Sexual Ethics: Views Flashcards
Libertarian view
The libertarian ethic in matters of sex is the view that sex is morally permissible if there is mutual agreement or consent between the participating parties.
Feminist view
Claim there is a defined submissive cultural role for women, which disempowers them by restricting their status.
Secular views (pre-marital/extra-marital)
The social stigma associated with sex before marriage and children born outside of marriage no longer exists.
The secular view tends to be that adultery is still taboo but privately it seems to be accepted as part of life.
Christian view
The modern Christian view of marriage rejects the ‘ownership’ view and sees men and women as equal in the relationship, although in practice this equality is not evident in all marriages. The subservient view of women whose role is principally for the raising of children is still observable in certain Christian communities, particularly fundamentalist evangelicals.
Pope Paul VI
“So that husband and wife become in a way one heart and one soul, and together attain their human fulfilment.” Marriage is the ideal.
Ancient Hebrews
Had a positive attitude to sex and reproduction. This is seen in the Song of Songs (OT) in which a couple express the sensual erotic beauty that they see in each other.
St Augustine
We must put aside bodily pleasures for higher ideals. Sex before the fall of Adam and Eve was uncontaminated by raging passion and controlled and restrained by the mind. With original sin came this passion and burning sexual desire and a loss of control over the body. Therefore all sexual desire is tainted with evil.
Quakers
“A couple can be faithful to each other in a loving, non- exploitive relationships outside of marriage.”
Methodist Church
“Sexuality is a gift of God… It is central to the renewal, deepening and enjoyment of the marriage relationship.”
