RELIGION AND LIFE 

3 - MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 

Family life - 

Why it is important for Christians - 

• A main purpose of Christian marriage is to have children and bring them up to be good Christians 
• Family created by God as basis of society and the only place for bringing up children 
• Family too important to be broken up by divorce 
• Teaches children the difference between right and wrong 
• Important for Christianity to continue and grow (brings children into the faith) 

However - 

• Jesus taught there are more important things than family 
• Catholic priests, nuns and monks leave family to serve God 

Why it is important to Jews - 

• Mitzvot for Jewish people to marry and have children 
• Children of Jewish parents are automatically Jewish - continuation of faith 
• Teaches children the difference between right and wrong
• Where Shabbat is served and festivals celebrated 
• Importance stated in Ten Commandments