Sexual ethics Flashcards
What is sexual ethics all about?
Are religious approaches to sex compatible with modern day liberal attitudes, does religion still have a role to play when thinking about sex?
What two points does peter Vardy raise in ‘the puzzle of sex’?
- The variation in laws on sex across the world (age of consent, legality of homosexuality etc.) shows that we do not have a clear consensus on the issue of sex. 2. He thinks that sex has become a commodity legitimized by science and encouraged by the mass media, it has lost its reproductive purpose. He points out the increase in divorce rates and declining marriage rates.
Give two key questions raised by Vardy’s ideas
- Should religion concern itself with sexual choices? 2. Have modern ideas meant religion has had to adapt to a new approach to sexuality?
Give four Old Testament teachings on sex.
- Detailed accounts of incest such as Lot’s story. 2. Moving stories of love such as that of Ruth. 3. A celebratory hymn for sex in the Song of Songs. 4. Strict rules and laws- no sex with non-Israelites, adultery punishable by stoning, women have to be virgins when they married.
What were St. Paul’s views on sex?
He was very misogynistic “a man is the head of the household as Christ is the head of the church.” It is important to note, however, that the ideas of the Bible reflect the society in which it was written.
What were the early church’s views on sex?
Celibacy was seen as the ideal as it was modeled on the life of Jesus. Sex was seen as immoral for any other purpose then procreation as god commanded us to “go forth and multiply.”
What is the broadly Roman Catholic view on sex?
It stems from the teachings of natural law, the purpose of sex is procreation and it can only be carried out in a heterosexual marriage. Pre marital and extra marital sex, as well as divorce, masturbation, homosexuality and abortion are all immoral.
What are the three Roman Catholic purposes of marriage?
- Faithfulness. 2. Reproduction. 3. Divine union. Any sex act which goes against one of these is wrong.
Why is homosexuality seen as wrong in Roman Catholicism?
St. Paul described it as “dishonoring the body”. The purpose of sex is procreation and homosexual couples can’t reproduce. Marriage was created as a sacred union between a man and a woman. Homosexuality goes against both divine and natural law.
What is the opposing Roman Catholic view of homosexuality?
It is a test from god and is moral as long as it is not acted upon, homosexuals should be accepted into the church and treated like everyone else, we were all created as equals.
What do critics of the natural law approach to homosexuality say?
It has non reproductive purposes such as sex between infertile people, sex after the menopause and sex on periods.
What is the Roman Catholic view on contraception?
It is sinful, morning after pills are akin to murder and artificial contraception is wrong as it encourages immoral actions and reduces respect for women and the institute of marriage.
Why does the Roman Catholic Church oppose IVF?
Children are a gift from god, not a right. The usage of donor eggs/sperm goes against the integrity of marriage and IVF procedures discard some embryos which is akin to murder.
How has Pope Francis changed the Roman Catholic views?
He accepts that contraception is the lesser of two evils in some cases (stopping the spread of the Zika virus), but still sees abortion as evil.
How did jack dominian criticize the Roman Catholic view?
He said their teachings on sex were too absolute and legalistic, their view on marriage as an unbreakable sacred bond does not stop marriages breaking down.
In what four ways does Dominian see sex?
- As a personal expression that communicates recognition and appreciation. 2. As a reflection of god’s love. 3. Couples should be able to access pre and marital counseling. 4. He questions the Roman Catholic view on homosexuality, abortion, marriage and contraception.
According to Dominian, what does the church need to do?
It must change with the times, it is possible to be a good Catholic and also accept contraception and homosexuality. Homosexual couples should be treated as equals and supported by the church, sex is a gift from god and as long as the relationship is loving, it is moral.
What is the broadly Protestant view on sex?
Sex is an act to preserve the institute of marriage and is not only for procreation and contraception is moral in some situations as smaller families are better for the parents’ health.
What is the broadly liberal Protestant view on sex?
We should not interpret the Bible literally or follow natural law, what matters is the loving nature of the relationship, as long as sex is between two consenting adults, it is moral, it is love that matters.
What does liberal Protestantism think of homosexuality and divorce?
They are both moral, in the case of homosexuality, what matters is the quality of the relationship, homosexual people were also created in the image of god, so should be treated the same. Divorce is accepted within the case of a marriage breakdown or adultery.
What are the liberal Protestant views on contraception and fertility treatments?
Contraception is good to limit the size of families as smaller families are better for parents’ health. Sex has purpose beyond reproduction and can help to strengthen relationships. Fertility treatments are allowed as they can bring happiness to people who would otherwise not be able to have children.
How can it be argued that liberal Protestantism is not a religious view?
It goes against key laws stated in the Bible, it is too relativistic and justifies what many see as immoral. However, it reflects the teachings of Jesus and the key message of love as stated in the New Testament.
Give four features of evangelical Protestantism
- A literal interpretation of the Bible. 2. Emphasis on conversion experiences and being ‘born again.’ 3. Salvation comes from god’s grace, not human actions. 4. Mission work is seen as important.
What is the evangelical view on marriage?
They see it as a sacred union. Sex can be for pleasure as well as procreation, but only within a heterosexual marriage. Evangelical groups such as true love waits campaign for celibacy amongst teenagers.
