Christian Attitudes to Sex Outside of Marriage

Question 1

What are four points?

Answer 1

Some Christians regard sex before marriage as fornication which is forbidden in the Bible
The Bible forbids adultery
Sex outside marriage could lead to unwanted pregnancies
St Paul taught that sexual immorality is wrong

Question 2

Some Christians regard sex before marriage as fornication which is forbidden in the Bible

Answer 2

“The sexual act must take place exclusively within marriage. Outside marriage it always constitutes a grave sin.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
Christians should follow Church teachings and never sin

Question 3

The Bible forbids adultery

Answer 3

Decalogue: “Thou shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20)

The Decalogue contains founding rules for Christianity and moral teachings

Question 4

Sex outside marriage could lead to unwanted pregnancies

Answer 4

“Marriage is the foundation of family life.” (The Church of England Marriage Service”
The Catholic Church believe that sex should always have the possibility of procreation so that no potential life is wasted - this is the sanctity of life principle
As marriage is the only stable environment for children, sex before marriage or outside of marriage is always wrong

Question 5

St Paul taught that sexual immorality is wrong

Answer 5

“God wants you to be holy and completely free from sexual immorality.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
The sexually immoral will not go to heaven
Christians want to go to heaven as a place of eternal happiness and so should not have sex outside of marriage

Question 6

What is one opposing point?

Answer 6

Some Christians believe that cohabitation should be permitted, perhaps as a ‘trial marriage’
The Church of England published a report called ‘Something to Celebrate’ where they stated that couples who are cohabiting should be accepted by the Church if this was a step towards marriage
They might cite ‘agape’ love and the importance of the Church moving into the 21st Century as reasons for this view
Marriage is still regarded as ideal

Question 7

What do most Christians agree about having a child outside of marriage?

Answer 7

Most Christians agree that the couple should marry if they have children