lasting bond, committing themselves to each other and becoming soulmates for life
Spiritual: Sex is an act of worship that pleases Allah
Sex as a physical and emotional bond
Sex within marriage allows a couple to express love and commitment in a lawful way
The Qur’an describes the closeness of a husband and wife using the image of clothing
“they are as [close] as garments to you, as you are to them” (Qur’an 2:187)
This shows that the couple protect and comfort one another, just as clothes protect the body
Sex also fulfils emotional needs by helping couples build trust, compassion and companionship. Through this union, a husband and wife become soulmates for life
Sex as a spiritual act
Muslims believe that sex within marriage is not only physical but also spiritual, as it brings the couple closer to Allah
It fulfils Allah’s command to live morally, supports family life and provides an opportunity for procreation
Sex within marriage is considered an act of worship, obedience and gratitude to Allah
“Our Lord, give us joy in our spouses and offspring. Make us good examples to those who are aware of You” (Qur’an 25:74)
This type of relationship is favoured by Allah and will lead to a reward in the afterlife (akhirah)
Muslim teachings about sexual morality
Islam teaches that chastity before marriage is essential. Muslims should remain pure and avoid temptation
“Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste.” (Qur’an 24:33)
Cohabitation and premarital sex are forbidden as they may lead to sexual immorality. For this reason, boys and girls are often kept separate from puberty
Islam strongly forbids adultery, viewing it as a serious sin that damages families and society
“And do not go near adultery. It is an abomination and an evil way.” (Qur’an 17:32)
Sex outside marriage is considered a form of theft, as it takes something sacred that should only belong to a marriage partner
Worked Example
What is meant by chastity?
[2 marks]
Answer:
Chastity means keeping sexually pure and not having sex before marriage. For example, Muslims are taught to remain chaste until they marry.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You might be asked to evaluate a statement such as: “Sex should only take place within marriage.”
Make a list of the views of Christians and Muslims in response to this question. (Remember that views may vary within religions.)
A successful 15-mark question will require you to refer to religion and belief in your answer. Add relevant teachings from the Bible and Qur’an to your lists to help you back up the points you have made.
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