Love - how attitudes towards sex have changed

Question 1

What did the ancient world believe about sex?

Answer 1

abstain + live quiet contemplative life

soul imprisoned in body - sex inhibited soul being freed so that it could move on to next life

Question 2

Who were the cyreaics? What did they believe about sex?

Answer 2

established by Aristippus, 5th Century BCE

celebrated physical pleasure

Question 3

What did the ancient Israelites believe about sex?

Answer 3

sex in marriage = important - newly married men excused from military service for 1 year
positive attitude - Song of Songs - Hebrew Bible

Question 4

What attitude towards sex is presented in the new testament?

Answer 4

sex within marriage = important
sex outside of marriage = frowned upon
main purpose = reproduction

Question 5

What are the attitudes towards sex in the modern world?

Answer 5

often purely for physical satisfaction
marriage, monogamy and commitment not always required
freedom of individual = paramount