Sexual relationships

Question 1

Why do Catholic believe sex is important?

Answer 1

• It is a gift from God to be enjoyed by married couples (unitive sex – it brings a couple closer together)
• It was given by God so that children could be brought into the world (procreative sex – it is the way to conceive a child through a loving act)

Question 2

What do Catholics believe about artificial contraception?

Answer 2

• Artificial methods of contraception separate the two purposes of sex, the unitive and procreative aspects, which the Catechism says is not what God intended
• Pope Paul VI’s letter, ‘Humanae Vitae’ declared that the only acceptable forms of contraception for Catholics are natural methods
• Some contraceptives, like the IUD, bring about a very early abortion and so are against the teaching of the Catholic Church

Question 3

What are Catholic beliefs about Aquinas’s Natural law?

Answer 3

• Catholic church takes an absolutist view that artificial contraception goes against natural law
• Some Catholic believe that God gives humans intelligence so we can decide whether using artificial contraception is the right thing to do

Question 4

What does the Catholic church teach about homosexual relationships?

Answer 4

The Catholic Church teaches that homosexuality is acceptable, as individuals have no choice over their sexuality. Attending Mass and receiving the sacraments is fine
-But must remain celibate (no sex) as life cannot be created

Question 5

What does the Anglican church say about same sex relationships?

Answer 5

• not allow same-sex marriages to take place in church.
• However, some individual vicars do not agree with this decision and might perform a church blessing for a same-sex couple.