GCSE Philosophy and Ethics Practice Exam

The choice of sex within marriage for the purpose of procreation aligns with the Catholic Church's teachings. The Church teaches that sexual activity is morally acceptable and even a sacred duty within the confines of marriage, especially when it is open to the possibility of procreation. This understanding is rooted in the belief that marriage is a covenant that reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church, and that sexual union within marriage is meant to be both unitive (strengthening the bond between the couple) and procreative (welcoming new life). In this context, cohabitation is often viewed as problematic because it can imply a sexual relationship outside the commitment of marriage, which is not aligned with the Church's view on the sanctity of marriage. Similarly, extramarital and premarital sex are both considered sinful as they fall outside the parameters of a marital relationship as defined by the Church's teachings on sexual morality.