Christian teaching about sex outside marriage. AQA RS GCSE Thematic Studies Theme B Religion &Life

Summary

This video explores Christian teachings on sexual relationships before and outside of marriage, focusing on adultery and its impact. The lesson highlights that many Christians believe sex belongs within marriage, emphasizing the bond it creates, its connection to procreation, and stability for children. Biblical references like Genesis, Exodus, and Paul's teachings are discussed, emphasizing the severity of sexual sin. However, some Christians view modern contexts differently, accepting cohabitation and premarital sex in certain situations. The video also examines infidelity's harmful effects on relationships, families, and trust.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many Christians believe that marriage is the correct context for sexual relationships, although some think it can be acceptable outside of marriage in certain circumstances.
• 😲 Adultery is defined as sex with someone you are not married to or cheating on your spouse, which is condemned in Christian teachings.
• 📖 The Bible emphasizes procreation, with Genesis 1:28 commanding humanity to 'be fruitful and multiply.'
• 👫 Marriage creates a special, lifelong bond, highlighted in Genesis 2 where 'two become one flesh.'
• ⚠️ Cohabitation, fornication, adultery, and infidelity are four key terms in Christian sexual ethics, with adultery being particularly condemned.
• 🚫 The seventh commandment in Exodus 20 clearly states, 'Do not commit adultery,' making infidelity a serious sin.
• 🏃‍♂️ Paul in the New Testament encourages Christians to 'flee from sexual immorality,' marking it as a serious sin.
• 🤔 Some argue that biblical teachings on sex outside of marriage may be outdated in modern contexts where marriage often occurs later in life.
• 💬 Cohabitation is sometimes seen as a 'trial' before marriage, a controversial view acknowledged even by religious leaders.
• 💔 Infidelity can have devastating impacts, including broken trust, divorce, and harm to children and families, reasons why Christians universally oppose it.

Q & A

What is the Christian perspective on the correct context for sexual relationships?

Many Christians believe that marriage is the correct context for sexual relationships, as it aligns with Biblical teachings about developing a lifelong bond, being open to procreation, and ensuring moral conduct.

How is adultery defined in Christian teaching?

Adultery is defined as having sex with someone you are not married to, specifically when it involves cheating on your spouse. Many Christians see adultery as a serious sin that violates the Ten Commandments.

What are some key Bible passages that address sex and marriage?

Key Bible passages include Genesis 1:28 (procreation: 'be fruitful and multiply'), Genesis 2 (the 'Two Become One' teaching), and the Seventh Commandment from Exodus 20 ('Do not commit adultery').

What are the four key terms related to sexual relationships in Christianity?

The four key terms are cohabitation (living together while unmarried and having a sexual relationship), fornication (sex between people who are not married to each other), adultery (sex outside of marriage), and infidelity (being unfaithful to one’s spouse).

Why do Christians discourage sexual relationships outside of marriage?

Christians discourage sex outside of marriage because it undermines the lifelong bond meant to be formed in marriage, can lead to emotional harm when relationships end, and does not provide the stability needed for raising children.

What are some reasons Christians argue against cohabitation?

Many Christians argue against cohabitation because it is viewed as a form of adultery. Cohabitation, which involves living together and having sex without being married, is seen as contrary to Biblical teachings on sexual morality.

How does the New Testament address sexual immorality?

The New Testament addresses sexual immorality by warning believers to 'flee from sexual immorality' (1 Corinthians), and it states that sexually immoral individuals will not enter the kingdom of God. Sexual sin is portrayed as more severe than other sins because it is against one’s own body.

What are some arguments in favor of cohabitation?

Some argue in favor of cohabitation because they believe it allows couples to test compatibility before marriage, that waiting for marriage is impractical due to the high cost of weddings, and that modern relationships may differ from the cultural context of the Bible.

Why do Christians universally condemn infidelity?

Christians universally condemn infidelity because it causes significant emotional harm, breaks trust, can lead to divorce, and negatively impacts families, especially children. It also directly violates the commandment against adultery.

What impact does infidelity have on families according to Christian teachings?

Infidelity can lead to broken trust, separation, and divorce, which in turn can harm children by breaking down the family structure, causing emotional and psychological distress.