RE: Personal Responsibility

Christian responses to heterosexuality

• Many Christians believe that heterosexuality is part of 'God's plan'
• Genesis describes God making men and women as partners for each other 
• Heterosexual relationships are the way that God has intended to bring new life into the world
• Some Christians see the man as being 'head of the family' - in a same-sex relationnship this would not be possible

Christian responses to homosexuality

• Some Christians believe that homosexuality is a sin
• Some believe that homosexuals should stay celibate as sex is only for married men and women
• Some people believe that homosexuality is a gift of creative variety that God has given humanity

• The bible believes that sexual immorality harms the body and the body is holy. 

• The best possible kind of love is a permanent, committed love - not a casual, temporary love. 

• Casual sex expresses little love and undemimes the value of commited love. 

• However, some Christians believe that God should allow his people pleasure.

• Sex should not be confused with marriage or commitment.

Different forms of contraception

Artificial

Barriers to new life, e.g. the condom or the contraceptive pill. 

Most Christians see the use of contraception as entirely appropriate between a married couple, as it shows responsibility. However, the Catholic church believes that artificial contraception is a sin as couples are not open to creating new life and are therefore preventing God's plan. 

Emergency

The morning after pill (a form of artificial contraception) prevents a fertilised egg from developing any further.

Some Christians believe that human life begins at conception and are therefore very concerned by emergency contraception which they see as the termination of human life.

Natural

The rhythm method gives couples the ability to plan a family. This is fully accepted and promoted by the church.

Socially accepted drugs include alcohol and tobacco. They can cause devastating harm, but are still used widely. Many Christians use alcohol in worship, based on Jesus' last supper.

However, the destruction of the body is wrong, and Christians believe that they should fill their bodies with the spirit - not pollute them with intoxicants. Drugs can also damage society.  

Effects on the individual

Dependancy on drugs can damage a person physchologically and socially. The use of drugs can also damage health, lowering the person's quality of life.

Effects on the family

Intoxicated behaviour can lead to violence and assault. Parents may neglect their children and steal from family members to fund their habits. Passive smoking can also be dangerous.

Effects on society

Hospital admissions for these issues are extremely high, and costly for the taxpayer. Drugs also can cause crime and encourage gang behaviour.