Sexual ethics Flashcards
What is sexual ethics?
The discussion around what constitutes moral sexual practise
What areas of sexual activity does this topic cover?
Premarital sex, extramarital sex, homosexuality and contraception
What is premarital sex?
Sex before marriage
Arguements for premarital sex…
It should be an individuals choice since it only impacts those individuals participating
Marriage is less important in modern society, with increasing numbers of people choosing to cohabit
There can be loving, committed and stable relationships outside of marriage
It is not illegal and it is a common occurance
Religious teachings forbidding it is not relevant to the increasing number of secular individuals in modern society
Arguements against pre-marital sex…
Increases the risk and spread of STDs
Judeo-Christian and Islamic tradition condemn it for scriptural reasons but also because sex within marriage is better for a harmonious society
Better for children to be raised by married parents
Psychological and emotional problems can arise from having sex outside a truly stable and committed relationship
Risks pregnancy in environments that are not inside a stable family unit
What is adultery?
Having sex with someone who is not your married partner. It can also refer to sex that takes place after a married couple have separated. There is ethical debate about whether having sex in this situation is right or wrong. Some claim that individuals have a right to find love again after marriage has broken down, while others stress that loyalty and fidelity to your married partner should remain. Most cultures see marriage as an exclusive bond between two people, although some cultures, including certain Christian and Muslim ones, accept polygamy
Why is adultery condemned in both religious and secular ethics
As betraying the values of fidelity, trust and loyalty. It often causes distress for the couple and any children they have and often leads to separation
Why does Christianity traditionally condemn extra and pre marital sex
Considered to be contrary to the will of God and the need for continence
1 Thessalonians 4: 3-4
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should be able to control your body in a way that is holy and honourable
Why can’t the bond of marriage be made without sex for Christians?
Because sex makes two people inseparably one flesh
From which Bible verse does the notion that marriage makes two people one flesh come from
Genesis 2: 24
Genesis 2: 24
This is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh
How are sexual relationships within marriage seen by Christians?
As something to be celebrated, especially when this results in childbirth
Why does JC not talk about sexual ethics much in the NT
Because he talks about agape instead
What is celibacy
Abstaining from all sexual relationships
What was St Paul’s attitude towards sex?
He emphasised the spiritual value of celibacy and adviced marriage as a last resort only for those who could not meet this standard
What does the RCC think about divorce
Thinks that marriage cannot be dissolved through divorce
What does the RCC think about sex outside of marriage
They think sex should take place exclusively within marriage
What do groups such as True Love Waits and Silver Ring Thing do?
They are modern evangelical groups who advocate for chastity
Give some examples of Christians who have a more relaxed attitude to sex outside of marriage
While the CoE encourages people to only have sex inside of marriage it now accepts couples in long term relationships cohabiting and having sex before marriage as a step towards marriage. Many liberal Protestant Christians accept loving couples having sex before marriage, and some accept any consensual sexual relationships
Define contraception
The deliberate use of certain methods or techniques to ensure against pregnancy
Give some examples of contraception
Condoms, the coil and the contraceptive pill
Arguements for contraception
Allows family planning and people can control when and how many kids they will have
Prevents unwanted pregnancies and means children won’t be born to parents who don’t want them
Recognises the importance of sex as a part of relationships and fulfilling emotional and psychological desires, apart from just being a means for procreation
Reduces the risk of spreading STDs
Arguements against contraception
Judeo-Christian and Islamic culture condemns contraception
Encourages promiscuity because there is less risk of pregnancy
The primary and natural purpose of sex is procreation, not pleasure