Christianity, Tradition & Change (Cambridge International IGCSE Religious Studies)

Christianity and traditional family roles

• Traditional Christian family roles often reflect biblical teachings from ancient cultural contexts in which:

  • Men were usually seen as the head of the household and were responsible for providing for the family and leading in faith
  • Women were often expected to care for children, manage the home and support their husbands

• Some traditional Christians still maintain these roles today

• These traditional Christians base their views on Bible teachings such as:

  • Genesis 2:18, where the woman is created as a “helper” for the man
  • St Paul’s teachings, including 1 Corinthians 14:34, which suggests that women should be silent in church and submit to their husbands
  • The punishment of Eve in Genesis 3:16, which is sometimes interpreted to justify male leadership

• Some churches (e.g. Catholic and Orthodox)do not allow women to be priests, believing that only men can represent Jesus at the Eucharist

Christianity & changing family roles

• Many modern Christians believe that men and women are equal in God’s eyes and support equality in family roles

• Biblical teachings that support equality include:

  • Genesis 1:28, which teaches that both men and women are created in God’s image
  • Galatians 3:28, where St Paul writes, “There is neither... male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”
  • Jesus, who welcomed female followers, set the example from his behaviour. He taught women (Luke 10:38–42) and also appeared first to women after his resurrection

• In modern Christian families, parenting, income-earning, housework and decision-making are often shared between men and women

• Marriage is viewed as a partnership of equals

• Many Protestant denominations support women in church leadership, reflecting their belief in gender equality in both family and church life

Emotional and spiritual challenges of social change for Christians

• Social changes, such as greater gender equality and evolving family roles, can create emotional or spiritual tension for some Christians

• Traditional Christians may feel confused or upset when modern values challenge biblical teachings they hold dear

• There may be concern that:

  • Christian identity or moral foundations are being weakened
  • The sacrificial or servant-based roles of family members are being lost in favour of individualism and societal pressures

• Other Christians feel inspired by the shift toward equality and shared responsibility

  • They may see change as more faithful to Jesus’s example of love, justice and inclusion

• In some churches, differing views on gender roles and leadership can cause division or conflict in the community

  • For example, the ongoing refusal of the Catholic Church to ordain women has resulted in some women leaving the Church completely. Some have joined other churches where they feel supported and equal and where they can play a full role in ministry
  • Christians trying to balance tradition with modern life may feel spiritually torn, needing support from scripture, prayer and community

Worked Example State two traditional roles of men or women in a Christian family

[2 marks]

Final answer: Answer:

Men traditionally lead the family in faith [1 mark]

Women often care for the home and children [1 mark]

Exam Hint Make sure you revise this topic in conjunction with the previous topic: Christian beliefs about family life in different Christian communities. The traditions and changes outlined above relate to the beliefs and teachings explained there.