GCSE Philosophy and Ethics Practice Exam

What is one fundamental belief about marriage in Catholic teachings?

1. It is solely a private affair.

2. It is an economic agreement.

3. It is a response to God's call to holiness.

4. It is a temporary commitment.

The correct answer is: It is solely a private affair.

In Catholic teachings, marriage is viewed as a sacrament and a covenant that reflects a deeper spiritual reality. The belief that marriage is a response to God's call to holiness emphasizes the idea that marriage is not merely a social or private arrangement but a divine vocation. This perspective highlights the importance of mutual love, support, and the nurturing of holiness within the relationship. Marriage is understood to be a lifelong commitment that allows couples to grow in faith together, participate in God’s plan, and potentially raise children in a loving environment that promotes their spiritual growth. This belief indicates that marriage serves a purpose beyond personal satisfaction, aligning it with a higher spiritual calling. The other options do not encapsulate the essence of Catholic teaching about marriage. For example, viewing marriage solely as a private affair undermines its sacramental nature and the communal aspect emphasized in Catholic doctrine. Similarly, considering it merely an economic agreement fails to recognize the profound emotional and spiritual dimensions of the relationship. Lastly, defining marriage as a temporary commitment contradicts the Catholic understanding of marriage as a lifelong covenant intended for permanence.