sexual ethics Flashcards
how many couples cohabited in the 1960s compared to today
1 in 20, 50%
why have more couples began to cohabit
due to the introduction of the contraceptive pill which removed the fear of unwanted pregnancy and diminished the need to contain sex within marriage
change in idea of what cohabitation means
in the 1960s cohabitation meant a short period of living together before marriage but now can be a long lasting alternative to marriage, a ‘trial’ before marriage, used by people opposed to marriage, with or without children.
when is cohabitation acceptable in CofE
when it is used as a stepping stone to marriage
support of cohabitation from John Setuma, Archbishop of York
“you need to try the milk before you buy the cow”
christian teaching traditional view of sex before or outside of marriage
sex before or outside of marriage is a sin.
Christians place sex inside the context of marriage between two people. It is argued that premartial sex indicates a lack of moral discipline and poses a threat to the institution of marriage and family. The community of marriage is undermined by a lack of commitment inherent in cohabitation.
genesis 2:24 - spiritual, social, emotional, sexual purpose of marriage
“that is why a man leaved his father and mother and is united to his wife and they become one flesh”
why are religious teachings less prominent in peoples lives and cohabitation no longer referred to as ‘living in sin’
secularism
catholic church teaching on extramarital sex
anyone remarrying after a divorce is having extramarital sex with their new spouse
new testament and early church decree teach what
warn christians away from adultery and allow remarriage after a spouse has been adulterous
ten commandment on extramarital sex
‘do not commit adultery’
Jesus teaches adultery is permissable when adultery has occurred.
adultery in old testament examples
abraham had a wife and concubine
David and solomon had multiple wives
Homosexuality - first half of 20th century
homosexuality was a crime in UK and considered a mental illness
1957 - Wolfenden report
recommended that homosexual acts between consenting adults should not be illegal. This recommendation was supported by Mill’s harm principle
Mill’s harm principle
“that the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant.”
