Sexual Ethics Essay

1. There are a number of dilemmas in sexual ethics such as homosexuality, marriage and divorce and pornography. For instance homosexuality is a major problem within sexual ethics because homosexual sex cannot lead to reproduction. However sexual ethic it differs between denominations compared to government law. Therefore these issues are a concern to religious belief; different faiths have different view on homosexuality or marriage and divorce.

Many religious beliefs do not encourage homosexuality in fact it is severely discouraged for example in the Islamic faith they do not allow this because there is no doubt that in Islam homosexuality is considered ‘sinful’. Homosexuality as far as Islam is concerned is a profound mistake (as are all sins if they are not intending to do wrong). For instance a quote from the Qur’an says “What! Of all creatures do ye come unto the males, and leave the wives your Lord created for you? Nay, but ye are forward folk. ” Qur’an 26:165.

The references relate to gay sexual activities; lesbian practices are not mentioned in the Qur’an, neither is it mentioned in the bible. Christians are divided over the issue of homosexuality. Due to natural law homosexual sex cannot lead to reproduction therefore the marriage would be considered invalid, however then a marriage between an older couple or couples who infertile would also be invalid, therefore all homosexual acts and relationships are sinful so many believe homosexuality is contrary to God’s will.

However the Roman Catholic Church teaches that homosexual should be treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity and no discrimination, they believe the feeling aren’t wrong but the actions are sinful because they contrary to the will of God. The scriptures of the bible suggest that the only sexual relationship that God approves of is one between married heterosexual partners. The creation narrative describe woman as being created especially for man: “a helpful suitable for him” (genesis 2:18). The Old Testament said “If a man lies with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable.

They must be put to death” (Leviticus 20:13) however there is still no mention on lesbian practices. Marriage is an important part of the Christian life a the purpose of Christian marriage is faithfulness to one another, many Christians teach than within marriage there is a natural hierarchy that reflects the relationship of Christ and the church. The Roman Catholic Church says “wives, in the same way be submissive to your husband… Husband, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect” (1 peter 3:1, 7).

Whereas the Church of England argues that the relationship is based upon Christ’s headship over the church and is about , not domination and power. This argument originally started as the bible said “a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh” (genesis 2:24). On the other hand, in the Islamic faith marriage is only a way to make sex and having children legal and lawful, the belief also states in the eyes of Allah both members of the relationship are treated equally even though they have separate duties. Whereas the Christian views on divorce are that marriage is for life.

People take vows for better or worse so if they meant that then there should be no divorce. For instance the Roman Catholic Church believe there shouldn’t be any divorce unless the marriage has not been consummated or they are willing to get a divorce with the permission from the pope. Whereas the Church of England except divorce but some more traditional vicars don’t allowed divorces to remarry in church, the bible believes divorce is not favoured by God: “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate (Matthew 19:6) which means God joins them so the law cannot separate them.

Even Jesus forbids divorce: “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery” (Mark 10:11-12) However in Matthews gospel it say “anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9). Alternatively divorce in Islam is only when the male partner says Talaq 3 times can divorce the couple, however this banned in some countries which results in going to arbitration council and judicial intervention before the divorce is granted. . Due to the loss of faith in many denomination and cultures today, we as people no longer look to religion to guide our sexual ethics as we once did. It is no longer relevant because many people believe that anymore should be able to marry anyone they want, for example same-sex partners. The debate is still being waged between the church and government to offer this union. Many people believe if two people are happy together and want to join themselves in holy matrimony, then they should be allowed.

Marriage has also undergone many changes as people are less likely to have a “traditional” wedding instead they are more likely to enjoy extended co-habitation. Also the concept of marriage has change because it is more of a legal act rather than a declaration of love to God. Whereas divorce is seen by the eyes of most people is all about the law rather than church. Church seems to have very little authority when a marriage has got to the divorce stage.

A minority of people do still take guidance from the church and believe the once they have entered into holy matrimony then it is for life just as God ordained. In conclusion, like most of the civilised world I believe that the religious beliefs about sexual ethics are no longer relevant because civilisation has changed so much and people are willing to accept all that was once considered taboo by the church and are willing to open their mind about the change in religious beliefs and sexual ethics.