Religious teachings on human sexuality, heterosexual and homosexual relationships, sexual relationships before and outside marriage, and the use of contraception and family planning.

What this dot point is asking

AQA wants you to explain religious teachings on human sexuality, sex before and outside marriage, homosexual relationships, and the use of contraception and family planning. Present a range of views within each faith, especially the Catholic position on contraception and liberal Christian acceptance of same-sex relationships.

Sexual relationships

The traditional value here is sometimes called chastity: keeping sex within the commitment of marriage, which believers say protects partners and any children and treats sex as something serious and sacred rather than casual.

Homosexuality

Even among traditional believers, most distinguish between condemning homosexual acts and respecting gay people, and many faith communities reject prejudice and discrimination while differing on relationships.

Contraception and family planning

Views on contraception differ and make a strong contrast question. The Catholic Church permits only natural family planning (such as timing within the fertility cycle), because every sexual act should remain open to the possibility of new life, reflecting "be fruitful and increase in number" (Genesis 1:28). Most Protestant churches and many Muslims allow artificial contraception within marriage so couples can plan their family responsibly, look after the children they have, and protect the mother's health, provided the method does not destroy a fertilised egg (which they would see as ending a life). The shared concern is responsible, faithful family life, with traditions differing on the means.

For the exam, present a genuine range of views rather than treating "religion" as one block. On contraception, the sharp contrast is the Catholic restriction to natural methods (sex must stay open to life) versus the Protestant and much Muslim acceptance of contraception within marriage for responsible planning. On homosexuality, contrast traditional teaching (sexual acts within male and female marriage) with liberal Christian acceptance and blessing of same-sex relationships, while noting that most believers, traditional or liberal, call for respect and reject prejudice. Link this dot point to marriage (since both turn on the purpose of marriage) and to sanctity of life (relevant to contraception methods that might end a fertilised egg). A balanced evaluation weighs the traditional view that sex belongs in marriage against modern arguments about loving, committed relationships and personal freedom.