SEXUAL ETHICS Flashcards
(30 cards)
How have attitudes towards sex in the modern day?
Done more by under 16s
More sexual partners
More married same-sex couples
More cohabiting pre-marriage
Less people deem pre-marital sex as wrong
What might be some reasons as to why attitudes towards sex have changed?
The introduction of contraception - sex isn’t just for having children.
Less of an expectation to only ever have one partner.
Sex is more widely spoken about.
Religion is less prominent in society.
Why might have the Archbishop of York be deemed controversial in terms of cohabitation before marriage?
He allowed Prince William and Kate to cohabit before they were married.
This goes against the ideologies of the protestant church.
“Some people want to test the milk before they milk the cow”
How do Catholics view marriage?
As a sacrament which changes an individual and cannot be undone.
They deem marriage as a sign of God’s presence in the world.
How do Catholics view premarital sex?
It does not express fidelity, exclusivity and commitment - therefore not tolerating sex before marriage.
How do Catholics view sex outside of marriage?
It treats it as a ‘free union’ which exhibits an inability to make a long-term commitment, and is therefore condemned.
How do Protestants view marriage?
As covenantal - meaning it is related to both promises to one another and to God.
How do Protestants view premarital sex?
As a progression towards marriage rather than a rejection of marriage.
Protestant quote surrounding premarital sex
“A step along the way to a fuller and more complete commitment”
What does Adrian Thatcher say about pre-ceremonial sex?
Christians who believe all pre-marital sex is immoral have wrongly assumed the ceremony is a requirement of marriage.
Give an Old Testament teaching on extramarital sex and explain it
“Both the adulterer and the adluteress shall be put to death”
Women were always deemed as the temptress and at fault. Punishments were often less severe for men.
Quote and explanation for Leviticus on extramarital sex
“Do not have sexual relations with your neighbours wife”
Leviticus gives a list of rules which are against any sexual act which isn’t within a marriage.
What does the New Testament teaching of the adulterous woman teach about extramarital sex?
It suggests that adultery is wrong, but can be forgiven.
“Neither do I condemn you” (Jesus)
What does Corinthians (New Testament) teach about extramarital sex?
“The sexually immoral and adulterers will not inherit the kingdom of God”
What does Matthew (New testament) teach about extramarital sex?
“Anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery”
If one partner in a marriage has committed adultery, the other can get a divorce.
What are Christian views on adultery today?
It is a serious breach of marriage vows.
The blame should be placed equally.
It can be a justification for divorce.
What does Augustine say about sexual ethics?
Sex not intended to procreate is sinful.
Sex for pleasure is a sin of lust (a minor sin which could be forgiven by prayer or acts of charity)
After the fall there was concupiscence meaning people wouldn’t be able to control their pleasure.
If a partner requested sex at a time procreation isn’t possible - the requester would get a minor sin, but the responder would have to oblige.
(“Do not refuse one another”)
What is the Catholic stance on homosexuality?
It is forbidden, as seen in the Bible.
Adam was given Eve as a companion.
Homosexual sex doesn’t lead to procreation.
Sexual expression is only possible in heterosexual sex.
How does the Catholic church put anti-homosexual beliefs into practice?
2005 Vatican banned homosexuals from becoming clergy.
Homosexual people are expected to be chaste.
BUT…they shouldn’t be mistreated.
Why do the Anglican church accept homosexuality more?
Biblical passages need to be contextualised and interpreted.
Texts seemingly against homosexuality often relate to unequal relations such as prostitution.
How does the Anglican church put their accepting beliefs into practice?
Anglican churches can ‘opt-in’ to officiating same sex marriage since 2013.
In relation to “Love thy neighbour”, homosexual/heterosexual relationships are morally irrelevant as long as they are loving.
Homosexual members of the clergy are accepted.
What is Kea’s contextual interpretation of the word “Malakos”?
The Revised Standard Version of the Bible translated it to “Homosexual”.
However Kea found that it was an adjective meaning “soft”, which was used by Aristotle to describe men lacking self-control.
In Greek, it was never used to reference homosexuals.
What is Martin’s contextual interpretation of “arsenokoites”?
The word means male (arsen) and bed (koite) so the plural version might be “bedders of males” ie men who sleep with other men.
But the meaning of the word depends on its use.
In the Sibylene Oracle it says “Do not arsenokoiten” but this prohibiting is in a context where the dominant concern is with economic injustice and exploitation.
The oracle talks about sexual sins, homosexual sex isn’t mentioned.
How is Genesis contextually defended from homophobia?
“Don’t do such a wicked thing” (in reference to two men being asked to sleep with the men of Sodom)
BUT…this therefore references sex without consent, as opposed to loving and committed relationships.
