Sexual relationships (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Notes
Sexual relationships
Catholic beliefs about sexual relationships
Catholics hold strong convictions that sexual relationships should only occur between a man and woman who are married to each other. This belief is rooted in three fundamental principles that guide Catholic teaching on sexuality.
The Catholic Church's teaching on sexuality is built upon three interconnected principles that work together to define the proper context for sexual relationships within Catholic doctrine.
The Catholic Church teaches that sexual relationships must be marital, meaning they should only happen within the context of marriage, as this reflects God's original intention for human sexuality. Sexual relationships should also be unitive, which means that marriage creates a sacred union or spiritual bond between husband and wife that goes beyond the physical act. Finally, they must be procreative, with Catholics believing that the purpose of sexual activity is to have children, and therefore every sexual act should remain open to the possibility of creating new life.
Biblical and Church teachings
The Catholic position on sexual relationships is supported by numerous passages from Scripture and official Church teachings. The Bible provides clear guidance on this matter through various books.
From Hebrews comes the instruction:
"Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." (Hebrews 13:4)
This passage emphasises both the sanctity of marriage and the condemnation of sexual activity outside this sacred bond.
The book of Genesis provides the foundation for the procreative aspect of sexuality:
"God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'" (Genesis 1:28)
Catholics interpret this as establishing God's intention for sexual relationships to result in children.
The Ten Commandments explicitly forbid adultery:
"You shall not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14)
This commandment forms part of God's fundamental laws for human behaviour.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church serves as the official teaching document that explains Catholic doctrine in detail, providing authoritative interpretation of biblical passages and Church tradition.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church further explains the spiritual dimension of marital sexuality:
"In marriage the physical intimacy of the spouses becomes a sign and pledge of spiritual communion." (CCC 2360)
It also describes marriage as a sacrament:
"The Sacrament of Matrimony enables man and woman to enter into Christ's fidelity for his Church. Through conjugal chastity, they bear witness to this mystery before the world." (CCC 2365)
Sexual relationships outside marriage
The Catholic Church maintains a clear position that sexual relationships should not occur outside the bonds of marriage. Catholics believe that casual relationships are morally wrong because marriage is specifically intended as the proper context for sexual intimacy.
According to Catholic teaching, adultery is explicitly forbidden in the Ten Commandments, which represent God's direct rules for human conduct. The Church emphasises that married couples have a responsibility to remain faithful to each other, as this faithfulness was promised in their marriage vows.
Catholics also believe that maintaining sexual purity before entering into marriage is extremely important. This means avoiding sexual relationships until one is properly married, as this preparation helps individuals approach marriage with the right spiritual attitude.
Catholic teaching on homosexuality
The Catholic Church teaches that sexual activity between homosexual couples is wrong for several reasons rooted in Catholic doctrine.
The Church does not recognise marriage between people of the same gender, and since Catholics believe that any sexual activity outside marriage is not permitted, this extends to homosexual relationships. Additionally, Catholics point to the principle that sexual relationships should serve a procreative purpose, referencing "the purpose of sex is for procreation (Genesis 2:24)". Since this procreative function cannot be fulfilled within a homosexual relationship, the Church considers such relationships to be contrary to God's design for human sexuality.
Other Christian attitudes
While many other Christian denominations share the Catholic belief that sexual relationships are special and should ideally take place within marriage, their approaches can be somewhat different. These Christians also believe that sexual intimacy can deepen a relationship and serve purposes beyond just procreation.
Although other Christian groups still generally view infidelity as morally wrong, they may demonstrate greater acceptance of sexual relationships before marriage, particularly if the couple has a genuine intention to marry in the future. However, they typically maintain that faithfulness within committed relationships remains essential.
Non-religious attitudes
People who follow non-religious philosophies, such as humanists, generally hold quite different views about sexual relationships compared to religious believers.
Humanist philosophy emphasises reason, ethics, and human dignity rather than religious doctrine when making moral decisions about personal relationships.
Humanists typically believe that consenting adults should have the freedom to engage in sexual relationships provided these relationships do not cause harm to anyone involved. They may hold various personal opinions about sexuality, but they are generally unlikely to consider sexual relationships before marriage or homosexuality to be moral problems requiring condemnation.
This perspective prioritises personal freedom, consent, and the prevention of harm rather than following specific religious rules about when and how sexual relationships should occur.
Catholic response
Catholic Christians firmly maintain their position that sexual relationships form an integral part of the Sacrament of Marriage and should only take place within marriage between husband and wife for the procreation of children. The Church does not accept either pre-marital relationships or extra-marital sexual activity, regardless of changing social attitudes or the positions held by other groups.
Key Points to Remember:
- Catholic teaching states that sexual relationships should only occur between married couples and must be marital, unitive, and procreative
- The Bible and Catholic Catechism provide multiple sources supporting marriage as the only appropriate context for sexual relationships
- Catholics reject both casual relationships and homosexual activity based on their understanding of God's design for human sexuality
- Other Christians may be more flexible about pre-marital relationships while still valuing faithfulness and the special nature of sexual intimacy
- Non-religious people generally emphasise consent and harm prevention rather than following specific religious rules about sexual behaviour