Theme A1: Sex, marriage and divorce

This theme examines religious and non-religious views on sexual relationships, marriage, contraception and divorce. AQA expects you to compare at least two religions (typically Christianity and Islam) and a non-religious view (Humanism / atheism).

The purpose of marriage

For most religions, marriage is a sacred lifelong commitment between (in most traditions) a man and a woman. Stated purposes overlap:

• Companionship and love — Genesis 2:18 — "It is not good for the man to be alone." Qur'an 30:21 — Allah created spouses "that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts."
• Procreation and family — children are seen as a gift; both Christianity and Islam encourage them.
• Sexual relationship within a moral framework.
• Spiritual growth — supporting each other on the path to God.

In Christianity, marriage is one of the seven Catholic sacraments; Anglicans and Methodists also see it as a sacred covenant. Most denominations teach lifelong monogamy ("till death us do part") and oppose extra-marital sex.

In Islam, marriage (nikah) is a contract before witnesses, with mutual consent and a mahr (dowry from groom to bride). Polygamy (up to 4 wives) is permitted in Islamic law but only if they can be treated equally, with strict conditions (Qur'an 4:3) — most Muslims today are monogamous, and many countries restrict it.

Humanism sees marriage as a meaningful but secular commitment; not divinely ordained. Many Humanists value cohabitation as equally valid.

Sex outside marriage

• Christianity (traditional): sex is for marriage. Premarital sex is fornication, opposed by most denominations historically. The Catechism of the Catholic Church and conservative evangelical churches uphold this strongly.
• Christianity (liberal): many Anglicans, Methodists and others now accept committed long-term cohabitation. They emphasise love, fidelity, and consent.
• Islam: sex is reserved for marriage. Zina (sex outside marriage) is a serious sin under Sharia. Islam encourages early marriage to avoid temptation.
• Humanism: sex is acceptable between consenting adults. Emphasis on consent, honesty, contraception and emotional wellbeing rather than the specific marital status.

Same-sex relationships

This is one of the most contested areas in modern religious ethics.

• Christianity (traditional): opposed (Catholic, conservative Anglican, evangelical, Orthodox). Cited verses include Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26–27.
• Christianity (liberal): accepting. The Methodist Church (UK) approved same-sex marriages in 2021; Lutheran Churches in Scandinavia, the Episcopal Church in the US and many others. Argue that Jesus' message of love is the central teaching.
• Islam: traditionally opposed; in some Muslim-majority countries homosexual acts remain illegal. Some Muslim scholars and groups (e.g. Imaan in the UK) advocate for inclusive interpretations.
• Humanism: full equality. Same-sex relationships are normal expressions of human love.

The UK legalised same-sex marriage in 2014 (England, Wales) and 2020 (Northern Ireland).

Cohabitation

• Christianity (traditional): opposed; sex outside marriage is sinful.
• Christianity (liberal): increasingly accepted as a step towards or alternative to marriage.
• Islam: opposed.
• Humanism: a valid choice; what matters is mutual love and commitment.

Contraception

• Catholic Christianity: opposes artificial contraception (Pope Paul VI's Humanae Vitae, 1968). Allows natural family planning. Argues sex must be open to procreation.
• Other Christians (Protestant, Orthodox): generally accept contraception within marriage, especially for spacing children or health reasons.
• Islam: most scholars permit contraception within marriage, especially temporary methods (the pill, condoms). Some discourage permanent sterilisation. The Qur'an does not directly forbid contraception.
• Humanism: contraception is a positive social good — empowers women, reduces poverty, controls population growth.

Divorce

• Catholic Christianity: marriage is indissoluble. The Catholic Church does not permit divorce; only annulment (a declaration that the marriage was never valid). Civil divorce is recognised but Catholics may not remarry in the Church.
• Other Christians (Anglican, Methodist, etc.): divorce permitted, especially for adultery, abuse, or irreparable breakdown. Jesus said: "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery" (Matthew 5:32).
• Islam: divorce (talaq) is permitted but discouraged. Hadith: "Of all things permitted, divorce is the most hateful to Allah." A waiting period (iddah) of three months is observed; reconciliation attempts are encouraged.
• Humanism: divorce is a sometimes-necessary, ethical choice. Better to dissolve a destructive relationship than maintain it for tradition's sake.

Examiner tips

For 12-mark "evaluate" questions, structure as:

• A view that supports the statement (one religion's teaching).
• A view that opposes it (a different religion's teaching, OR a humanist view, OR a different stance within the same religion).
• Reasoned conclusion citing teachings.

Always quote a religious text where possible.