Theme A: Relationships + families
Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies revision on Theme A: Relationships + families. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B 1RB0 specification. This bank has 8 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 8)
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Question 1
Christian teaching on marriage is that it should be...
- A) Between two people of any faith with no commitment
- B) A lifelong commitment, often described as a sacrament
- C) Easily ended
- D) Optional
Show answer
Answer: A lifelong commitment, often described as a sacrament
Catholic: marriage is a SACRAMENT (one of seven) - sealed by God, indissoluble. Anglican + Protestant: covenant rather than sacrament, but still lifelong. Same-sex marriage debate: Methodist + some Anglicans now permit; Catholic Church doesn't. Bible cited: 'What God has joined together, let no one separate' (Mark 10:9).
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Question 2
Islamic teaching on marriage emphasises...
- A) Marriage is optional
- B) A contract (nikah) between bride + groom, with witnesses, dowry (mahr), + family consent
- C) Marriage is only for older people
- D) No witnesses needed
Show answer
Answer: A contract (nikah) between bride + groom, with witnesses, dowry (mahr), + family consent
Muhammad: 'Marriage is half my religion.' Encouraged. Nikah = contract; both parties must consent. Mahr (dowry, given by groom to bride - belongs to her). Walima (wedding feast). Typically between Muslims, though men can marry Christians/Jews. Polygamy permitted (up to 4 wives, with conditions of equal treatment); polyandry forbidden. Divorce permitted but discouraged (talaq).
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Question 3
Cohabitation refers to...
- A) Living together as a couple without being married
- B) Sharing a house with friends
- C) Religious commune
- D) Online dating
Show answer
Answer: Living together as a couple without being married
Christian traditional view: discouraged - sex outside marriage is sinful. Catholic Church strongly opposed. Liberal Christians more accepting. Muslim view: discouraged - sex outside marriage (zina) is haram (forbidden). Strict laws in some Muslim-majority countries. Modern UK: ~40% of couples cohabit before marrying. Legal protections (cohabiting rights) less than marriage.
Want to test yourself on the remaining cards for this topic?
5 more questions on Theme A: Relationships + families — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole Religious Studies spec.