Christianity Chapter 2 : Marriage and The Family - 2.2 Sexual Relationships Flashcards
What is the mainstream view in Christianity about sexual relationships?
- The mainstream view within Christianity is that
sex should be between a man and a woman in
the context of marriage and that marriage
should be for life. - Married couples should be faithful to each
other and therefore promiscuity (having sexual
relations with multiple partners on a casual
basis) and adultery (when a married person has
sex with someone other than their spouse) are
considered by Christians to be wrong.
What are biblical teachings about sexual relationships in a marriage?
You shall not commit adultery.
(Exodus 20: 14)
This is repeated several times in The New Testament
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.
(1 Thessalonians 4: 3)
The sexual act must take place exclusively within marriage. Outside marriage it always constitutes a grave sin. (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
Why do most Christians believe that sex should only take place within a marriage?
- sex is the highest expression of love between a
couple, which involves giving oneself completely
to the other person in a life-long commitment - sexual union is meant to be the consummation
(end) of a loving relationship, not a precursor to
it - the Bible contains teachings about sexual
relationships which uphold the sanctity of
marriage
Why do some Christians belive sex before marriage is acceptable?
Some Christians believe that sex before marriage is acceptable if the couple love each other and they are in a long-term relationship leading to marriage.
What is sexual abstinance?
Choosing not to have sex before marriage
Why do most Christians believe adultery is wrong?
It breaks the bond of trust between married partners and undermines the stability of family life.
What are Catholic beliefs about remarriage and what are they based on?
Catholics believe that remarriage after divorce amounts to adultery. This is based on teachings such as Mark 10: 11
What are some Christian beliefs about remarriage and what are they based on?
Some Christians believe that remarriage is acceptable under certain circumstances, for example marital unfaithfulness. This is based on teachings such
as Matthew 5:31-32.
What are Humanist beliefs about sexual relationships?
- Humanists aim to live good lives without being guided by religious beliefs.
- A Humanist, therefore, would value the freedom to have a sexual relationship when they choose to, as long as it does not cause physical or emotional harm to anyone else.
- If anyone would be hurt by unfaithfulness or by sexual relationships outside or before marriage, then a Humanist would consider it to be wrong, but if all parties are happy, then there are no rules to restrict them.
What is the difference between homosexuality and heterosexuality?
Homosexuality is sexual attraction to members of one’s own sex, as opposed to heterosexuality, which is attraction to members of the opposite sex.
What are Christian perspectives on homosexuality?
Views about homosexuality differ among Christians. Both the Anglican and Catholic Church have traditionally taught that homosexual activity (as distinct from feelings) falls short of the ideal expression of sexual love, which should be set within the framework of a faithful marriage between a man and a woman.
Bible teachings:
Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.
(Leviticus 18: 22)
Why would some Christians interpret passages in The Bible on homosexuality differently than the traditional way?
- They have different views about how the passages have been translated from the original languages,
- They believe the context in which the Bible was written needs to be taken into account.
- They may enter a relationship with the hope of enjoying a companionship and a physical expression of love similar to that found in marriage
What are some non-religious perspectives on homosexuality?
Humanists:
- same-sex relationships are fully accepted as long as the people involved consent and the relationship does not cause harm.
- Humanists have a strong emphasis on personal choice, including preferences in sexual orientation and behaviour.
- Humanist celebrants (in effect, non-religious ministers) often assist at weddings between same-sex couples.
Atheists:
- Views among atheists on homosexuality are varied.
- Like Humanists, atheists do not give authority to religious teachings and therefore they are likely to accept homosexual relationships.
- However, some atheists - particularly older generations - may nevertheless oppose homosexuality on social or cultural grounds.
