Transcript sexual_ethics

Sexual Ethics
Responsible and Authentic Human
Intimacy
Why?
► Sexuality
is not simply physical/biological
 Incorporates psychological and spiritual
dimensions of the human person
►Cf.
Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, The Holy Longing
As morality focuses on identity
as well as action and
consequence, it is key to
discuss a key component of
integral identity as motive for
how we act and form relations
Whose business?
► Not
exclusively a “personal” issue
 Requires understanding of trust and
commitment in human relationships
 Recognizes the need for openness and
vulnerability
► Our
sexual identity and activity is called to
be “community-serving”
 Families as “domestic church;” foundation for
social and community stability
Enduring Understandings
1.
2.
3.
Human sexuality is a gift from God.
A sacramental vision of human sexuality
affirms the goodness and dignity of the
human person as made in God’s image.
Human sexuality is good, holy, and sacred;
but it is also corruptible and potentially
misdirected toward unethical ends.
Sexuality and Spirituality
► Religion
and the world battle over dominion
over sexuality
 Mystery of sexuality linked to core identity and
the grace of God expressed in it
►Premium
expression of mystery of love/Love; selfcommunication
►Powerful yearning, holy longing
Attitude toward sexuality
► Complexity
of the reality is at root of most
powerful forces in human reality; tensions
 Purity/passion; ecstasy/hate; creative/chaotic
►Too
► Need
►
often trivialized or vilified
to find balance; be responsible
Reflection: When in your life have you felt this tension? Which pull,
the creative or destructive has proven more powerful? How does this
lead to an understanding of God’s role in our sexual nature?
More Methods of Moral
Reasoning
► Consequentialism v. Non-consequentialism
►Cf. Where Do You Stand, 51-2
 Consequentialism => looks at results of act to
determine morality
►Example
of application - Mill
 Non-consequentialism => looks at the very act
itself to determine morality
►Considers
1. object, 2. intention, 3. circumstances
►Example of application - Kant
Kohlberg’s Levels of Moral
Decision-Making
Although neither the
consequentialist nor
non-consequentialist
method of moral
reasoning is better
(both are necessary
for comprehension),
psychologists note a
hierarchy of stages
in moral
development.
Sex, Lies and Hook-Up Culture
► “Hook-up
Culture” is pervasive in media, young
adult society and viewed as normal
Discussion
► What do you think is appropriate sexual activity
for a 16 year-old? 21 year-old?
► Is the Catholic church’s position on fornication
prudish? Unrealistic? Idealistic?
► How does sexual activity change relationships,
vulnerability, maturity at your age?