Question 1

Many people now choose to live together without getting married. How are these arrangements like and unlike marriage?

Accepted Answer

Living together without getting married, also known as cohabitation, is becoming increasingly common in many societies. These arrangements are similar to marriage in that couples often share a home, finances, and responsibilities. They may also have children together and make long-term plans for their future.

However, there are also key differences between cohabitation and marriage. One major distinction is the legal status and protections that marriage provides. Married couples have specific legal rights and responsibilities, such as inheritance rights, medical decision-making authority, and spousal support in the event of a breakup. Cohabitating couples do not have these same legal protections.

Additionally, marriage often carries a social and cultural significance that cohabitation does not. Marriage is often seen as a formal commitment to one another, recognized and celebrated by family, friends, and society at large. Cohabitation, on the other hand, may not carry the same level of social recognition or support.

Furthermore, the decision-making process and level of commitment may differ between cohabitating couples and married couples. While some cohabitating couples may view their arrangement as a step towards marriage, others may see it as a more casual or temporary living situation.

In conclusion, while cohabitation and marriage share some similarities in terms of living arrangements and shared responsibilities, there are also significant differences in legal rights, social recognition, and commitment levels. Ultimately, the choice between cohabitation and marriage is a personal one, and each couple must decide what best fits their individual needs and values.

Question 2

There continues to be a debate about how one develops a __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   sex drive
B)   sexual preference
C)   sexual orientation
D)   sexual perversion C

Question 3

Evaluate David Popenoe's "Seven Tenets for Establishing New Marital Norms." Identify the tenets that you agree and disagree with. Explain your reasoning.

Accepted Answer

David Popenoe's "Seven Tenets for Establishing New Marital Norms" presents a set of principles for redefining the traditional norms of marriage. While some of the tenets resonate with me, others I find problematic.

One tenet that I agree with is the emphasis on equality and mutual respect in marriage. Popenoe argues that both partners should have equal say in decision-making and should respect each other's autonomy. This aligns with modern notions of healthy relationships and is essential for a successful marriage.

Another tenet that I agree with is the idea of flexibility in marital roles. Popenoe suggests that couples should be open to redefining traditional gender roles and should be willing to adapt to changing circumstances. This is important in a modern context where gender roles are evolving, and it allows for a more equitable distribution of responsibilities within the marriage.

However, I disagree with Popenoe's emphasis on the importance of procreation in marriage. While having children can be a fulfilling aspect of marriage for many couples, it should not be seen as a defining factor. Not all couples are able or willing to have children, and their decision should not be devalued in the context of marriage.

Additionally, I have reservations about Popenoe's emphasis on the permanence of marriage. While commitment is important, the idea that divorce should be avoided at all costs can be harmful in situations of abuse or irreconcilable differences. The focus should be on fostering healthy, fulfilling relationships, rather than prioritizing the longevity of the marriage at all costs.

In conclusion, while I agree with some of Popenoe's tenets, such as equality and flexibility in marital roles, I also have concerns about his emphasis on procreation and the permanence of marriage. It is important to critically evaluate and adapt these principles to align with the diverse realities and needs of modern marriages.

Question 4

The image of the loving and faithful couple who become wise and kind parents is a __________ description of the family.

Accepted Answer

A)   historical
B)   idealized
C)   figurative
D)   modern

Question 5

In modern times, unmarried couples are increasingly __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   not having children
B)   dating others
C)   breaking up
D)   living together

Question 6

Ideally, marriage provides a sense of security and allows for __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   personal development
B)   sexual development
C)   familial stability
D)   social stability

Question 7

How have the roles of women changed inside of marriage? In what ways have modern changes improved women's experiences of marriage? How have those changes made marriage more challenging for women?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How have the roles of women changed...

Question 8

One of the most significant changes that led to an increase in sexual freedom was __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   the movement away from conservative religious beliefs
B)   the acceptance of women as equals with men
C)   the development of sex and reliable contraception
D)   the social acceptance of childlessness

Question 9

Biblical references to homosexuality are ___________.

Accepted Answer

A)   scarce
B)   condemning
C)   sinister
D)   frequent

Question 10

In the twenty-first century, a growing number of people do not exclusively relate __________ to love.

Accepted Answer

A)   marriage
B)   fidelity
C)   sex
D)   dating

Question 11

Unlike marriages, living together arrangements lack both legal and __________ sanction.

Accepted Answer

A)   social
B)   religious
C)   personal
D)   intellectual

Question 12

In biblical times, marriages were diplomatic and economic unions arranged by __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   priests
B)   friends
C)   the couple
D)   the family

Question 13

How is the concept of indissolubility challenged by modern trends toward divorce?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How is the concept of indissolubility challenged...

Question 14

Traditional marriage is supposed to include monogamy, unity, and indissolubility. How have these components been challenged by the modern world? Should any of these components be dispensed with?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Traditional marriage is supposed to include monogamy,...

Question 15

Modern marriage has changed rapidly, a fact that is most evident in the interactions between __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   men and women
B)   parents and children
C)   children and grandparents
D)   siblings

Question 16

Compare the idealized description of marriage with its modern-day form. Discuss ways in which modern marriage is an improvement over and a poor substitute for the ideal.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare the idealized description of marriage with...

Question 17

One aspect of sexuality is that it is a basic __________ function.

Accepted Answer

A)   social
B)   romantic
C)   biological
D)   intellectual

Question 18

The traditional Christian idea of marriage requires both chastity and __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   obedience
B)   patriarchy
C)   family
D)   fidelity

Question 19

Discuss the spectrum of Christian attitudes toward homosexual couples. Can homosexual couples ever participate fully in the life of a church? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the spectrum of Christian attitudes toward...

Question 20

The conservative attitude that sexuality is an evil drive originated with __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   Jesus
B)   Augustine
C)   the Bible
D)   Paul

Exam 7: Sexuality, Love, and Marriage