James Rachels’ “Ethics and the Bible” discuss the fact that many people look for esteemed writings such as the Bible and the Quran to draw inspiration of how a person should live one’s life. Often times, topics like abortion and homosexuality raise questions some believe only the sacred texts can answer. Rachels’ article, however, demonstrates that certain passages found in the Bible to prove abortion wrong are actually not included in the Bible at all. He also mentions that although homosexuality is blatantly condemned in Leviticus 18:22, it also discusses a number of other issues regarding the treatment of a disease, unusual requirements for a beard, and dealing with the menstruation of women. Moreover, it does not make sense to only follow…
Christians use these texts to apply a universal moral that declares same-sex relationships as Biblically unethical. However, by looking into the specific historical situation in which the text was written, one can find various social and political factors that underline the formation of these passages. Specifically, the factors lead to the belief that these rules were…
Ethical analysis of of John Corvino’s “Why shouldn’t Tommy and Jim Have Sex?” Homosexual sex over the years has become a debated topic among the public and scholars, to which there have been various cultural and moral responses on whether or not it is right or wrong. Debate on this subject is often driven by religious convictions and traditional values instilled in individuals early on. Our beliefs toward this topic have since then become the basis on which we treat and accept homosexual couples.…
In Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality the author, Jack Rogers, Professor of Theology Emeritus at San Francisco Theological Seminary, argues that when people oppose homosexuality in the modern world their reasons can be categorized into one of three points of view. He goes on to explain these three points of view saying, “1) The Bible records God’s judgement against the sin of homosexuality from its first mention in the Scripture. 2) People who are homosexual are somehow inferior in moral character and incapable of rising to the level of full heterosexual ‘Christian civilization’. And 3) People who are homosexual are willfully sinful” (Rogers 33).…
homosexuals and others who do not obey the laws of Nature and God should be "deprived of the sign of love." While opposition and persecution where the principle themes of the treatment of homosexuality during the Middle Ages, the scholarly rationale for this opposition was widely varied. In his eleventh-century book Liber Gomorrhianus, or the Book of Gommorah, Benedictine monk and Cardinal Peter Damian presents perhaps one of the severe persecutions of homosexuality. While Aquinas' acknowledges that, while still sinful, homosexuality is not the worst sin of lust, Damian presents such acts as the epitome of wickedness.…
The Gentiles were also guilty of substituting natural, God-given relations for those “contrary to nature” (Romans 1:26, ESV). In other words, both men and woman among the Gentiles were performing homosexual acts with one another. The behaviors done by the people of Romans are still seen today as a result of the fall. Those who have read other book of the bible concerning marriage and purity understand that homosexual acts are an abomination. God designed marriage and sex to be between one man and one woman.…
Narrative ethics is the idea that a person is within a story that he or she should follow (Wilkens, 2011). Christian narrative ethics hold this same idea; however, it follows the story of God and Christianity. The narrative of Christianity is the point of ethics and therefore, cannot be separated. Stanley Hauweras believes strongly in Christian ethics as the main narrative ethics. He claims that ethics cannot be separated from the theology and points to new ideas as proof.…
There are many aspects that can shape an individual’s sexual identity. This identity will play an immense role in the individual’s life, therefore it should be a decision that is made solely on how that person wants to express themselves. With that being said, there are several historical restrains that can make it difficult for people to be who they are. Throughout this paper will give a brief overview on the history of sexuality in Canada as well as how sports culture and education can influence today’s realities. There is no doubt that we have always lived and continue to live in a heterosexual dominant society.…
To begin with, it won’t be that wrong to say that the idea of “ethics” or “morality” is the only thing that differentiate us (human) animals. Inasmuch as it is important to have a sound ethical system for the existence of a balanced and harmonised society, it is also no less important to acknowledge the fact that we cannot attain objective ethical values without a well defined reference point. Presuming the fallenness of creation, the ability of reason or human cognitive faculty to make ethical choices is severely marred. Therefore, reason cannot be the point of reference if we are to achieve lasting ethical values that would guide us in making sound ethical judgments. It has to come from somewhere (or someone) else that transcends reason and…
Essay Homophobia and Sexism in Suzanne Pharr article, she wrote that “heterosexism and homophobia work together to enforce compulsory heterosexuality and that bastion of patriarchal power, the nuclear family.” Ministers across the world have focused on two solely “problems”: abortion and homosexuality. Puberty is when the society pressure to be heterosexual and preparing for marriage hard for individuals who struggle with their identity. The Lavender Menace discussed about women who were feminist and were lesbians often hid their sexuality or spoke less at organizations to have a greater effect on the audience. “The Woman Identified Woman” help homosexual woman bring conscious what is was like to be a feminist and a lesbian.…
Preacher, Jonathan Edward, in his sermon “Sinners in the hands of an Angry God”, preaches his personal belief of what is going to happen to us when we die and what God will do to people who have not repented. Edward’s purpose is to convey the idea that we are all sinners and God has the power to do whatever he wants to do to us. He adopts a furious tone to affect the reader's feelings and make them feel repentful and guilty. Edward starts his sermon by arguing that God is not required to keep anyone out of hell. He appeals to the listener's emotion through fear, he uses imagery to show how easily God can decided to drop us into hell.…
Every single person shares the fact that they each have a worldview. World views are very important as the worldview helps determine the choices a person makes every day. In short, this worldview is how an individual sees the world around them; it is the set of assumptions that influence how people see life. The worldview is a set of beliefs, the foundations that shape values, which, in turn, shape one’s actions. At the core of every choice made is the worldview and the beliefs associated with it.…
Such views became interwoven into the theory of natural law; thus, from the early beginning created a cultural stigma against homosexuality. Although attitudes concerning same-sex relations vary across time, place, and culture, in most Western societies homosexuality was deemed a stark paradox that went against the theory of natural law. Cultural Factors For centuries there have been efforts to ban homosexuality and punish gays and lesbians…
Homosexuality is a constant topic in the media and is always being shunned with religious motives in both past and present. In recent news, politicians in some states are aiming for the criminalization of homosexuality while others are passing legislation for the recognition of same-sex marriages. Michael Levin presents a purely scientific and secular argument against homosexuality and homosexual marriages in his work “Why Homosexuality is Abnormal.” Michael Levin addresses the debate question: “Is homosexuality abnormal?” His position on the debate is affirmative.…
Different religions within different societies have created moral codes independent of other religions that are created to guide a person’s sexual activities and practices. The belief that sex is a sacred act and should only be performed between a man and a woman after marriage has been a very strong moral code imposed by religion in the United States. This has contributed to the negative views towards homosexual individuals, as sex would not be between a man and a woman. Other cultures and religions emphasize that sexual behaviors should only be for procreation purposes only, emphasizing control over sexual desires. Peers and family also contribute to sexual behaviors.…