Should Religions Have Anything To Say About Sex? (moral, homosexuality)

[Hope]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

What business, if any, do religions have making rules about sexual behavior? In what way does that have anything to do with religion?

Because religion (at least, Christianity) addresses the "whole" human being, and our sexuality is inseparable from our humanness, which in turn is inseparable from our soul and spirit. Whether we realize it or not, everything we do affects our bodies, souls, and spirits.

Think of a tower of interlocking wooden blocks (kind of like the game Janga). All those wooden blocks are placed in such a way as to keep that tower secure and standing. If you start pulling out, one by one, some of those blocks, the structure loses its strength, and, eventually, if you pull out enough blocks, the structure will topple. It's a similar analogy with human beings. You cannot separate, or pull out, the "block" of sexuality and expect the strength and integrity of the human to remain the same. Every single "block" that makes up a human being is vitally important and interdependent on all the other blocks. Sexuality, and sexual behavior, is one of those "blocks."

[Ozzie]

Originally Posted by Victor

It's not that easy. "Harm" (as I've noted before) is subjective and only takes up an objective form with enough data is assembled to back it up. Even then, it doesn't mean it will be made law. Each and every one of us can probably think of something that is causing society "harm" and it's perfectly legal.

I agree that religious interest groups are valid participants in the debate about what becomes law on sexual behaviour. Law is a normative construction, and religions a part of the norm.

Further confusion arises over the notions of public v private space in debates over acceptable sexual behaviour.

In a nutshell, the area is indeterminate as is the law. The norms of sexual behaviour will continue to evolve. Religious groups are legitimate players in that debate. The debate defines the boundaries of socially acceptable sexual behaviour. Within the boundary, religion has nothing to say about (no legitimate interest) in individuals sexual activities.

[Victor]

Originally Posted by Ozzie

I agree that religious interest groups are valid participants in the debate about what becomes law on sexual behaviour. Law is a normative construction, and religions a part of the norm.

I hope it atleast stays this way. Some don't even want them to be participants.

Originally Posted by Ozzie

Further confusion arises over the notions of public v private space in debates over acceptable sexual behaviour.

In a nutshell, the area is indeterminate as is the law. The norms of sexual behaviour will continue to evolve. Religious groups are legitimate players in that debate.

I agree.

Sadly, some just happen to jump to the cry of "theocracy!".

[Buttercup]

Originally Posted by Victor

Actually, one could make an argument that it does cause harm outside of "God". But personally, I hardly ever venture into those discussions because it always turns into "well that doesn't mean that will happen to everybody".

I'm not sure exactly what you're talking about but it's probably within the realm of consenting adult behavior, correct?

It's my thought if adults are able to go to war and risk their lives, vote and hold down jobs to support themselves....whatever happens to them sexually within a consenting relationship is their business, not the church's.

[Alex_G]

Do you(previous posters) think religion should have the right to voice their opinions on the matter, or to actually have some authoritive say on it? The first one is fine in my opinion, not so sure of the seccond.

[Buttercup]

Originally Posted by Victor

I hope it atleast stays this way. Some don't even want them to be participants.

Of course the religious should be participants regarding law making....it's just that their religion should have no part concerning consenting sex, imo.

[Ozzie]

Originally Posted by Alex_G

Do you(previous posters) think religion should have the right to voice their opinions on the matter, or to actually have some authoritive say on it? The first one is fine in my opinion, not so sure of the seccond.

Voicing their opinion and having an authoritative say are the same thing because religious opinion is authoritative for many people.

But the influence should come at the formation of social norms or acceptable behaviour codified in law. Inside this boundary, religious opinion is inevitable and free, but has no authority, nor should it.

[Victor]

Originally Posted by Buttercup

I'm not sure exactly what you're talking about but it's probably within the realm of consenting adult behavior, correct?

It's my thought if adults are able to go to war and risk their lives, vote and hold down jobs to support themselves....whatever happens to them sexually within a consenting relationship is their business, not the church's.

I agree, but sexuality is much deeper then what we do with each other physically. So although people want their freedom's, it's a mistake to think it won't affect society.

[Buttercup]

Originally Posted by Victor

I agree, but sexuality is much deeper then what we do with each other physically. So although people want their freedom's, it's a mistake to think it won't affect society.

What laws would you like to see enacted regarding adult sexual behavior, Victor?