Christianity, Tradition & Change (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

Traditional Christian family roles often reflect biblical teachings from ancient cultural contexts in which:

• Men were usually seen as the head of the household and were responsible for providing for the family and leading in faith

• Women were often expected to care for children, manage the home and support their husbands

Some traditional Christians still maintain these roles today

These traditional Christians base their views on Bible teachings such as:

• Genesis 2:18, where the woman is created as a “helper” for the man

• St Paul’s teachings, including 1 Corinthians 14:34, which suggests that women should be silent in church and submit to their husbands

• The punishment of Eve in Genesis 3:16, which is sometimes interpreted to justify male leadership

Some churches (e.g. Catholic and Orthodox) do not allow women to be priests, believing that only men can represent Jesus at the Eucharist

Many modern Christians believe that men and women are equal in God’s eyes and support equality in family roles

Biblical teachings that support equality include:

• Genesis 1:28, which teaches that both men and women are created in God’s image

• Galatians 3:28, where St Paul writes, “There is neither... male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”

• Jesus, who welcomed female followers, set the example from his behaviour. He taught women (Luke 10:38–42) and also appeared first to women after his resurrection

In modern Christian families, parenting, income-earning, housework and decision-making are often shared between men and women

Marriage is viewed as a partnership of equals

Many Protestant denominations support women in church leadership, reflecting their belief in gender equality in both family and church life

Social changes, such as greater gender equality and evolving family roles, can create emotional or spiritual tension for some Christians

Traditional Christians may feel confused or upset when modern values challenge biblical teachings they hold dear

There may be concern that:

• Christian identity or moral foundations are being weakened

• The sacrificial or servant-based roles of family members are being lost in favour of individualism and societal pressures

Other Christians feel inspired by the shift toward equality and shared responsibility

• They may see change as more faithful to Jesus’s example of love, justice and inclusion

In some churches, differing views on gender roles and leadership can cause division or conflict in the community

• For example, the ongoing refusal of the Catholic Church to ordain women has resulted in some women leaving the Church completely. Some have joined other churches where they feel supported and equal and where they can play a full role in ministry 

• Christians trying to balance tradition with modern life may feel spiritually torn, needing support from scripture, prayer and community