IndexChristian Views on Homosexuality and Premarital SexChristian Sexual Ethics: Views on Contraception and Contemporary IssuesConclusionReferencesEthics can be defined as the explicit, philosophical and/or reflection religious belief and moral practices. Ethics is the practical application of beliefs, in which conduct is deemed appropriate. More specifically, Christian sexual ethics are based on right relationships with God, with others and with oneself. Sexual ethics can be derived from Christian scriptures, 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 in the right circumstances, that is, within a heterosexual, monogamous, exclusive marriage, open to the possibility of procreation. However, with the role of conscience, sexual ethics now contributes to an era of individualism regarding 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 . Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Authoritative sources of Scripture contribute vitally to distinguishing right from wrong in the expression of Christianity. In the Old Testament, the union of Adam and Eve became symbolic in the teachings of Christianity, as Genesis states, “a man raises up his father and his mother, united with his wife, and they become one flesh.” The union reflects traditional teachings that sexual behavior should be limited to a monogamous, heterosexual marriage. Furthermore, God teaches in the Old Testament, “Be fruitful and increase in number,” reflecting that, as a whole, Christianity believes that sexuality is necessary and should be open to procreation. The seventh commandment of the Decalogue states that adultery is prohibited, binding Christian followers in their sexual behavior. In the New Testament, Jesus' "Golden Rule" or Love Commandment instructs humans to love one another, elevating respect for humanity to maintain dignity. The Beatitudes also outline Jesus' insights into proper Christian living and invite followers to express love through 'having a family life' that reflects the broad Christian belief in basic social unity. Paul's Letters to the Corinthians provide explicit indications on ethics, stating that "the body, however, is not made for sexual immorality, but for the Lord", highlighting that Christian sexual ethics benefits the sanctity of the body, of the soul and of conscience. The early foundation of Scripture provided Christian variants with a basis for responding to contemporary problems, as a living religious tradition. Christian views on homosexuality and premarital sex The issue of homosexuality has divided and polarized Christian variants, which differ in their approach and acceptance. of homosexual relationships. Christian academics, such as Thomas Aquinas, were influenced by the concept of natural law, as homosexuality rebels against the natural reproductive purposes of human bodies, with sexual union unable to "be fruitful and multiply". In 1 Corinthians, Paul of Tarsus states: "...transgressors will not inherit the kingdom of God...nor will they be fornicators or men who have sexual relations with men",reflecting the traditional belief that homosexual behavior 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 demonstrated by the 1998 Lambeth Conference, where Anglicans declared homosexuality to be “incompatible with the Scriptures”. Yet, in 2004, the first openly gay bishop was ordained in the US Church, reflecting changing ethical standards in Christianity. Furthermore, in 1982 the Synod of the Uniting Church in NSW supported the decriminalization of homosexuality, to prevent impositions of morality. Thinkswap Document In contrast, Catholicism and the Eastern Orthodox Church maintain conservative positions in condemning homosexuality. In 2006, Pope Benedict declared that homosexuality was against natural law, discouraging its legal recognition. A common feature, however, in each variant is that while the sin of homosexuality may be condemned, the sinner is respected, highlighting the timeless Christian ethic of the holiness of the individual. Because there is no single Christianity position on homosexuality, the dynamic diversity in its response reflects a living religious tradition, contributing to the modern issues facing its followers. Christianity's traditional position on premarital and extramarital sex is that these are prohibited. practices that degrade the sanctity of marriage. As shown by Adam and Eve in Genesis, sex is loving companionship within an adult marriage. The Decalogue's commandment on adultery is widely accepted as a correct guideline for extramarital sexual relations, since adultery harms God-given humanity. In this way, responses to adultery remain traditional, as it is generally considered immoral from society, since it destroys the basic social unity. In Genesis the concept of “one flesh” is described as exclusive within marriage; however, in contemporary times sex and procreation are not mutually exclusive, giving rise to premarital sex. The Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Presbyterian, and Lutheran denominations have explicitly prohibited premarital sex, considering sexuality to be proper within a sanctified union. Baptist churches, in contrast, elevate the “competence of the individual” and the role of conscience in these decisions, while Unitarian churches accept covenant relationships outside of marriage. Christianity has therefore responded to and contributed, as a living religious tradition, to questions of morality to remain relevant. Christian Sexual Ethics: Views on Contraception and Contemporary Issues Traditional Christian teachings elevate natural reproduction within marriage, thus eliminating the role of contraception in sexuality. ethics. Because the Bible has little to say about contraception, guidelines often come from Church teachings and the role of conscience. Due to the interpretation of the Genesis commandment to be 'fruitful and multiply', no Christian faith allowed contraception until the 1930s. However, in a dynamic response to a modern issue, many variations are now divided on the issue. While the Anglican Church denounced contraception at the 1908 Lembeth Conference, the Church reissued a statement in support of contraception at the 1930 Lembeth Conference, as it combats the spread of disease and is preferable to aborting an unwanted child. Nowadays, most Protestant churches allow the use of contraception, except for the one that encourages.