Why have attitudes changed -
There are some aspects of marriage that people have changed their attitudes on generally in the last 40 years some of these include -
One change to marriage and family life is there is more sex outside of marriage now this raises some moral issues with Christians and Jews and they have different views on whether this is acceptable (see tables below) -
Christian views -
Never ( Most Christians )- The Catholic Church statues pre-martial sex is wrong
- God made sex for procreation and children should only be brought up in a Christian marriage - The bible statues fornication is sinful Adultery ( All christians are against it ) - - Breaks wedding vows - "thou shall not commit adultery " - Jesus condemn it |
In cohabitation ( minority view )- Only if they are expecting to marry when starting a family
- Has to be a committed and long term relationship |
Jewish views -
Never ( Most Jews )- Torah forbids fornication
- They believe children should be born into a marriage and sex is for procreation - The talmud statues sex should only take place within marriage Adultery ( All Jews are against it ) - - Breaks wedding vows -It could harm a family and cause divorce - "Thou shall not commit adultery" |
In cohabitation ( Progressive Jews )- So long as their committed
- They must intend to marry in the long term |
Divorce -
Another aspect in society which has recently changed is its now far more acceptable to have a divorce so many more people do, however Jews and Christians also have views on this ( see tables below ) -
Christian views -
Accepted- We all deserve forgiveness and second chances
- The church says its better to divorce than live in hatred - The doctrine of double effect shows we should do the lesser of the 2 evils which could sometimes be a divorce - The bible suggests in extreme circumstances it can sometimes be accepted |
Not accepted- It breaks the wedding vows and promises you made to God
- It could break up the family and upset the children - Church teaches divorce is wrong - You can't remarry as you are still married in the eyes of God therefore re-marriage is seen as adultery |
Jewish views -
Wrong- It could harm the children
- The talmud suggests its and offence to God |
accepted if initiated by man- only men can apply for the halakhah
- Marriage is seen as a contract which can be broken |
Accepted- The doctrine of double effect can justify it if divorce is the lesser of the two evils
- Men and women should have equal rights in religion |