You are viewing a free preview of this lesson.
Subscribe to unlock all 10 lessons in this course and every other course on LearningBro.
This is one of the most debated topics in religious ethics. Christian and Islamic teachings on sexuality have shaped moral attitudes for centuries, but these teachings are now being challenged and reinterpreted in light of changing social attitudes. This lesson explores religious and ethical perspectives on human sexuality.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Heterosexuality | Sexual attraction to people of the opposite sex |
| Homosexuality | Sexual attraction to people of the same sex |
| Bisexuality | Sexual attraction to people of both sexes |
| Celibacy | Choosing not to have sexual relationships |
| Chastity | Not having sex before marriage; or the virtuous use of sexuality |
| Contraception | Methods used to prevent pregnancy |
| Promiscuity | Having many sexual partners without commitment |
| Adultery | Having a sexual relationship with someone other than your spouse |
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?" (1 Corinthians 6:19)
| View | Position | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative/Traditional | Homosexual acts are sinful | "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman" (Leviticus 18:22); the Bible consistently presents marriage as between a man and a woman |
| Moderate | Homosexual orientation is not sinful, but homosexual acts are | The Catholic Church teaches "respect, compassion, and sensitivity" towards gay people but considers homosexual acts "intrinsically disordered" |
| Liberal/Progressive | Homosexuality is natural and not sinful; same-sex relationships should be celebrated | Jesus said nothing about homosexuality; the greatest commandment is love; biblical passages must be read in historical context |
Exam Tip: You must be able to present BOTH traditional and liberal views on homosexuality and explain the reasoning behind each. Avoid expressing your own opinion — present the arguments on each side.
"And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way." (Surah Al-Isra 17:32)
| Issue | Christianity | Islam |
|---|---|---|
| Sex before marriage | Traditional: forbidden / Liberal: acceptable in committed relationships | Forbidden (haram) |
| Adultery | Sinful | One of the gravest sins |
| Homosexuality | Views range from sinful to fully accepted, depending on denomination | Traditional teaching: haram; progressive voices are emerging |
| Purpose of sex | Procreation and unity within marriage | A blessing within marriage; part of Allah's plan |
| Denomination | Position |
|---|---|
| Roman Catholic | Artificial contraception is forbidden; only natural family planning is permitted (Humanae Vitae, 1968) |
| Church of England | Contraception is acceptable within marriage as a responsible choice |
| Other Protestants | Generally accept contraception as a matter of personal conscience |
Exam Tip: The Catholic prohibition on artificial contraception is a distinctive teaching. Be sure you can explain it and contrast it with other Christian and Islamic views.
Religious teachings on sexuality vary considerably, even within the same faith tradition. While traditional Christian and Islamic views share a common emphasis on sex within marriage and a cautious approach to homosexuality, liberal and progressive voices within both religions are calling for greater acceptance and inclusion. Understanding these diverse perspectives is essential for the GCSE exam.