A part b question asks you to explain. This means that you will be asked to make links between two things - e.g. How do the things that people believe influence the things that people do?

Christians believe that God has intended people to marry since the beginning of creation. It is a lifelong relationship between one man and one woman (monogamy). The husband and wife are expected to be faithful to one another and each has freely chosen to marry the other. Marriage is the best context for having children. The marriage ceremony reflects these beliefs.

At the beginning of the ceremony the priest talks about the meaning of marriage. He or she says that marriage is a gift from God since _________________________________. Marriage brings a man and woman together for ___________. It is the foundation of family life in which _________________ can be born and brought up.

When the bride and groom make their ________________ they agree freely to marry each other. They each promise to love and care for each other until _____________________________. They also promise to be ___________________________________________.

Rings are exchanged as a symbol of the marriage. Just as the ring has no end so the love and faithfulness between husband and wife _____________________________________________________________.

There are also prayers. These ask God to help the couple to stay together ___________________________ . The vicar also prays for the upbringing of any children that the couple may have.

The ________readings remind everyone of the purpose of marriage and God's plans for it. The hymns may also explain the nature of marriage.

The different parts of the marriage ceremony reflect Christian beliefs about marriage. The words said by the priest, the vows, the exchange of rings, the readings, hymns and prayers all emphasise the beliefs that marriage is __________________________________________________________________

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