Christianity Sexual Ethics
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- Category: History: Religion
- Date Submitted: 05/15/2010 02:12 AM
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Use the evidence provided from the various Christian denominations along with any research you could provide to address the following question:
Explain the importance of sacred text and tradition to Christians for ethical guidance in matters of sexual ethics
Christian teachings on sexual ethics are drawn from Christian scripture, natural law and tradition, however, expressions of Christianity rely on these sources to various degrees. For Roman Catholics, faith and reason help understand right action and sources on ethical teaching are integrated within the authoritative teaching (magisterium) of the Church, whereas for Protestant communities, the primacy of Scripture and the application of reason would be maintained in any discussion on ethics.
Guidance for all Christians on sexual ethics is found in sacred text- the Bible. In the Old Testament they are in the rules for living given to the people by Moses: the Ten Commandments. In the New Testament they are found in the teachings of Jesus in the gospels and in the writing of St Paul. In the Gospels it is Jesus who stops those who would stone the accused adulterer (John 8:7). St Paul gave guidance encouraging the valuing of relationship and the importance of modesty and moral actions. In a world where the Parousia (end times and the return of the Messiah) was considered imminent, Paul's concerns were with preparing Christians for the next life: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Roman Catholic adherents would also look for guidance on sexual ethics in the teaching tradition of the church found in Papal documents and the Catholic Catechism. The Catholic Catechism outlines this idea when it declares homosexual acts to be disordered-They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life....
Explain the importance of sacred text and tradition to Christians for ethical guidance in matters of sexual ethics
Christian teachings on sexual ethics are drawn from Christian scripture, natural law and tradition, however, expressions of Christianity rely on these sources to various degrees. For Roman Catholics, faith and reason help understand right action and sources on ethical teaching are integrated within the authoritative teaching (magisterium) of the Church, whereas for Protestant communities, the primacy of Scripture and the application of reason would be maintained in any discussion on ethics.
Guidance for all Christians on sexual ethics is found in sacred text- the Bible. In the Old Testament they are in the rules for living given to the people by Moses: the Ten Commandments. In the New Testament they are found in the teachings of Jesus in the gospels and in the writing of St Paul. In the Gospels it is Jesus who stops those who would stone the accused adulterer (John 8:7). St Paul gave guidance encouraging the valuing of relationship and the importance of modesty and moral actions. In a world where the Parousia (end times and the return of the Messiah) was considered imminent, Paul's concerns were with preparing Christians for the next life: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Roman Catholic adherents would also look for guidance on sexual ethics in the teaching tradition of the church found in Papal documents and the Catholic Catechism. The Catholic Catechism outlines this idea when it declares homosexual acts to be disordered-They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life....