Higher Gender questions – the marriage section
Someone got in touch today (bit last minute!) to ask how to approach questions about same-sex marriage. They had the same reservations as lots of us – in that we believe that same-sex marriage is completely acceptable and can’t understand how there can be ‘moral issues’ arising from it. I did understand where they were coming from, as none of really want to voice ideas that we think may be outdated or based on hate. But the issue is that some people do believe it’s wrong – and attempt to block people’s right to equality and marriage – and that’s how I would approach an essay like this one:
Analyse religious responses to moral issues arising from same-sex marriage.
KU – A same-sex marriage is where a man marries another man, or a woman marries another woman.
KU – A moral issue arising from same-sex marriage is that you do not choose whether you are homosexual or not, but there are people that say to be in an active same-sex relationship is wrong and countries that deny people the right to marry.
KU – It says in the Old Testament that if a man has sex with another man, then they should be put to death.
A – Therefore, a Christian might respond by saying that being gay is not a problem but being in a same-sex marriage which includes a sexual relationship is – as this goes against God’s word in the Bible and that God is the only one who can judge.
KU – It says in the Qur’an that God made ‘two mates – the male and female.’
A – Therefore, a Muslims might respond to the issue of marriage rights to say that people of the same-sex should not be in a marriage because this is not the way God made them to be and we shouldn’t go against what He intended.
KU – However, it also says in the Bible ‘treat others how you want to be treated.’
KU – and it also says Jesus said the most important thing is to ‘Love other people as I have loved you.’
A – Therefore, a Christian might respond to the issue by saying, not all Old Testament laws are applicable today and it’s more important to show people love and acceptance as Jesus reiterated love countless times through his ministry.
A – They might also say that everyone is entitled to equal rights in marriage because this is how we all would want to be treated ourselves and Jesus always treated people fairly.
The other topic I’ve been asked about is arranged marriage. Although it might not be considered the norm in Scotland, it is common in many cultures and is often viewed positively. In an arranged marriage, families may suggest or help choose a partner, but both people are still free to accept or refuse the marriage. In many cultures, this is seen as supportive rather than oppressive. Obviously, this is different from a forced marriage – when someone is pressured, threatened, or emotionally or physically coerced into marrying against their will.
The difficulty – and why it can become a moral issue – is that there can sometimes be a grey area between:
- strong family expectations or cultural pressure, and
- genuine freedom to choose.
That’s why people debate it ethically. Some argue that even subtle pressure can undermine autonomy… which is where I’ve gone with my essay:
Analyse religious responses to moral issues arising from arranged marriage.
KU – An arranged marriage is one in which the parents find a partner for their children but the people getting married must make the decision of whether it’s right for them.
KU – A moral issue arising from arranged marriage with whether the people getting married are really make a free choice or not. They might feel that they can’t say no out of a sense of obligation to their family or tradition, even if it’s not what they really want.
KU – In the Qur’an/Muslim holy book it says ‘The virgin should not be given in marriage until her permission has been sought.’
A – Therefore, in response to this issue, a Muslim might say that consent must be freely given and that marriage should not be forced upon someone. This teaching shows that Islam values individual choice and recognises that a marriage without genuine agreement would be unfair and could damage the wellbeing of the people involved.
A – A Muslim may also argue that arranged marriage itself is not wrong, as long as both individuals are able to refuse the match.
KU – In the Bible, it says that you should ‘treat others how you want to be treated’.
A – Therefore, a Christian might argue that pressuring someone into marriage would be morally wrong because it fails to treat them with love, respect, and compassion. However, many Christians would also recognise that arranged marriages can still be moral if both people freely consent and are treated with dignity.
KU – Another moral issue from arranged marriage is that they can often be rushed. For example, sometimes the couple have only met once or twice. This means that they might not have much of a connection and end up in an unhappy relationship.
KU – In the Bible it says that when people get married it’s like two people becoming ‘one flesh.’
A – Therefore, Christians may argue that marriage should involve a deep level of commitment, trust, and understanding between two people. If a marriage is rushed into, there may not have been enough time to develop this bond fully.
A – A relationship that becomes harmful or unhappy would go against Jesus’ teaching to ‘treat others how you want to be treated.’ Because of this, some Christians may believe it is important that both people have enough time and freedom to decide whether the relationship is right for them before marrying.
Final tip: NEVER bring in strengths/weaknesses/pros/cons or ‘I think’ to an Analyse question.
