AQA GCSE Religious Studies (8062) · Paper 2
💞 Theme A: Relationships & Families
Revision notes written to the specification, with examiner tips and the required practicals. Every point here has flashcards in the Stickwise app.
Sex, marriage, divorce & family
MarriageFor Christians, marriage is a lifelong covenant made before God. For Muslims, it is a sacred contract, or nikah, described as 'half of faith'. Both religions see marriage as the proper setting for sex and family life.
Sex outside marriageBoth religions have traditionally condemned sex outside marriage, with adultery viewed even more seriously, though some liberal Christians accept sex within a committed premarital relationship.
ContraceptionCatholics permit only natural methods of family planning, while most Protestants and most Muslims allow contraception within marriage as a form of responsible planning.
DivorceCatholics teach that marriage is indissoluble, so only annulment is possible. Other Christians view divorce as a sad last resort, after which remarriage may be allowed. In Islam, divorce is permitted, but it is 'most hated by Allah' of lawful things.
Same-sex relationshipsTraditional teaching in both religions holds that marriage is between a man and a woman, while still calling for respect towards all people. Liberal groups, such as the Quakers and parts of the Church of England, affirm same-sex relationships, and exam answers should present both views.
Family & genderThe family, whether nuclear, extended, blended or another form, is valued as the setting for procreation, care, and a child's first lessons in faith. Both religions agree that men and women have equal worth, but whether they should have equal roles, for example in the priesthood or imamate, remains a live debate.
🎯 Examiner tip: Theme questions are usually 12-mark evaluations. Structure your answer in four parts: a religious view supported by a quotation, a contrasting religious view, a non-religious view, and finally a justified conclusion. This four-part structure matches what the mark scheme rewards.
Turn these notes into memory. 9 flashcards cover this topic. Short daily sessions, spaced repetition up to your exam date, quizzes with friends. Free during the beta.Practise Theme A: Relationships & Families in the app ↗