Issues in Sexual Issues

Definitions

  1. Sexuality--two dimensions:
  1. biological--physical pleasure and procreation
  2. social--individual purpose and socialization
  3. the inseparability of the two dimensions
  4. the mistakes in separating the two:
    1. without the social--"it's only physical"
    2. without the physical--"it's whatever I [or someone] want it to be"
  1. What is a sexual ethical issue?--how one uses one's sexuality to indicate and/or

represent a moral commitment to the good

1. Promiscuity--a moral term

    1. simple definition--irresponsible sex; two senses:

2. "against nature"--an ambiguous term which can refer to either the social

or biological aspects
  1. "against the moral norm"--the action contradicts (not just challenge) the

social norm
    1. two special cases:
    1. masturbation--private act which potentially creates "lust"
    1. the difference between sexual attraction and lust
    2. the difference between sensuality and pornography

b. birth control--the responsibility, not denial, for procreation
  1. Marriage--ambiguous idea

1. not just any partnering is a marriage; it has a sociological function--

2. .general purpose--rearing of children, sharing of social status and property; this

gives it a legal role

3. moral purpose--an institution requiring and showing social virtues between the

sexes; e.g., fidelity
  1. Hegel--the family is the first social institution in which one learns "concrete

freedom"--i.e., incorporating opposition into a greater purpose; the brother

sister relationship is the most fundamental

 

A Theology of Sexuality

  1. Humans are created sexual--Genesis 1 and 2
  1. "image of God"--male and female--unity
  2. from "Adam's rib"--diversity
  3. "bone of my bone"--biological attraction
  4. first command--be fruitful and multiply
  1. the two dimensions of sexuality
  1. intercourse of male and female is a way to gain intimacy and fulfilment
  2. the command to procreate--the morality of having children; sexuality becomes

a sign of one's commitment to prepare for the future through the procreative union