Relationships & Families is a core part of GCSE Religious Studies. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
Marriage in ChristianitySacrament of unity between man and woman until death (Catholic); some Anglicans bless same-sex unions; vows include faithfulness.
Islamic NikahContract requiring offer, acceptance, witnesses, mahr (dowry); permits up to four wives with equal treatment; polygamy rare today.
DivorceChristianity: discouraged but accepted (Anglican remarriage allowed); Islam: triple talaq (Sunni); Catholicism only annulment.
ContraceptionCatholic ban on artificial methods (Humanae Vitae 1968); Protestants generally accept; Islam permits with mutual consent.
Same-Sex RelationshipsDiverse views: progressive Christians/Jews celebrate; Catholic, Orthodox, most Muslim/Hindu/Sikh traditions oppose; debate over Bible passages.
Family RolesReligions emphasise parental love and child obligations; Honour Father and Mother (Exodus 20); Confucian filial piety.
Civil partnershipLegal union (UK) giving similar rights to marriage
Same-sex marriageMarriage between two people of the same sex
PolygamyMarriage to more than one spouse at a time
PatriarchySociety or system led primarily by men
SecularisationDecline of religious influence in society
Reform Judaism / liberalReligious tradition open to change with society
AnnulmentDeclaration that a marriage was never valid
TalaqIslamic divorce procedure
Common mistakes to avoid
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
Do all religious believers hold identical views on family and relationships?✗ Yes, all believers agree completely. ✓ No — teachings and interpretations differ between and within religions.
Do all religions forbid contraception and divorce outright?✗ Yes, all forbid them absolutely. ✓ No — views vary by religion and denomination; many permit them in circumstances.
Are religious experiences accepted as proof by everyone?✗ Yes, everyone accepts them as proof. ✓ No — they convince some but are debated and open to other explanations.
Practise Relationships & Families — free games
Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:
See all 17 games in the Subjects Arcade →
More GCSE Religious Studies topics
← All revision guides
Want to revise every topic this smart?
The Velvet Method teaches you to use AI to revise any subject — £25, lifetime access.
Explore the Course →