theme a sexuality

Human sexuality

How humans express themselves (as sexual beings)

Heterosexual

Attracted to other sex

Homosexual

Attracted to own sex

2004 - recognised by law

Civil partnership (legal but not marriage)

2013 - recognised by law

Same-sex marriage

CofE on same-sex marriage

Will bless but will not marry

2 denominations that will marry homosexuals

Methodist/Reform Jews

2 denominations that do not accept homosexual marriage

Catholics and Orthodox Christians/Jews

Islam view on same-sex marriage

It is wrong, man and woman made to procreate

Pope Francis on homosexuals

‘If a person is gay and seeks the Lord and is of good will, who am I to judge him’

God view on unacceptable relationships (Sodom and Gamorrah)

God frowns on non-consensual relationships, not same-sex relationships

Orthodox beliefs on homosexual relationships

Cannot end in a natural procreation (‘Be fruitful and multiply’ (Genesis))

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - comparison

Compared to sinners and thieves, not allowed in kingdom of God

Christian view on Sex

Sacred union made for marriage

Premarital sex for Christians

‘Cheapen’ the act and reduce self-respect and respect for others (Genesis 1:27)

Liberal Christians and Jews

Allow premarital sex if it’s a loving relationship intending in marriage

1 Corinthians 6:18-19

‘Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit’

Sexual immorality

Any sexual act outside of marriage

Problems with adultery

Breaks vows made before God, threatens stability and children’s security

Adultery and Ten Commandments

Exodus - ‘you shall not commit adultery’

Quakers and Sex

Non-judgemental about sex, see it as a gift from God

Contraception

Preventative measures for conception

Conception

Conceiving a child

Family planning

Organising when you want to have children, eg how many and when

Natural family planning

promoted by Catholics, learning the menstrual cycle and avoiding/purposefully getting pregnant

Artificial methods

'made', eg condoms or the Pill

Natural methods

Behaviours to limit the change of pregnancy such as withdrawal or the rhythm method

Permanent methods

Operations to prevent the production of eggs or sperm, eg sterilisation

Problems with IUD’s

Prevent fertilised embryo implanting in the womb, but would be murder if you believe life begins at conception

CofE pro contraception

Lambeth (CofE) Conference 1930 - 'agrees that other methods may be used provided that this is done in the light of Christian principles' - as long as the church agrees with the method

Genesis quote against contraception

‘Be fruitful and multiply’ - against God’s wishes and plan

Humanae Vitae 1968

'every sexual act should have the possibility of creating new life'

Catholic and Orthodox churches on artificial contraception

Goes against natural law (moral principles that are a part of human nature)

Orthodox Jews - against condoms

From Onan - not to waste Semen - Genesis 38:9

Marriage

legal union of two people, establishing mutual rights and obligations

Cohabitation

2 people are in an intimate relationship and live together but are not married or in a civil partnership

Nature and purpose of marriage (religious)

have a loving, respectful and committed relationship, normally a lifelong commitment, and make an environment for raising children.

2 Christianity purposes of marriage

Become 1 flesh, make a lifelong commitment/covenant, procreate

Judaism purposes of marriage

Become 1 flesh, covenant with God, bring up children in faith, show commitment, companionship

Judaism day of marriage

One of holiest days of lives, woman’s personal Yom Kippur (day of atonement)

Catholics on cohabitation

Very against, Catechism says ‘the sexual act must take place exclusively within marriage’

CofE and Pope Francis on cohabitation

Accept financial and cultural realities, acceptable if leads to marriage

Point pro marriage

Marriage is about love and commitment, and allows people to ‘be fruitful and multiply

Point against marriage

Women can prioritise their career and utilise their independence

Divorce

Legally terminating a marriage

Number of marriages in UK ending in divorce estimate

42%

1 ground for divorce UK

Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage

Common reasons a marriage might break down

Adultery, loss of love, focus on children, change, abuse, struggle with married life

Christian vows with marriage

‘Till death do us part’

Marriage is _ with God

A covenant