Sexual Ethics Flashcards
Why is marriage significant to Christians?
Marriage represents not only the union of man and woman but also the relationship between God and the world. It provides rights, responsibilities, and protection to the couple.
What are the primary and secondary purposes of marriage according to natural law?
Primary purpose: Procreation (having children).
Secondary purposes:
Nurture (companionship and love to support children).
Control of sex (monogamous, heterosexual, lifelong commitment).
What did Jesus teach about marriage?
Jesus taught that marriage is a transformation brought about by God, emphasizing lifelong fidelity as “the two shall become one flesh” (Mark 10).
What is the Christian view on divorce?
Jesus appeared to allow divorce only on the grounds of unchastity but opposed remarriage.
St. Paul permitted divorce only in the case of a mixed marriage (Christian and non-Christian).
What is the difference between marriage as a sacrament and marriage as a covenant?
Sacrament (Roman Catholic & some Anglican view): Marriage involves an inward spiritual change, symbolized by vows and rings, making it indissoluble.
Covenant (Protestant view): Marriage is a commitment without an essential spiritual change. Divorce is allowed if the relationship breaks down, but remarriage is debated.
What is the traditional Christian stance on premarital sex?
It is generally forbidden, as St. Paul stated, “It is better to marry than to be aflame with passion.”
What are the different types of cohabitation, and how does Christianity view them?
Casual cohabitation: No long-term commitment.
Trial marriage: Partners live together to test compatibility before marriage.
Substitute marriage: A long-term relationship without formal marriage.
Most Christian churches oppose cohabitation, believing marriage provides the most stable foundation for family and sexual life. However, some liberal Christians accept trial marriage as part of the marriage process.
What is the Christian view on extramarital sex?
It has always been considered immoral due to its damaging social consequences. While the Old Testament prescribed the death penalty, Jesus emphasized mercy, as seen in the story of the adulterous woman.
How does the Church handle remarriage after adultery?
Liberal Christians: Allow remarriage depending on circumstances.
Conservative Protestants: Do not permit remarriage in church.
Roman Catholics: Only recognize annulment, meaning remarriage is not possible.
How does traditional Christianity view homosexuality?
It is condemned as breaking God’s covenant, citing:
Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction (Genesis 19)
Leviticus 18:22: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
The RCC calls homosexuals to chastity and self-mastery, stating that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered” (CCC) but must still be treated with respect.
What is the liberal Christian perspective on homosexuality?
Liberal Christians argue:
The Bible must be read in historical context.
Sodom was condemned for various sins, not just homosexuality.
Leviticus condemned practices like homosexual prostitution, not relationships.
Jesus’ message of justice and liberation supports valuing all relationships.
What is the Church of England’s “Middle Way” on homosexuality?
Marriage is the ideal place for sex.
Homosexuality is not condemned because “God loves us all alike.”
Civil partnerships can receive prayers but not blessings from priests.
What is John Stuart Mill’s Liberty Principle?
Negative liberty: Minimal interference by the state or others.
Positive liberty: Freedom to fulfill one’s potential through involvement in governance.
Mill argued that a variety of lifestyles enriches society and that no one should have a monopoly on morality.
How was Mill’s principle applied in sexual ethics?
It influenced the Wolfenden Report, which led to the decriminalization of homosexuality.
What is the natural law perspective on sexual ethics?
Marriage: Promotes proper societal order, reproduction, and child-rearing.
Premarital sex: Traditionally seen as an apparent good but could be permitted if it supports primary precepts.
Extramarital sex: Violates divine, natural, and human law.
Homosexuality: Condemned if solely for procreation, but some argue it is acceptable if it fosters love and companionship.
How does Kantian ethics apply to sexual morality?
Marriage: Must be based on duty and mutual respect, not lust.
Premarital sex: Cohabitation risks treating partners as means to an end, but long-term, committed relationships may be acceptable.
Extramarital sex: Breaks the marital promise and justifies divorce.
Homosexuality: Considered extramarital or premarital and lacking commitment.
What is the utilitarian approach to sexual ethics?
Marriage & premarital sex: Evaluated based on happiness and commitment rather than fixed moral rules.
Extramarital sex: Not intrinsically wrong; depends on the couple’s decision and societal happiness.
Homosexuality: Opposition is often based on prejudice rather than rational grounds. In a liberal society, individuals should govern their own bodies.
How does situation ethics view sexual morality?
Marriage: Not an intrinsic good; what matters is companionship and love.
Premarital sex: Acceptable if based on mutual respect and not exploitative.
Extramarital sex: Justified in special circumstances, as seen in Fletcher’s example of “sacrificial adultery” (a woman in a concentration camp committing adultery to reunite with her family).
Homosexuality: The Bible should be read for moral guidance rather than strict rules; loving relationships are key.
