Sexual Ethics
Essay link for 30 marker: Christianity, The Bible- Biblical exegesis
has helped to expose previous errors in interpretation so sex may
not be sinful outside of marriage or be for procreation only as
once thought.
What is sexual ethics about?
It looks at the attitudes towards sex, marriage, homosexuality, masturbation,
divorce, contraception etc.
It considers how religion makes us think about what the purpose of sex is and how
we can establish meaningful relationships with others
What is the discussion surrounding the law?
While the law tells us what we can and can’t do, it doesn’t tell us what we should or
shouldn’t do.
What does Peter Vardy say about sexual ethics?
The link between sex and reproduction has been broken
Sex has become a commodity legitimised by science and encouraged by mass
media: purpose of sex has changed from divine union to enjoyment
Link between liberal, tolerant attitudes and the declining rate of marriage and
increase in divorce
Availability of contraception has meant that the primary purpose of sex,
reproduction, has been lost
What are the Old Testament teachings on sex?
Genesis 1 and 2- sex is a good thing created by God for procreation
Women should be virgins when they marry
Adultery was considered theft and punishable by stoning
What are the New Testament teachings on sex?
Jesus says very little on the topic
Sexual Ethics 1
, Jesus said something on adultery, however the translations of the words may be
incorrect so it is difficult to understand the true meaning
1 Corinthians 6:18-19 St Paul says your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within
you
St Paul’s views are inconsistent however; sometimes he was positive about women
and men being equal (Galatians 3:28), but other times he argued that women
should obey their husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24)
Christ and the Church represent a husband and wife
What are church teachings on sex?
Early Christians valued celibacy as it modelled the life of Jesus
Augustine portrayed sex to be immoral and sinful except for the purpose of
reproduction to populate the human race
Views were based on Genesis’ accounts to be fruitful and multiply
Three main views today:
Sex for procreation within marriage (Roman Catholic view)
Sex within marriage, but not necessarily for procreation (Evangelical Christian
view)
Sex within a loving relationship (Liberal Christian view)
What are Roman Catholic beliefs on issues within sexual ethics?
General beliefs:
RC beliefs stem from Aquinas natural moral law (primary precept to procreate).
Deontological and intrinsic view
Sex is only moral within the boundaries of marriage and with the sole purpose
of reproduction.
Pre-marital sex, extra-marital sex, masturbation, homosexuality, contraception
and abortion are all immoral
Three purposes for marriage: faithfulness (fides), reproduction (proles) and two
people becoming one through divine union (sacramentum). Any sexual act that
goes against one of these is immoral.
Sexual Ethics 2
