Sexual Norms and Practices Michael Cassolato J.P. Goethals Connor Kinzer Peter Vaughan Judaism Islam Christianity

Preface Fundamental Views on Sex according to the HB, NT and Qu’ran Appropriate Sexual Practices Sexual Sin Scriptural References Worksheet Questions Overall Summaries Class Game

Definitions Fornication - voluntary sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other Adultery - voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her lawful spouse. Prostitution - the act or practice of engaging in sexual intercourse for money or some type of value Pre-Marital Sex – Engaging in sexual activity with a partner who one is unmarried to. Extra-Marital Sex - Extramarital sex occurs when a married person engages in sexual activity with someone other than their marriage partner. It is similar to adultery. This does not include fornication, which is sexual intercourse between non-married people, or a married man and a non-married woman.

Definitions cont. Homosexuality - sexual interaction and / or romantic attraction between individuals of the same gender. Procreation - The process by which an organism produces others of its kind; reproduction. Incest - Sexual relations between persons who are so closely related that their marriage is illegal or forbidden by custom or by law. Lust - To have an intense or obsessive desire, especially one that is sexual. Polygamy – Form of marriage in which a person has more than one spouse. Mitzvah- Fulfilling one of the commandments. Gender- Referring to either a male or a female. Sex- The physical act of consummation (completion of a marriage by an act of sexual intercourse between the spouses). Contraception- The act of sex without the intention of not impregnating the woman.

Fundamental View on Sex Judaism God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them, saying to them: “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it…” (Genesis 1:27- 28) Use sex to reproduce; God wants spouses to have sex with one another and have children.

Fundamental View on Sex Christianity “…every man should have his own wife, and every woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his duty toward his wife, and likewise the wife toward her husband. A wife does not have authority over her own body, but rather her husband, and similarly a husband does not have authority over his own body, but rather his wife. Do not deprive each other, except perhaps by mutual consent for a time…” (1 Corinthians 7:2-5) Similar belief to Judaism; sex should be between a husband and his wife for procreation. Also, spouses should not deter from their physical relationship.

Fundamental View on Sex Islam “The believers must win through- those who humble themselves in their prayers; who avoid vain talk; who are active in deeds of charity; who abstain from sex, except with those joined to them in the marriage bond…” (Surah 23: 1-6) Similar belief to Judaism and Christianity: sex should only occur between a married couple.

“Appropriate” Sexual Practices Judaism Spouses are encouraged to express their physical love for each other. (Proverbs 5:15-21) Kosher Sex- Judaism does not view sex as dirty or evil, it is a mitzvah if it is done with love within a marriage, and at the proper time. ( Orthodox churches have the strictest definition of appropriate sex (“Religion and Sexuality”).

“Appropriate” Sexual Practices Christianity A husband and wife should share the same bed and not keep themselves from one another (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Sex was created by God for both procreation and intimacy; it is used to bond a man and woman in marriage (“Religion and Sexuality”). Orthodox churches still believe contraception is a sin (“Religion and Sexuality”).

“Appropriate” Sexual Practices Islam Sex is considered a pleasurable and spiritual activity that is actually thought of as a duty (“Religion and Sexuality”). Sex between a married couple is considered a good deed that is rewarded by God (“Religion and Sexuality”). Story of Zakariya (Surah 19:1-15).

Sexual Sins Judaism Can not have sex with a woman while she is unclean from menstruation No adultery No incest No pre-marital sex No interspecies sexual intercourse No homosexuality Leviticus 18:19-23

Sexual Sins Christianity One should not prostitute themselves nor should one join in a prostitute (1 Corinthians 6) Avoid all sexual temptations; it is better to marry than to be filled with temptation (1 Corinthians 7:8-9) Lusting after a person is the same as committing adultery (Matthew 5:27-8)

Sexual Sins Islam All pre-marital sex is punishable sin, but not as bad as committing adultery (“Religion and Sexuality”). Incest is prohibited by the Qur’an (Surah 4:23). Sexual contact is strictly forbidden while a woman is menstruating or “unclean” (Surah 2:222)

Scripture References Judaism Story of King David and his relations with Bathsheba (1 Samuel ) King David’s sin and repentance David’s punishment- his illegitimate child dies after 7 days

Scripture References Christianity Woman caught in adultery (John 8) Jesus’ word vs. Moses’ word Forgiveness of the woman for her adultery

Scripture References Islam Surah 4:3 it states that up to four wives is acceptable if one can support such a family. Therefore, it is implied that sex with multiple partners could in some cases be okay. This does not change the fact that adultery is still considered a capital sin.

Worksheet Questions 1. Based on the readings from the HB, what are some of the punishments for sexual sin described? 2. Based on the readings from the NT, in what ways and circumstances is sex encouraged? In what situations and for what reasons is it discouraged? Explain your answers, with specific biblical references. 3. In the reading selections from the Qur’an, sex is described as a gift from Allah to be used in a special way. How is sex used so as to not violate these words of the Qur’an?

Overall View Judaism Procreation is the primary purpose of sex between a husband and wife. Kosher sex is encouraged; sex at the proper time as a bonding experience between spouses. Sexual sin (adultery, incest, pre-marital, etc.) has extreme punishment but God is still forgiving of those who confess before him. Orthodox churches have the strictest views; Reform churches have the loosest views.

Overall View Christianity Sex is used for intimacy and procreation between a husband and wife. A husband and wife should not keep themselves from one another. Do not have pre-marital sex or commit any other form of sexual sin (incest, extra-marital, prostitution, etc.). Orthodox churches have the strictest views; Reform churches have the loosest views.

Overall View Islam Sex is a gift from God and should only be used in the manner he described. The gift of sex is for a man and woman to enjoy after they have committed to each other through marriage. Be patient and remain pure; God is aware of the sexual needs we have. Avoid sexual sin (incest, pre-marital sex, adultery, etc.)

It’s Game Time!