A Framework for Christian Sexual Ethics - Assignment Example

Summary Question one A Woman’s Position in the Church and Society Introduction Religion is important for shaping the image of women in the society. It plays a major role in formulating their roles and responsibilities. The church has been practicing segregation and association of women with limited areas in the church for example in terms of the roles they play. Writers who have addressed the plight of women in the church Leslie Caaldwell, in 1970, wrote that women have not been granted their right and liberty to have full control of their own lives. In 1975, Jean Aubert also addressed the matter bringing out the church as a major base for masculinity and not femininity. George Tavard outlines the fact that some Christian prayers still refer to women ass a weaker and subjective sex. Mary Malone writes that women roles in the church have been reduced to nurture, beauty and service. The Papal Concept on the position of women in the church The popes of the twentieth century have been formulating reforms aimed at enhancing the importance of women’s role in the church. In their speeches and encyclicals, they have been showing appreciation of the contributions made by women. The popes’ attitude towards women has led to the revocation of traditional oppressions leveled against women in the church. Reconfirmation and expansion the role of women in catholic churches was done by the 2nd Vatican Council. Pope Leo XIII had is responsible for the initiation of the new era that focuses on enhancing the stance of women within the church. Catholics in the 19th Century were embracing earlier teachings that gender inequality is a natural order that owes its initiation to the creator. There was no level of social influence that could make them change this perception. In the long run, both men and women had to embrace the fact that their mission in the world is to complement and extend assistance to each other. Conclusion Since 1878, the papal conception of a woman’s position in church and society has been going through various transformations. The initiation of the major transformations was done by Pope Leo XIII. The transformation has led to a transition from earlier segregation of women to the embracement of their role in both the society and the church. Question Two Christian Sexual Ethics Introduction Sexual ethics has been a major topic of discussion over the years. During the times of Plato, he reacted to issues relating to sex and the probability of homosexual and heterosexual relations. Martin Luther mounted criticism on the view of sexual desires in a way that made people prefer celibacy. Christian teachings put emphasis on the importance of developing family units and avoiding celibacy. A Framework for Christian Sexual Ethics Various theories and arguments have existed mainly leveled on sexual ethics. Different societies have different formulations of sexual norms that guide sexual activities and relationships. Cultural and class diversities influence the guidelines that control human sexual lives. In the world today, Western culture has incorporated diverse sexual practices that have been posing many challenges in society. Major governments are debating positive and negative sentiments over adverse sexual behavior. The controversial sexual practices have also caused tussles in religious traditions. Such practices include homosexuality and heterosexuality. In the religious fraternity, there has been conflict on whether to adopt the newly emerging sexual concepts or to reject them. A number of factors explain the controversial changes in the previously adopted sexual standards and principles. People in the 20th and the 21st centuries have been exposed to new information and practical possibilities concerning sexual issues. Revolutionary movements have been rising to support and to oppose emerging sexual practices. Diverse sexual explorations like gayism were previously hidden deeds (Farley, 1994) are now being practiced in the open. There is an increasingly significant presence of gay men and lesbians in the society and even in religious institutions like churches. Acceptance of such people into society and in churches varies because of the different opinions people are having on same-gender sexual relationships. Christian theologians have developed important insights relating to sexual behavior over the years. The theologians have been advancing criticism on the emerging sexual behaviors. They use the bible to advance and voice their arguments, that is, the bible gives guidance on the acceptable sexual norms. The use of contraceptives is another emerging sexual practice. Christian theologians and the Roman Catholic Church have been raising concerns over the credibility and ethics appertaining to the contraceptives use. Catholic Church prohibits contraceptive use as a means of family planning because they consider it as being unreligious (Farley, 1993) Conclusion Sexual orientation and behavior have revolutionized over the years. The revolution has been characterized by the rise in the gay and lesbian communities. A number of interest groups are also rising to support or criticize such sexual behaviors. Question three Pastoral Guidelines for Working with Persons with Homosexual Inclinations Introduction Various churches have been facing difficulties handling persons who engage in same-gender sexual activities. The reason for this difficulty is the belief that God’s teachings on sexuality are not in accordance with the principles of same-sex attraction. The difficulty necessitates the formulation of clear pastoral guideline for Christians on how to handle such people. General Principles to be considered before the Formulation of Pastoral Guidelines on Homosexuality First, respecting human dignity is a major factor. The process of spreading the gospel should not interfere with the fundamental dignity bestowed by God to humanity. The position that God’s plan as far as sexuality is concerned should be given consideration. God complimented the work of man through the creation of a woman. The fact that homosexual inclination may not be a sin should also be given consideration. In the process of establishing homosexuality as an immoral act, the church should distinguish between being a homosexual by choice and having a homosexual inclination. Homosexual inclination may not be necessarily subject to free will Catholic Church, 2006). Adequate training on virtues is also vital. The training is not only important for people with homosexual orientations but also to those without. Training would ensure prudence when dealing with matters to do with homosexuality. People will be able to make informed decisions (Catholic Church, 2006) Friendship and community treatment and acceptance of homosexuals is another key factor. The church can aid in the integration of people with homosexual orientations into the society. Therefore, the homosexuals will be able to establish bonds within the community and this ensures that they reside in a favorable environment. Guidelines for pastoral care of people with homosexual orientation Pastors and church members should readily welcome such people into their churches. The members should ensure that the homosexuals are involved in church activities. This would make them feel comfortable in churches. Care must be taken when handling persons with homosexual orientation. Church leaders should not use their positions to intimidate homosexuals. The leaders are supposed to extend assistance to such people especially through counseling and not reproach. Persons with same-sex orientations but are still religious are encouraged to take up active roles in the church. Nonetheless, the church has the fundamental obligation to refute them such roles. The denial may be because; homosexuals taking active roles in churches may go against the church teachings. The church should take the initiative of providing support to same-sex oriented persons. Once the individuals admit to being homosexually inclined, the church members should safeguard this information. Furthermore, the members should extend the necessary spiritual and emotional support to such individuals. Most homosexuals always feel that they have no place in worship places. The church should reach out to search individuals and bring them closer to religious activities. This can be done through the formulation of the necessary outreach programs. Church leaders should put more emphasis on the bible’s teaching on sexuality. Such emphasis would enable the society to distinguish between what is morally right and what is not. It would also enable homosexuals to know how to carry themselves around (Catholic Church, 2006). References Camp, R. L. (1990). Passive Subordination to Complementary Partnership: The Papal Conception of a Woman’s Place in the Church and Society. Catholic University of America Press. Catholic Church. (2006). Ministry to persons with a homosexual inclination: Guidelines for pastoral care. Washington D.C: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Farley, M. (1993). Just Love: A Framework for Christian Sexual Ethics. Read More