One Issue Of Human Sexuality In Christianity example essay topic

Christianity: New Teachings for a New Way of Life The Christian vision of Human Sexuality compared to many religions is seen as quite restrictive. Religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism do not put near as much effort in restricting human sexuality as Christians do. Particularly in Hinduism, sex is seen as a good thing and is even celebrated. Even more, some Hindu's practice the teachings of the Kama Sutra "which provides the details of erotic method... presenting the particulars of various types of positions, caresses, and embraces" (LoPresti 25). These views of sexuality in Hinduism are significantly different to the views of Christianity. "How would you characterize the Christian vision of human sexuality, as relatively positive and affirming or more cautious and restrictive?" (LoPresti 137) One issue of Human Sexuality in Christianity is the idea of contraception.

"Until 1930, when the Anglican Communion modified its teaching, Christians around the world had been unanimous in their condemnation of artificial means of birth control" (LoPresti 132). For centuries, procreation has been the primary purpose of marriage. Now with the advancements of a reliable birth control, sex has taken on a whole new consciousness. Sex now can be seen as fun and pleasurable and independent of procreation. The idea of sex separate from procreation is highly debatable especially in the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church "continues to hold that each and every act of intercourse must remain open to the transmission of new life" (LoPresti 133).

This argument is the source of much heated debate due to the steady rise of the Aids Epidemic. The Aids epidemic in the world today is the source of a huge problem. Millions are infected and will continue to infect others without the proper means of contraception. Since there is no cure for Aids, the condom is the catalyst in attempting to control the Aids virus. Since the issue of contraception is in direct contradiction with the Roman Catholic Church, many Catholics find themselves torn between religion and health. So the question for Catholics becomes: Do we follow our catholic teaching or do we try and eradicate this disease?

Although most devout Catholics would be opposed to disregarding the teachings of the church, the issue of saving millions of life's around the world is far more important. Therefore, the issue of contraception in the Catholic Church is far more restricting than it is relatively positive or affirming. A second issue that surrounds Christianity today is the issue of non marital sex. A majority of Christians would argue "that marriage is the only acceptable environment for full sexual expression" (LoPresti 129). For centuries, non marital sex has been seen by Christians as sinful and against the teachings of the church. This notion still holds true today, yet seems to bear little significance to the youth of America.

Sex is deeply engrained in American culture today through many different forms primarily because people are so intrigued with it. Sex is seen on TV, movies, books, magazines, and virtually any other possible outlet it can be sold. This is where the term "Sex Sells" is most evident. Popular TV shows like Cheaters, and Desperate Housewives are just a couple of examples of how attractive sex is to Americans. In all of this, Americans are becoming more desensitized on a sexual basis.

TV and movies have always come up with new ways to push sex onto new levels. For example, the new hit TV show Desperate Housewives is based around a group of women who seek to fulfill their sexual urges. These urges are fulfilled in acts of non marital sex, and adultery and given a comedic tone. This shows how with comedic tone, most of anything can be seen as ok and funny. This is a perfect example of how issues in the church are in high conflict with everyday life.

The Christian church has always warned against such acts saying that "each day the broken hearts of abandoned spouses, the children born out of wedlock, the families torn by divorce... all cry out to us that sexual expression outside of God's plan is a mistake... the price is far too great" (LoPresti 130). Evidently, the issue of non marital sex in the Christian church takes on a cautious and restrictive stance because of all the adherent suffering that arises from it. One last controversial issue of human sexuality in the Christian Church is the presence of homosexuality. Homosexuality today is perhaps the churches biggest issue. It is said that "as with contraception and masturbation, Christianity has a long history of condemning homosexual acts" (LoPresti 135). Leviticus bluntly states that "if a man lies with another male as with a woman... they both shall be put to death" (LoPresti 135).

Even through so much persecution of homosexuals, the Christian view of homosexuality primarily remains the same. Practicing Homosexuals are not allowed to be ordained into the ministry and same-sex unions are not blessed or recognized by the church. These facts create huge problems considering the growing number of announced gays and lesbians today. In the past, homosexuals were outcast sinners who were in direct violation with church teaching. Recently however, homosexuals have started to embrace their sexuality and stand up for what they believe in. More and more, the church is realizing the need for change in Christian thinking and teaching of homosexuality.

"Much as the churches have begun to own up to their role in fostering anti-Semitism, so too they may one day have to come to terms with the way Christian teaching has encouraged hateful attitudes and physical violence towards homosexually oriented persons" (LoPresti 136). Christian teaching of homosexuality has created a hatred towards homosexuals, which in turn, causes homosexuals to be oppressed. This oppression is in direct contradiction with the teachings of Jesus' ministry which stressed "a call to compassion and solidarity with those who are oppressed" (LoPresti 135). Therefore, the Christians view of homosexuality seems to be restricting, in that homosexuals are restricted from living a life without oppression. Overall, the Christian view of human sexuality appears to be quite restrictive on the issues of contraception, non marital sex, and homosexuality. Furthermore, these unresolved issues within the church need to be updated to fit new circumstances which we know to be ok today, like homosexuality and contraception.

No religion is a perfect religion, but it is though the continual evaluations of church teaching that we begin to find more logical, and accepting religion.

Bibliography

LoPresti, Anthony. "Christianity". Sex & Religion. Ed. Christel Manning & Phil Zuckerman. Belmont, CA: Thompson, 2005.117-141.