Rae, Moral Choices: Sexual Ethics

Sexual Ethics
Rae, chapter 10
Tuesday 4 October 2011
The nature of discussion, even amongst Christians, about sexual issues and ethics is such that some offence might be caused. Please use discretion before reading this material
Sexual Ethics
Rae, chapter 10
Sexual ethics is the discussion of ethical issues raised by the variety of sexual issues both within and outside of marriage. Consider what you might say in each of the following situations, - a young person approaches you and talks about being unsure of their sexual orientation, they do not know what to do (or think)
- a soon to be married couple approach you to talk about birth control. As Christians are they allowed to use it, what can they use, do some methods prevent embryo implantation? - a gay couple whom you have befriended ask you to bless their forthcoming marriage at a civil ceremony
- a student asks what you think about masturbation, does the Bible prohibit it? - a couple who will soon be married in church talk to you about sex - they have both been married before and openly admit they are having sex as they are committed to each other and the ceremony is not of great signicance to them
Biblical teaching on sexual relationships

The Bible talks a lot about sexual relationships! God understands it and has expressed boundaries for it to be expressed within. Key Passages: Genesis 2:18-25, Leviticus 18, Song of Songs, 1 Corinthians 5-7 and some selected passages in the epistles.
Genesis
2 complimentary accounts of creation in Gen 1-2. Chapter 1 = broad overview, 2 = creation of man and woman and their relationship to God. 2:18-25 shows marriage and sexual relations for the rst time. Rae says this passage really ts in between 1:26 and 1:28 For a number of reasons Gen 2:24 is believed to be the rst institution of marriage:
Genesis image, a!er our Then God said, "Let us make man in our
likeness. And let them have dominion over the sh of the sea and 2 complimentary accounts of over the birds of the heavens and1over the livestock and over a" creation in Gen 1-2. Chapter = broad overview, = creation of thing the earth and over2every creeping man that creeps on the earth." and woman and their relationship So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he to God. created him; male and female he created them. 2:18-25 shows marriage and sexual to them, "Be $uitful and And God blessed them. And God said relations for the rst time. Rae says multiply and " the earth and subdue it and have dominion over this passage really ts in between the sh of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over 1:26 and 1:28 everyaliving thing reasons Gen 2:24 earth." that moves on the For number of 2:24 Therefore a man sha" leave his father and his mother and is believed to be the rst hold fast to his wife, and they sha" become one esh. institution of marriage:
Genesis
2 complimentary accounts of creation in Gen 1-2. Chapter 1 = broad overview, 2 = creation of man and woman and their relationship to God. 2:18-25 shows marriage and sexual relations for the rst time. Rae says this passage really ts in between 1:26 and 1:28 For a number of reasons Gen 2:24 is believed to be the rst institution of marriage:
- it is quoted in the NT making it appear this was intended for married couples - use of the word leave= man/woman intimately related, separated from their family to form a new unit - one esh includes sexual unity (not exclusively) - but sex is limited to marriage throughout scripture Procreation - Gen 1:26 includes sex, leaving, cleaving, one esh, all of which is in the context of marriage - and that was heterosexual in nature the nature of the extended family is a cultural and economic issue.
The term one esh emphasises sexual relations though including a couple having spiritual and emotional onenness too another term was available if the author did not want to emphasise the sexual nature. Ex 20:14 - You sha! not commit adultery. helps to protect the creation ideal for family life - in fact most cultures have something like this in their moral code, protecting the marriage covenant. OT prophets often use the idea of adultery to describe Israels falling away from God, breaking covenant.
Ironically religious prostitution was often associated with idolatrous worship in the OT world - Jer 3:6-10, Hosea 1-3. In spite of the marriage ideal of Gen 1-2 polygamy, and having concubines was practiced in Israel - such marriages also solidied alliances with foreign powers. Rae suggests polygamy might have been allowed to protect women - who would not have worked in OT times, and so needed provision and protection should their husband die.
NT we see monogamy - Jesus teaches on marriage, Matt 19:1-5, from Gen 1-2 - elders are husband of one wife, 1 Tim 3:1-5 What should happen when someone in a culture which practices polygamy comes to Christ? Often a suggestion of taking no further wives is proposed and adopted. In succeeding generations polygamy then gradual is eradicated.
Ruth and levirate marriage

the custom of marriage by a man with his brother's widow, such marriage required in Biblical law if the deceased was childless. Deut. 25:510. A widow with no surviving children faced problems - no support / no way to carry on the line of the husband (important for a link to property) The book of Ruth shows this principle of levirate marriage in action. Ruth could have married a relative closer than Boaz, but he declined - the son of Ruth and Boaz is Obed, grandfather of King David.
OT law
Other parts of the OT law were designed to protect the model of Genesis 1-2. Including, - prohibition of illicit sexual relations - incest, homosexuality, adultery, premarital sex, bestiality are all prohibited - Lev 18-20 suggests these all violate the family structure of Gen 1-2 - Ex 19:6 - Rae suggests these would keep the family intact and preserve Israel from attack as a people under Gods holy law.
Song of Songs
Rae says this celebrates the beauty of sex within marriage - the lover and his bride are described in detail. It adds all sorts of details about what might be enjoyed within sex and marriage - food, drink, water, spices etc. 1:1-3:5 shows restraint prior to the marriage - even within an obvious desire for one another. Courtship 1:1-3:5 - marriage & consummation 3:6-5:1 - conict 5:2-6:3 reconciliation 6:4-8:14. The book only shows sex within marriage.
New Testament
1 Thess 4:3 - It is Gods wi! that you should be sanctied: that you should avoid sexual immorality; Eph 5:3 - But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for Gods holy people. 1 Cor 5:9 -I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexua!y immoral people Col 3:5 - Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust,
Heb 13:4 - Marriage should be honored by a!, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God wi! judge the adulterer and a! the sexua!y immoral. 1 Cor 5-7 develops these ideas more fully - the Corinthian church seems to be having some problems regarding its view of sex: 3 theological reasons for avoiding sexual immorality, - God will raise the body to immortality at the 2nd coming - 1 Cor 6:14 - the body is important and should be treated well
- believers are one with Christ, so they should never be one with anyone other than their spouse, 1Cor 6:15-17, - the believers body is a temple of HSp, 1Cor 6:19, your testimony for Christ should not be compromised as ultimately it has been purchased for God by Jesus and should be used t honour him. These three ideas give a trinitarian view to a believers relationship with God - and show all aspects of that relationship can be damaged in this area of sexual immorality.
Is Paul simply showing a homophobic bias in his writings, as the patriarchs seem anti-women? Was his message simply a reection of the culture of the day and something we can reject? Corinth at the time of Paul in fact practiced great sexual diversity - 1 Cor 5-6 - so Paul did not reect the culture of the day but was running counter to it - against it. His views would seem to be theologically based not culturally.
Singleness
In western nations increasing number of homes are headed by single people marriage is seen by many as no longer a good option. Sex in the Bible is reserved for marriage but still the Bible talks about singleness. 1 Cor 7 - arms being single, verses 25-35, Rae suggests such commands might be in the light of persecution facing the church at that time (see v26), singleness thus reduces the possibility of vulnerability to persecution through family members.
29-31 suggests marriage will pass away with the return of Christ - both marriage and singleness have the same eternal value. vv. 32-35 suggests the ability of single people serving the Lord with undivided hearts - an advantage over marriage. The passage suggests marriage or singleness are equally valid - there is nothing wrong in either - your motive for either is to be decided between you and God, but morally neither option is better or worse.
Homosexuality
What of the morality of a homosexual / lesbian / bisexual relationship? Should marriage be allowed in such instances? Most cultures - including India - have accepted the legitimacy of such relationships and accept what is done sexually is done in private away from moral scrutiny. Some people argue that it is compatible to be a Christian and a practicing homosexual - they believe this ts in with broad Bible teaching.
Dening Homosexual
1. A person who sexually prefers to be with members of the same sex. Rae says this applies to only 5% of people called homosexual. 1-2% of the population are homosexual in this way. 2. A bisexual person - attracted to either gender. 3. A situational homosexual - having had some homosexual experience but not having a predominant homosexual orientation - the person has a homosexual relationship because needs are met within it not because of gender - or a preteenage exploration of sexuality, possibly up to 30% of all teenagers
The Metropolitan Community Church

MCC are found all over the world and oer training and resources supporting their views - the Bible is balanced by reason, tradition and experience Rae cites this church as a group of churches who claim to believe historic Christianity and homosexual practice. They interpret biblical texts in a way that arms committed, loving homosexual relationships. Sodom & Gomorrah Gen 19-20 - not relevant as what happened was gang rape not consensual sex.
The Metropolitan Community Church

MCC are found all over the world and oer training and resources supporting their views - the Bible is balanced by reason, tradition and experience Rae cites this church as a group of churches who claim to believe historic Christianity and homosexual practice. They interpret biblical texts in a way that arms committed, loving homosexual relationships. Sodom & Gomorrah Gen 19-20 - not relevant as what happened was gang rape not consensual sex.
Paul, in the NT, addresses perversions of homosexuality expressing dominance over someone, temple prostitution. They say that the mutual caring homosexual relationships they practice are not prohibited in the NT. Jesus would not discriminate against someone on the basis of sexuality - it is like being a racist.
Myths about Homosexuality

All homosexuals are... 1. eeminate 2. Promiscuous - they do have a relatively high number of partners (lesbians less so) - there are loving, committed relationships 3. Following chose way of life - it may be learned developmentally (not genetic or chosen) - and might be a place they found acceptance without having to hide who they are 4. Artistic in nature - homosexuals are found in all professions
Causes of Homosexuality
No single cause or clear pattern - and great debate about a genetic link. Rae suggests some developmental factors (primarily for male homosexuals); - an angry / absent father along with close bonding to their mother, esp. if the boy becomes an emotional substitute for the husband - the boy to man progression does not take place with pleasure - their introduction to sexuality - with whom and was it pleasurable? If with a male who enjoyed it then more likely to take homosexual orientation.
Biblical response to homosexuality

Lev 18:22, 20:13 prohibit homosexual sex - this does not get greater condemnation than other sexual sins in these two chapters. Rom 1:24-27 - the key NT passage This is part of Pauls argument about the universality of sin and judgement and the need for justication by faith in Christs death on the cross. Paul quotes the natural order being man and woman - this is distorted by sin and everyone has the potential (as with all sin)

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of Lev 18:22, 20:13 prohibit their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of homosexual sex - this does not get their bodies with one another. They exchanged the greater condemnation than other truth about these two a lie, and worshiped and served sexual sins in God for chapters. created thingsthe key NT passage Rom 1:24-27 - rather than the Creatorwho is forever praised. Amen. This is part of Pauls argument about the universality of God gave them over to shameful Because of this, sin and judgement and the needtheir women exchanged natural sexual lusts. Even for justication by faith in Christs death on the cross. the same way the men relations for unnatural ones. In Paul quotes the natural order being with women and also abandoned natural relations man and woman - this is distorted by were inamed with lust for one another. Men sin and everyone has the potential committed shameful acts with other men, and (as with all sin) received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

Lev 18:22, 20:13 prohibit homosexual sex - this does not get greater condemnation than other sexual sins in these two chapters. Rom 1:24-27 - the key NT passage This is part of Pauls argument about the universality of sin and judgement and the need for justication by faith in Christs death on the cross. Paul quotes the natural order being man and woman - this is distorted by sin and everyone has the potential (as with all sin)
This passage has been interpreted in various ways: 1. It refers to homosexual temple prostitutes in idolatrous worship ceremonies - see also Dt 23:17-18 2. Paul is condemning true homosexuals who engage in sexual acts - debate here is about the use of natural as homosexuals claim this is natural for them and it would refer to heterosexuals performing homosexual acts. The question becomes does this apply regardless of your own sexual orientation?
3. Paul is condemning perversions of homosexuality and if a relationship is committed and loving then it is ok the same might apply to heterosexuals. 4. Paul is condemning all homosexual behaviour - there is a universal truth in creation order about all sexual relations, natural relations with women shows this - Rae suggests this is the only option that does not read something into the passage that is not there.
Some say it is important to see a dierence between attraction and action in this. This is paralleled in marriage where being attracted to a person other than your spouse is not sin, acting on it is! Matt 5:27-32 It is argued that homosexual attraction is not in itself a sin, but when the attraction gives in to lust and sex then it is - thus a Christian homosexual can either practice abstinence or heterosexual sex. Such a stance might give a more accepting position for those struggling with homosexuality.
Could this also be part of the cure for homosexuality? We need to distinguish between a cure for the behaviour and the desire - a cure of being content apart from the behaviour. So an alcoholic has not necessarily lost the desire for alcohol but have learned to be content apart from drinking it. Similarly a homosexual might still be attracted but not acting on that desire. What this does provide is a place for homosexuals who are struggling to try and nd some form of grace form God (within church acceptance)
Responses to Homosexuality in addition to Scripture

Arguing in a secular setting against homosexuality is hard - and 3 lines have been taken; 1. Public health - there is a statistical link of transmission of AIDS and homosexual activity - there is a strong link here (especially in unprotected homosexual sex or IV drug use) though there is also transmission within the heterosexual community. One might argue this is more about unprotected sex than anything else.
2. Historical argument - no civilisation has survived the destruction of the traditional family unit. Homosexuality undermines this idea. To ensure society ourishes we should encourage the family and discourage anything that acts against it. (In all probability there are historical exceptions to this, to which the homosexual community might appeal.
3. An argument from Immanuel Kants philosophy, based on reason alone. Kant formulated his moral duties in terms of a principle of universalizability - saying if a moral rule can be made a universal rule then, and only then, can it be called a valid moral rule. So telling the truth is such a rule as it is necessary to a functioning society - no truth telling would mean little meaningful communication as you would not know if you were being told the truth and so social relations would be severely damaged. Q: What would happen if no one held to the moral rule in question?
If this reasoning is applied to homosexuality - what if no one obeyed the moral rule prohibiting homosexuality? Procreation would decline unless alternative technologies were developed and used extensively, the existence of the next generation might be at stake. Many do not adhere to, or agree with, Kants moral system.
Same-sex marriage
This is legal in some countries and is considered the same as heterosexual marriage. There is a signicant move in the USA and other countries to legalise this. Arguing for is the idea of fairness benets and designation being withheld is unfair. Historically other areas of discrimination have been changed by law - this should be too.
Opponents - it is not unfair to say marriage is man and woman. In the USA almost all benets are available to all couples regardless of orientation. Thus it has been asked what the agenda is with regard to this issue? Some say it is social and moral validation of their lifestyle - a symbolic armation - this is what opponents are trying to stop, the approval of relationships which they think are morally problematic.
A second argument is made by opponents: Those in favour of same sex marriage often talk about it being decided on the grounds of personal autonomy, value based decisions in life are usually free from the judgment of the law, in cases of sexual preference and relationship type this should be the case - it is a decision made by consenting adults.
So what of polygamy or incest? Some people argue for consenting adultA secondrelationships made by children argument is or for bestiality opponents: Those in favour of same (relationships with animals) - are they permissible ifoften talk about it being sex marriage based on a persons informed desires? decided on the grounds of personal The question is what else will be autonomy, value based decisions in permitted if same sex marriage is life are usually free from the allowed? judgment of the countries which allow Some European law, in cases of sexual preference and relationship type this same sex marriage also already allow multiple marriages -as monogamy. should be the case it is a decision Law scholars are already speaking of made by consenting adults. the connection of same sex marriage and multiple marriages.
Polyamory is another word used for polygamy. An example from the Netherlands in 2005 is where Victor de Bruijn, who was already married, took another wife though it was not technically a marriage. Both of the women are bisexual and he is straight.
Birth control
Is it acceptable at all - and if it is what types are biblically acceptable? For Roman Catholics articial birth control is not allowed - for all other Christians it is. Most religious believers and culture in general say it is acceptable and desirable. Additionally it seems no division is made between permanent and non-permanent methods of birth control - though wisdom might need to be exercised with regard to the latter. The only biblical example of birth control is coitus interruptus of Onan in Gen 38:9-10.
Previously we discussed that making it mandatory for couple to produce children requires reading into the bible text be fruitful and multiply - sex as a unifying action, can in itself, be sucient. Gen 1:27 ll the earth - is it full now? The Bible does not tell us how many children to have. So birth control might be argued to avoid over population, good stewardship, timing of having children. In opposition it is said children are a gift from God - and should not be refused does this mean you have to have as many children as possible, or that birth control is not allowed?.
What methods of birth control are acceptable? Contraceptives are generally accepted - these prevent conception e.g. condoms What of arbortiofacient methods these prevent implantation or cause the expulsion of the fetus from the uterus. IUDs and RU486 come into this category - and if we consider the human status of the fetus both have to be considered unacceptable. The birth control pill is more controversial Tuesday 4 October 2011
The birth control pill is more controversial - it is very commonly used around the world. It has a contraceptive aect - whereby the sperm is prevented from reaching and fertilising the egg. It is questioned if it has an eect in thickening the lining of the uterus causing an inhospitable environment for implantation of a fertilised egg. Rae suggests that there is no medical consensus at present on whether this second eect takes place.
Masturbation
Dictionary: the stimulation or manipulation of one's own genitals,especia!y to orgasm; sexual selfgratication. Rae: An area on which the Bible is almost entirely silent Onan, Gen 38, was guilty of coitus interruptus - not masturbation. This is required for collecting sperm sample for techniques of reproductive technologies. Some couples do it during/post pregnancy, nursing small children, post menopause.
The problem for single people (or married) is the sexual fantasy which accompanies this act. Lust is biblically equated with adultery - Matt 5:27-29 - and so it is what is done with the mind that becomes a major problem here. Is it possible to masturbate without having sinful sexual fantasies? Your answer determines if it is permissible.
Sex change and transgender

Transgender, Rae denes as - a person whose gender identity is at variance with their sex at birth - ranging from transvestites to transexuals. Another issue that the Bible is silent on - probably as the technology to produce such change was not available and not anticipated in Bible writers times. Some biblical principles might be applied though, - trusting Gods providence with regard to the gender you are born with
- a child can be born with ambiguous gender, hermaphroditism, this is a genetic abnormality and parents then choose gender and surgery and hormone therapy are used. (This could be mistaken and so surgery could be allowed to correct this later). However this is dierent to someone who is unwilling to accept their gender as a given in life. Although the words gender and sex both have the sense the state of being male or female, they are typica!y used in slightly dierent ways: sex tends to refer to biological dierences, while gender tends to refer to cultural or social ones.
Premarital sex and abstinence

Sexual immorality = porneia - from which we get pornography = generally all forbidden sexual relations. The NT is specic and clear on this issue - Eph 5:3, Col 3:5, 1 Thess 4:3, Heb 13:4 Song of Songs - sex is for marriage shown in much of the imagery used there. Full sexual enjoyment is reserved for within marriage.
Sexual purity and safe sex

Society is full of sexual images and of messages which are highly sexual in nature - to talk in any other way is often greeted with disdain. Safe sex is talked of - the use of condoms is encouraged though failure rates of 15% are recorded and of HIV in up to 33%. Self control - urges can be controlled with regard to sex in the same way as for any other temptation - though the accepted pattern in society is to simply say teenagers will do it, so help them - this seems animalistic in its way of treating young people.
Winning the battle for sexual purity

What can a young person do to maintain sexual purity? 1. Avoid tempting situations - 1 Cor 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality, 1 Pet 5:8 resist the devil Make the right choices, be accountable. 2. Realise sex is not the glue in a relationship, it does not hold things together (it is a dessert!) - added to which the media portrays sex in a very dierent light to reality. Rae says in marriage sex is the 2nd most argued about thing - money is 1st!
3. Examine, and think clearly about, the damage pre-marital sex can do to a relationship - when a couple start having sex it often dominates at the expense of other aspects of the relationship, ones that are in fact very important and will add to sexual enjoyment later on. Relational harmony and contentment in marriage leads to more enjoyable sex. Sex before marriage leads to guilt, pain and frustration is the relationship fails, loss of direction in the relationship (as sex dominates), and mistrust.
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Restoring sexual purity

We might morally agree on what is to be desired in sexual activity - but what if we have previously failed? Rae suggests SoS 4:12-5:1 deals with the idea of a lack of sexual control. Using the metaphor of a spoiled garden he suggests, - accept the problem - restore it to its original beauty - talk to God about it, accept his counsel about how to restore things - accept Gods forgiveness - follow Gods plan for restoration. Gd is good and gracious - he forgives and restores

Rae, Moral Choices: Sexual Ethics

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Sexual Ethics

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Biblical teaching on sexual relationships

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Ruth and levirate marriage

Tuesday 4 October 2011

The Metropolitan Community Church

The Metropolitan Community Church

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Myths about Homosexuality

Biblical response to homosexuality

Biblical response to homosexuality

Biblical response to homosexuality

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Responses to Homosexuality in addition to Scripture

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Sex change and transgender

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Premarital sex and abstinence

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Sexual purity and safe sex

Winning the battle for sexual purity

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Restoring sexual purity

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