Exploring Sexual Ethics Through The Christian Route

Ethics may be defined as the explicit, philosophical and or religious reflection on moral beliefs and practices. Ethics are the practical application of beliefs, in which conduct is deemed to be appropriate. More specifically, Christian sexual ethics are based on right relationships with God, with one’s neighbours and with oneself. Sexual ethics may be sourced from Christian scripture, namely the Decalogue, the Beatitudes, the Commandment of Love and Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. The expression of sexuality is traditionally considered most sacred within the correct circumstances, or within a heterosexual, monogamous, exclusive marriage, open to the possibility of procreation. However, with the role of the conscience, sexual ethics now contribute to an age of individualism in regards to homosexuality premarital and extramarital sex and contraception. The analysis of sexual ethics in this essay is given through reflection of Scripture, adaptation to changing ethical standards and variations in Christian beliefs, as it reveals a living religious tradition, applying Scripture to adapt to contemporary challenges in human life.

Authoritative sources from scripture foundationally contribute by distinguishing right from wrong in the expression of Christianity. In the Old Testament, the union of Adam and Eve has become symbolic in teachings of Christianity, as Genesis states, “a man heaves his father and mother, united to his wife and they become one flesh”. The union reflects traditional teachings that sexual behaviour should be confined to a monogamous, heterosexual marriage. In addition, God instructs in the Old Testament- “Be fruitful and increase in number” reflecting that, as a whole, Christianity believes sexuality is necessary and should be open to procreation. The seventh commandment of the Decalogue states that adultery is forbidden, constraining Christian followers in their sexual behaviour. In the New Testament, Jesus’ ‘Golden Rule’ or Commandment of Love instructs humans to love one another, elevating respect for humankind to maintain dignity. The Beatitudes also outline Jesus’ insights into proper Christian life and calls on followers to express love through ‘having a…family life’ reflecting wide Christian belief in the basic social unit. Pauls Letters to the Corinthians provide explicit instructions on ethics, stating “The body, however, is not made for sexual immorality, but for the Lord”, highlighting that Christian sexual ethics benefit the sanctity of one’s body, soul and conscience. The early foundation of Scripture has provided Christian variants with a basis for responding to contemporary problems, as a living religious tradition.

Christian Viewpoints on Homosexuality and Pre-Marital Sex

The issue of homosexuality has divided and polarised Christian variants, which differ in their approach and acceptance of same sex relationships. Christian academics, such as Thomas Aquinas, were influenced by the concept of natural law, in that homosexuality rebels against the natural, reproductive purposes of human bodies, with the sexual union unable to ‘be fruitful and multiply’. In 1 Corinthians, Paul of Tarsus states, “…wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God…neither will be sexual immoral nor men who have sex with men”, reflecting traditional belief that homosexual behaviour is against the will of God. In recent times, Christianity has been forced to reflect on its teachings to remain a dynamic tradition. This is shown by the 1998 Lambeth Conference, in which Anglicans declared homosexuality was ‘incompatible with scripture’. Yet, in 2004, the first openly gay bishop was ordained into a US Church, reflecting changing ethical standards in Christianity. In addition, in 1982 the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church supported the decriminalisation of homosexuality, to prevent impositions of morality. Thinkswap Document

Conversely, Catholicism and the Eastern Orthodox Church retain conservative stances, in the condemnation of homosexuality. In 2006, Pope Benedict stated homosexuality was contrary to natural law, discouraging its legal recognition. One commonality, however, in each variant is that while the sin of homosexuality may be condemned, the sinner is respected, highlighting timeless Christian ethics of the sanctity of the individual. As there is no single position of Christianity on homosexuality, the dynamic diversity in its response reflects a living religious tradition, contributing to modern issues its followers face.

The traditional stance of Christianity towards pre-marital and extra-marital sex is that these are forbidden practices which degrade the sanctity of marriage. As shown by Adam and Eve in Genesis, sex is for loving companionship within an adult marriage. The Decalogue’s commandment on adultery is widely accepted as a correct guideline for extra-marital sex, as adultery damages the humanity given by God. In this way, responses to adultery remain traditional, as it is generally seen as immoral by society, destroying the basic social unit. In Genesis, the concept of ‘one flesh’ is portrayed as exclusive within marriage; however, in contemporary times sex and procreation are not mutually exclusive, giving rise to pre-marital sex. The Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Presbyterian and Lutheran denominations have explicitly forbidden pre-marital sex, viewing sexuality as correct within a sanctified union. Baptist Churches, in contrast, elevate the ‘competence of the individual’ and the role of conscience in these decisions, while Uniting Churches accept relationships of covenant outside of marriage. Christianity has therefore responded and contributed, as a living religious tradition, to issues of morality in order to remain relevant.

Christian Sexual Ethics: Views on Contraception and Contemporary Issues

Traditional Christian teachings elevate natural reproduction within marriage, thereby ruing out the role of contraception in sexual ethics. As the Bible has little to say about contraception, guidelines often come from Church teachings and the role of conscience. Due to interpretation of the Genesis commandment to be ‘fruitful and multiply’ no Christian faith allowed contraception until the 1930’s. However, in dynamic response to a modern issue, many variants are now divided on the issue. While the Anglican Church denounced contraception in the 1908 Lembeth Conference, the Church reissued a statement supporting contraception at the 1930 Lembeth Conference, as it combats the spread of diseases and is preferable to abortion of an unwanted child. In the present day, most Protestant churches allow the use of contraception, with the exception of it encouraging promiscuous behaviour; some Protestant churches such as Lutheran churches also restrict its use within marriage, with family planning. In this way, the choice to use contraception is often left to the conscience of the follower, allowing adherents to control their own conceptions of ethics. However, the Catholic Church condemns contraception, based on natural law and the Papal Encyclical Humane Vitae. Catholicism only permits natural birth control which does not disrupt bodily functions such as the Billings Method, and abstinence. The divergent interpretations of contraception reveal Christianity is a living religious tradition, responding to issues of humankind through conscience, scripture and teaching authority.

Christian sexual ethics attempt to preserve the dignity of adherents, and elevate one’s respect for God’s creation by contributing to social discussion on sexual ethics. While traditional teachings about sexuality within marriage can be interpreted through scripture, the varied Christian response to contemporary ethical issues such as homosexuality, pre-marital and extra-marital sex and contraception Thinkswap Document reveal dynamism in Christian ethical teachings as a living religious tradition. Many liberal variants have responded by often allowing more freedom in the choices, individualism and conscience of adherents while retaining tradition. However, at the forefront of each issue is the importance of love for oneself and others, and the core belief that sexuality is best expressed within a monogamous marriage, providing love and companionship, and ensuring the continuation of the basic social unit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christian views on sexual ethics are deeply rooted in the teachings and principles of the Bible and the Christian faith. Christianity emphasizes the sacredness of marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman, where sexual intimacy is meant to be a reflection of God's love and commitment. Premarital sex is generally discouraged within Christian teachings, as it is seen as a deviation from God's plan for sexual relationships and can lead to emotional and spiritual consequences. Regarding homosexuality, Christian views vary, and there is ongoing debate within different denominations about the interpretation of biblical passages related to same-sex relationships. Some Christians embrace LGBTQ+ individuals with love and acceptance, while others hold more conservative beliefs based on their understanding of Scripture. The concept of purity is central to Christian sexual ethics, encouraging believers to uphold moral values, avoid sexual immorality, and practice self-control in their actions and thoughts. However, it is essential to approach discussions about purity with compassion and understanding, recognizing that all individuals, regardless of their past, are worthy of God's love and forgiveness.

References

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10. Whitehead, E. R., & Whitehead, J. D. (2012). Restoring the Shattered Self: A Christian Counselor's Guide to Complex Trauma. Brazos Press.