Topic 14 Human Sexuality

Question 1

Outline two purposes of human sexuality for religious people

Answer 1

1. Procreation -> Genesis 1:28 “go forth and multiply” -> Aquinas says it = God’s intention for us -> primary precept -> forms part of natural law
2. Uniting the couple -> Genesis 2:21
   Man leaves his mother + father and cleaves to his wife -> rcc teach that sex = most intimate physical expression of their union
   (3. Pleasure) CofE -> sex = not exclusively for procreation but way to show love and affection

Question 2

Outline two purposes of human sexuality for non religious people

Answer 2

1. Procreation -> sex is the biological process for creating offspring
2. pleasure -> sex should be enjoyed, and not necessarily in context of marriage -> must be mutual consent so it is enjoyed by both
3. love -> sexual relationship best within context of love, strengthens bond between two people and takes relationship to a new level

Question 3

explain different christian views on relationships between the sexes

Answer 3

1. RCC -> whilst it is believed that men and women are of equal value (both made imago dei) they have different roles, emphasised in gen 2 where God made woman as a “helper” for adam. This belief of men fulfilling role of the leader is reflected in the church where only men are ordained
2. CofE-> gal 3 all equal under christ, emphasises this view that men and women are of the same value and thus should have equal employment opportunities. This is demonstrated in the structurenof the church where women are ordained as both vicars and bishops, as well as men
3. Quakers see men and women as equal, as all have a conscience, which is believed to be the voice of the HS, thus all are believed to be equal under God and have equal right to speak in meetings. Sexual discrimination is contrary to conscience.

Question 4

Explain 3 views surrounding relations between the sexes that are non religious

Answer 4

1. Feminists -> extreme feminists argue that equality = impossible in patriarchal society and so the only way for justice is to elevate women above men, perhaps leading to an all female community as suggested by radical feminist philosopher Mary Daly
2. Male superiority -> 17% believe men and women should not be equal. inequality is evident in the gender pay gap that is still prevalent despite being illegal, and also the fact that women tend to do more housework than men
3. equality -> most people promote idea of equality, eg Emma Watson HeforShe campaign which aims to engage men and boys in actively reducing the barriers to women’s safety and potential
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