Religion, Sex and Identity (October 30th)

Question 1

Identity according to Jaap Doep

Answer 1

Not possible to define identity

Question 2

Alice Hearst

Answer 2

A fluid and ambiguous concept

constantly in progress, never finished, never complete

Question 3

Erik Erikson

Answer 3

A sense of personal sameness and historical continuity

Question 4

George Stewart - four categories of Identity

Answer 4

Familial - natural parents, ancestors, family name
Tribal - ethnic cultural religious
Biological - medical and genetic information
Political - nationality

Question 5

Jenell Williams Paris

Answer 5

Sex is a big deal (important for reproduction and intimacy) but not too much of a big deal (it becomes idolatry, used in global economy
Sex as a spectrum

Question 6

Sharia

Answer 6

Path for life

Reach of the law

Question 7

Muslim Sexual Ethics

Answer 7

• Seeking equilibrium between spirituality and fulfillment of earthly desires and needs.
• Pleasure a mutually legitimate right within marriage
• Chastity highly praised (Qur’an 17:32)Zina(i.e., pre-, extra-martial sex) condemned
• Homosexuality = zina
• Regulation of sex
• Concern to follow God’s commands closely
• Misogynistic cultural and patriarchal influences have led to disastrous results (eg., honour killings, FGM)