12. Sexual ethics: Comparing Christian Approaches (Fletcher and Barclay)

?
  • Created by: Alasdair
  • Created on: 25-06-17 14:01
View mindmap
  • 11. Sexual ethics: Comparing Christian Approaches (Fletcher and Barclay)
    • Joseph Fletcher
      • "Situation Ethics"
      • Traditional understanding of SE is whether "love" is being served
        • Agape the highest form of love being that which God bestows on his people
      • The love a couple shares reflects the love humans receive from God and is therefore precious
      • Provided sex is performed responsibly, with precautions then sex before marriage could be condoned by many Xns
      • He recognises the age at which people are sexually maturing is getting younger and younger
        • Therefore there is a gap between when people are capable of sexual intercourse and when it would be suitable to marry
      • Provided young Xns are mature enough, responsible enough and loving enough, then sexual intercourse before marriage is acceptable
      • Sex for a couple who are committed to each other and who love each other is permissible
      • Promiscuous sex is not OK
    • William Barclay
      • Xn ethics should not be adapted to suit the different moral codes of society
      • It should reflect the absolute and unchanging nature of God's morals
      • Relaxing codes on sex before marriage encourages promiscuity
      • This brings STIs, children born out of wedlock and a lack of respect for virginity and purity
        • Relaxing codes on sex before marriage encourages promiscuity
      • The Bible cannot support any sexual activity outside of marriage
        • Fornication is condemned at least 18 times in the New Testament
        • Matthew 15:19-20 Jesus teaches that sexual immorality is a sin, which comes from within, making the person unclean
        • John 8:1-11 Jesus did not condemn an adulteress who had been caught in the act, but he did tell her to "go and sin no more"
      • Barclay portrays 2 virtues of Purity and Chastity as central to Xn way of life
      • Jesus however says nothing about sex before marriage.

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Religious Studies resources:

See all Religious Studies resources »See all Ethics resources »