Understanding Human Sexuality in Christianity

Understanding Human Sexuality in a Christian Context

• Human sexuality is a vital aspect of existence, rooted in our identities and relationships. It encompasses attractions, orientations, and our being, reflecting the image of God.

• Key to understanding human sexuality is the distinction between sex and love, where sexuality is a means of procreation and intimate expression of love.

• Foundational concepts incorporate procreation, where the sexual act brings forth new life, fulfilling the divine command to multiply and populate the earth.

• Union is another key aspect, emphasizing the intimate bond shared between spouses, fostering love and connection.

• The Christian perspective views sexuality as a pathway to fulfilling relationships, rooted in the belief that "God is love."

• Sexual expression is grounded in inherent human nature as beings created in God's image, designed for loving relationships.

Sex and Love

• Sexuality is intrinsic to human relationships, which are designed to be filled with love.

• Sexual acts are ways of communicating and expressing deep affection and profound meaning within relationships.

• The act of sex, in this context, becomes a language that conveys meaning and ensures integral communication between partners.

Characteristics of Integral Love

• Integral love has distinct features:

• Fruitfulness: This emphasizes love's generative nature, nurturing families and communities.

• Union: This describes the deep connection and closeness experienced between partners, fostering emotional, spiritual, and physical closeness.

• Freedom from Fear: This represents a safe and open environment where partners express themselves without apprehension.

Understanding Premarital Sexual Activity

• Premarital sex can include transient encounters, such as one-night stands, devoid of the commitment of a healthy relationship.

• Foreplay refers to activities leading up to intercourse, fostering intimacy and emotional connection.

• Intercourse is the act of sexual union, best practiced within a committed relationship context.

The Rise of Premarital Sexual Activity

• Several factors contribute to the increasing frequency of premarital sexual activity:

• Delayed marriage prompting earlier relationship exploration.

• Media and modern social influencers exhibiting open attitudes about premarital sex.

• Societal norms and openness surrounding discussions about sexuality.

• Weakening of traditional family structures and values.

• Diminished self-discipline within individuals.

• Reduced faith in God and spirituality.

The Virtue of Chastity

• Chastity governs sexual expression, emphasizing honour and respect for the human body (as a dwelling of the Holy Spirit).

• Chastity finds expression in various forms.

• Premarital Chastity: Abstaining from sexual activity before marriage.

• Marital Chastity: Being faithful to one's spouse, avoiding extramarital relationships.

• Celibate Chastity: Choosing a life of service and spirituality in lieu of marriage.

Pre-Vatican Social Teachings

• Pope Leo XIII's papacy significantly marked the development of Catholic Social Teachings, highlighting social issues like poverty and labor strife during rapid industrialization.

• Rerum Novarum (1891) is a pivotal encyclical, whose title translates to "Concerning New Things." This work lays the foundation for modern Catholic social thought, responding to social upheaval, widening wealth gaps, and calls for socialism, driven by the Industrial Revolution.

• Catholic Social Teachings emphasizes labor's importance over capital, with fair wages being essential for a decent standard of living.

Rights and Duties (in relation to Workers and Employers)

• Workers have the right to fair wages and decent working conditions

• Workers have the duty to perform tasks fully and faithfully, refraining from destructive behaviours.

• Employers have the right to expect productivity and respect from their workers, and their duty is to provide suitable working conditions.

Further Developments in Social Teachings (such as Quadragesimo Anno and Mater et Magistra)

• Quadragesimo Anno (1931) further develops Catholic teachings on social issues, acknowledging changes from 1891.

• Mater et Magistra (1961) provides a holistic view of global issues facing the Church, emphasizing its responsibility within modern context including peace and international justice.

Definition of Abortion

• Abortion is the expulsion of a living fetus from the mother's womb before it reaches viability. It can occur naturally (miscarriage) or be induced through medical or surgical means.

Reasons for Abortion

• Economic costs of raising a child.

• Family planning choices regarding timing and number of children.

• Health concerns regarding the mother or the baby.

• Rape or incest.

• Age of the mother, especially younger women feeling unprepared for motherhood

• Societal pressures and moral beliefs.

Historical Background (of Abortion in Philippines)

• Ancient Greek philosophers endorsed abortion for population management.

• Philippine laws and the 1986 Constitution reflect the country's stance on protecting both the mother and unborn child.

• The Revised Penal Code (1930) mandated imprisonment for women undergoing abortions and those assisting in the procedure, which also implies medical and family involvement.

Practices associated with Abortion in Philippines

• Folk healers, known as "hilots", practice traditional herbology and prenatal/postnatal care in rural areas.

• Abortion surgeries are uncommon due to widespread moral views. However, post-abortion care is often available to address complications if needed.

• Modern medicine, through medication like Misoprostol, Methotrexate, and others, allows for therapeutic or elective abortions with regulated distribution.

Types of Abortion (Categorized)

• Natural (miscarriage) abortions aren't intended.

• Direct or Intentional abortions are deliberate attempts to terminate a pregnancy before viability.

• Therapeutic abortions aim to save the mother's life or address significant medical issues stemming from the pregnancy.

• Elective abortions are based on personal choice rather than medical necessity.

Effects of Abortion (Potential)

• Both physical and psychological effects on women, varying significantly based on individual circumstances.

This quiz explores the Christian perspective on human sexuality, focusing on the distinctions between sex and love, the concepts of procreation, and the significance of union in relationships. It highlights how sexuality reflects the image of God and fosters fulfilling connections rooted in love. Join us to deepen your understanding of sexuality in a faith context.